From starring in a critically acclaimed TV series to becoming one of the Hallmark Channel’s leading ladies, Nikki DeLoach is showing us that she really can do it all.
In a tribute to Nikki DeLoach’s stellar acting skills, you will remember her as one of Awkward’s leading female protagonists, Lacey Hamilton. Recently, Nikki’s newest television ventures find her as a rising Hallmark Channel star, with her latest film, Two Turtle Doves, airing just in time for the holiday season. With a vibrant television presence and over 116 K followers on Instagram, HOLR sits down to chat with Nikki about her growing career in front of the camera, her passions, and how she manages to juggle it all.
Cover photo:
Photographer: Inda Reid of Images by Inda @imagesbyinda
Hair: Kyle Hennessy @kylehennessyhair
Makeup: Ashley Beverly Cordova @ashleybeverly
You have quite an impressive resume of television credits! From starring in silver screen films such as Love & Other Drugs, to being in one of TV’s most critically acclaimed series, Awkward., to joining the Hallmark Channel, how have you seen yourself grow as an actress?
I’ve been in this business since I was a kid and I’ve learned to always put in the work. I always work hard in preparation for auditions and in preparation for filming, because to me, that’s as much fun as playing on set. The biggest change in my acting is through my self-growth. At the end of the day, acting is about listening and responding, which requires presence, being in your body, and connecting.
Are there similarities or differences between your role in Awkward. that you notice with the roles you are in now?
There’s a difference in all of the characters that I play. Not one character has ever been the same. Lacey Hamilton on Awkward. was most certainly one of a kind.
Can you tell us about your new star-studded Hallmark film, Two Turtle Doves? And are there any other projects you have coming up that you are excited about?
Yes! First and foremost, the team that I got to work with on Two Turtle Doves was such a blessing. The perfect ensemble cast and incredible creative team of Lesley Demetriades, Ashley Squires and Sarah Montana, it could not have been better. I have a few projects in development with Hallmark and two of them will be shot in 2020.
You used to be a member of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 90’s- can you share a little bit more about that experience?
It was a dream come true for a kid that since the age of 3 just wanted to tell stories and perform. It was such an incredible learning experience for anything you might want to do in the entertainment business, whether it’s music, comedy, hosting, etc. I’m super grateful that I got to be a part of that legacy.
Your community blog, What We Are, is a dedicated platform aimed at uniting women through shared experiences. As an advocate for women empowerment, tell us about when you knew you wanted to share your passions with the world.
I’ve always been a person who has led with a service driven heart. I believe in living a life of purpose. I spent a lot of my life believing that that purpose was being an entertainer. When I went through what I did with my youngest son’s heart condition and my father’s dementia, it changed me forever. I realized that my purpose is much bigger than any job or any role I could ever have. It’s to leave the world better than when I came into it and I get to accomplish that with What We Are and with my work with the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Your journey to spread awareness doesn’t stop there; you’re also a strong proponent for education and a budding philanthropist- how do you manage to juggle it all?
I’m very organized. I create space for everything that matters to me first and then insert my work around that if possible. When I’m on set filming, it’s hard to make room for anything else. However, the second I leave set, I’m in control of my schedule and seek to be really cognizant of my time, which includes time for myself. Self-care has been a very tough lesson this year, but one that is necessary. I also have a lot of help.
What does the future look like for Nikki DeLoach?
I have no clue. Every time I thought my life was going in a certain direction, God would surprise me and the direction would shift. I’m trying to stay open to whatever comes my way, without expectation, and follow the things in my life that fulfill me personally and professionally. I plan to keep showing up in places where I can be of service.