It’s finally Nico Greetham’s moment. The half-Colombian, half-Scottish actor, who’s also a highly accomplished dancer, was a finalist on Fox's ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, and made his Broadway debut in Disney's ‘Newsies’, before he was cast in Netflix's Ryan Murphy-directed film ‘The Prom’ opposite acting heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.
You might also recognise him as Calvin the Yellow Power Ranger, and as the magnetic Oscar, in the coming-of-age film ‘Dramarama’. This year he’s landed new small screen roles on ‘Love, Victor’ on Hulu and Disney+ and ‘American Horror Stories’.
While he’s on the cusp of mega stardom, we caught up with him for a quick chat about sweaty costumes, working with Meryl and why Dexy’s Midnight Runners are his guilty pleasure.
Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Who or what inspired you to dance, was it always a dream of yours?
The dream was always acting but dance and gymnastics kind of naturally found their way into my life. I was a gymnast first and injured myself then decided to follow my older sister’s footsteps in dance. I watched the tv show 'So You Think You Can Dance’ and saw that it was possible to be on tv AND dance at the same time. That quickly became my reason for dancing.
What was it like going from reality TV to making your Broadway debut in Disney's Newsies and the power of musical theatre?
Broadway was the most incredible ’surprise’ of my life. I never expected to end up in New York… let alone singing, dancing, and acting! It turned out to be one of my most cherished experiences in my life. Every time I watch a musical theatre show I am in awe of the fact that the performers are the best of the best in dancing, singing, and acting.. and then have to repeat the show eight times a week!! I think they are the hardest working people in the world. My hat tips to the theatre!
What then pivoted you into acting? What were your first auditions?
Funny enough, my first acting audition in LA was Power Rangers. But not the season I booked, it was Dino Charge. And the irresponsible not yet fully formed actor, and professional dancer in me, slept in and was too late for my callback. I got a call from my manager, JC Gutierrez, asking how my audition went.. and I was still in bed. Everything is meant to be huh?!
Top N°21, underwear Dsquared2 and vintage pants
Well Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Prom’ was a breakout moment for you. You played Nick Boomer, who was basically a good looking high school bully! Was it fun playing a bad boy, did you draw on any personal asshole experiences for the role?
I find it really interesting to discover the world and mindset of someone who views the world in a completely different eye than I do. To validate the thought-process of someone who is so cruel brings the little-artist-actor-boy in me so much joy. Though for Nick, it was all upbringing and surroundings, which I could relate to coming from a rural area in Virginia. I’ve experienced people not understand the openness and progressiveness of other parts of the world, and it challenged me as a person, but informed my artist.
Left Demin pants Calvin Klein
It had such an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman. What was it like working alongside that calibre of actor, I bet there were lots of pinch-me moments for you on set?
Oh gosh are you kidding! To walk onto set and see my chair next to MERYL'S??? Every day was a ‘pinch me’ moment. Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington sang me “Happy Birthday” on set… and not only that but I got to watch them all act. It was a full master class on being alive in the scene even when you aren’t the focus of the scene. I’ll remember those days forever.
Everything Ryan Murphy touches turns to gold right?
Ryan Murphy is the man, I owe so much to him. I’ve been fortunate to work with Ryan on multiple projects of his. 'Prom' being my first, then getting a call from him with an offer to be in 'American Horror Story', followed by another call to star in the spin-off 'American Horror Stories’. A dream come true for me, as AHS was a show I’ve watched religiously since the SYTYCD Tour! I am grateful to be any part of Ryan’s universe.
Left Vintage overalls, underwear Calvin Klein & cap Carharrt
Right Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
You were also the Yellow Power Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Steel. Did you keep any wardrobe from the show, like your costume?
I was indeed the Yellow Ranger and what a trip it was!! Unfortunately, I didn’t keep my suit or helmet (as they were like $15k helmets!) because they may need them for future projects or references. But what I did keep was the memories of the sweat in the suits…
Is your personal wardrobe ever influenced by the characters that you play, like for instance, a Power Ranger?
Haha! I would absolutely wear my Power Ranger outfit to the gym to get an extra sweat. Though I do believe there are times where my wardrobe on set reflects my every day wear. I shot a wonderful indie called ‘Dramarama’ that was set in the ‘90s and I realised every outfit I wore to set could have easily been in the movie. The Fila’s and Converse and loud corduroy shirts were very reflective of my character.
“Ryan Murphy is the man, I owe so much to him.”
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Speaking of style, are you into fashion? Would you steal Harry Styles’ dress sense?
I think Harry Styles can do no wrong. He’s just one of those people that everybody is on board with. Me included. And you, don’t act like you’re not. But I would love to be more into fashion. The last few years I’ve been looking at campaigns from brands like YSL, Dior, Gucci and want to take part in them. I may or may not have splurged on some items.. but that doesn’t make me fashionable! I’m the most basic outfit wear-er ever, he said with pride!
What acting genre would you like to try next? Would you rather do a romantic scene, death scene or a killing scene?
All those options tickle my fancy. I think less about the genre and desire well-rounded projects with character driven stories and plots that are both interesting and impactful. I love to feel romantic with well written chemistry to back it up, I am also so down for a death scene that earns the audiences’ care for the character’s loss, and ABSOLUTELY let me kill someone with validity that the character has genuine purpose for doing so! That’s what is so exciting about acting!
Vintage overalls, underwear Calvin Klein & cap Carharrt
Do you have any dream directors? Or actors that are your heroes?
Directors like Chris Nolan, Luca Guadagnino, Damien Chazelle, Jordan Peele, and actors include Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, Andrew Garfield. Let me work with them all dear lord.
What’s next for you project-wise, what can fans look forward to?
There are a few things in the fire at this point, hopefully some news I can share soon. Movies are in my eye site! But for now, I am happy to say a wonderful series I got to be a part of, ‘Love, Victor’ just came out on Hulu and Disney+. I am so honoured to be involved with such an impactful show! I also have ‘American Horror Stories’ coming out later this summer which will be very fun. A new character type I haven’t played in the franchise before, which is exciting!
Left Shirt Dsquared2
Right Jumper N°21
Okay, final question. If you could only dance to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Okay.. The song ‘Come On Eileen' by Dexy’s Midnight Runners is my favourite song of all time. It simply makes me a happy dancing jelly bean every time I hear it. I can’t promise good, technical dancing but I can insure a good time!!
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Interview by Kate Lawson
Photography by Doug Inglish
Fashion by Gorge Villalpando
Casting by ImagineMachine cs
Grooming by Anna Bernabe at The Wall Group
Digital Mayfield Hegedus
Photographer’s assistant Ryan Moraga
Fashion Market by Anissa Silvas
Production assistant Denise Solis
