10 Things about Courtney Nichole
You’re originally from Chicago. When did your love for acting begin and how did you initially get your start?
I remember being in this fashion show when I was about 5 and telling my mom that I wanted to be a STAR! ☺ She obliged and over the years would make sure I took classes in various art forms. I remember performing in my first play at ETA Theatre in Chicago… that sealed the deal for me! I wanted to be an actress. Period. lol
You have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Why did you embark on this path despite having a love for acting and performing?
Very true, great question. I think what drove me into both professions is the ability to reach people and make positive impacts in our society. To be honest, I don’t think I realized I could go to school to act. So during my matriculation from high school to college that was my goal… pick a career where I can help make change and working with the youth was how I thought I could make the largest impact. After teaching for 13 years and pushing students to live their dreams, my dream of being an award winning actress kept tapping me on my shoulder. ☺ So here we are! I like to remind people to do what they love and not to succumb to societal norms.
Which actors body of work have impressed you and made a positive impact on your career thus far?
Oh wow! This is a loaded question… there are so many. Julia Roberts’ performance in Steel Magnolias had me ready to walk onto a set… or shall I say into an acting class. LOL Here, I’ll just name a few: Alfred Woodard, Denzel Washington, Sharon Stone, Viola Davis, Sanaa Lathan, Regina King, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Lewis, Lucille Ball… oh and when Taraji P. Henson came on the scene, baby! That’s my kind of fire right there! Different paths, similar passions!
Currently, you’re on the BET series, Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you decide to take this on?
Through the art of auditioning… thankfully. When I got the audition I had just had a callback for a different show so that was a good feeling, like, “Hopefully this means they like me”. LoL So, I prepared, auditioned and then the studios closed for the holidays. I tried not to think about it everyday, but I so thought about it everyday! After the holidays, I remember being on set for SWAT and getting the call from my agent that they wanted to see me at Tyler Perry Studios! I booked it and here we are, AMEN!
On the show, you play the role of Leah. For those who may not already know, what can you tell us about her personality and bringing out her character to life?
You know, I’m enjoying falling in love with Leah and her family. She’s your everyday fun loving, nurturing and supportive wife and mother of two teenagers. I think like most matriarchs, she tries to keep the balance in her family unit… even her extended family at Pleasant Days Assisted Living like Cora, Mr. Brown and the new residents that we’ll meet in season 2. One thing I absolutely love is that her family has moved from Chicago to Georgia and I’m from Chicago and actually lived in Georgia myself for several years, so I love being able to share and extend myself to Leah.
The season just got underway. What can viewers and fans of the show expect to see from Leah and the rest of the cast in this new season?
Yes, family fun night! I hope everyone is tuning back in for more laughter and fun… and to see if we got Jeremy out of jail! LOL Viewers can look forward to storylines developing… we learn more about Leah and her dynamics in the family unit and we meet some new characters…we have residents, y’all! OMG! I know viewers are going to fall in love with them. LOL
If you weren’t acting, what other career path would you choose?
That’s a good one since this is already a second career for me, you know. Let’s see, my path as an educator had started to go towards counseling. I attended graduate school for school counseling at one point, so possibly counseling. I also used to say that I wanted to be an advocate for teachers and students. I believe the education system is also in dire need of reform.
You also have a love for giving back. Which charities and causes are you supporting and promoting these days?
I do! I think it’s so important to find and help organizations that support initiatives that are important to us. Two organizations that I support regularly are Until Freedom and Grass Roots Law.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles are your faves and appeal most to your personality?
A little secret… I’m not the shopper in my house. I’m not the fashionista, that would be my husband. Well, I guess you’d call him a what, fashionistor. lol What’s the right way to say that? ☺ Now, thinking on this, this may be partly highlighting the need for plus sized fashion. I’ve been a thick girl all of my adult life and have never really found a designer that just speaks to me. Hopefully soon. ☺
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Besides Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living on BET, what other projects do you have coming up?
I don’t have any announcements I can share with your audience… I have to leave those announcements to Deadline and Variety, you know. I will say, be on the lookout for future projects. Also, my husband and I both golf and will be hosting our celebrity golf classic so be on the lookout for ways to support my philanthropy efforts as well. In the meantime be sure to catch Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living on BET every Tuesday at 9:30/8:30 Central.
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Photography: Russell Baer