You may know her as Chloe on Broken Vows, but to us, she’s beauty and brains, mixed with talent and determination.
Nicole Bessick has taken SA‟s entertainment industry by storm.The Actress, Celebrity Boxing Champion and Marie Claire Future Shaper has a list of accolades that would make any over achiever jealous.
- Describe yourself in 5 words?
Ambitious. Adventurous. Disciplined. Fun-loving. Loyal.
- What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Kensington, Cape Town. I have the most inspiring, supportive parents and am the oldest of two kids. My younger brother is the absolute world to me. No seriously... I'll cut a bish.
-Who are you when you’re simply at home, on a Sunday afternoon?
I lead a super active career and lifestyle, so Sundays are dedicated to rest and recouping. Sleeping in, doing meal prep for the week ahead, learning scripts and then snuggling up on the couch with a good series and some tea is the usual routine each Sunday.
-Who do you admire within the South African entertainment industry, and why?
Enhle Mbali Maphumulo. She plays my 'mom' on Broken Vows. She is the epitome of hustle, success... and achieving all that you've dreamed of with humility and grace.
-What 2 goals have you set for yourself this year?
Having fun. I lead a super active career and lifestyle, so very rarely do I get to 'stop and smell the roses'. My goal this year is to taking time out to spend with family and friends.
-What motto or words do you live by?
Very simply... always do you! What God has sewn in your path, no hater or naysayer can take away. What's made for you, won't miss you!
-We all know that the media doesn’t always get all their info correct, what is the strangest thing you have read about yourself that wasn’t true?
Lol... people often think that I'm a lot older than I am... I'm 22. Promise. "1994 democracy baby" all the way.
-Everybody starts their working careers off small, what was your very first job?
I've been working in the industry since I was in High School. Movies, series etc. But my first regular 9-5 was a summer job as a waiter in a Beach Bistro in Cape Town.
-The entertainment industry is a tough industry to break into. What encouraging words do you have for anyone starting out?
It takes years to become an 'overnight sensation'. Focus on perfecting your craft and your product, and the industry success will follow suit.
-In your line of work, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most memorable?
With what I do, I get to meet amazing, enigmatic people each and every day... but my most memorable encounter has to be Freema Agyeman. You'll know her from The Sex and the City spin off, "The Carrie Diaries" amd Sense8 to name a few. She is one bad ass, talented lady with a heart of pure gold! We hit it off right away at an event whilst she was shooting in Cape Town, and a few days later were reading scripts together on her couch over a glass of vino. She has such a special place in my heart!
-I am sure you have encountered a few fans along the way, what has been your favourite fan encounter?
A young girl who followed my boxing journey was in a 'situation' of sorts with her boyfriend at the time. He was treating her very badly and threw her around from time to time. She attended a Women's Day Boxing Master Class that I hosted, pulled me aside and told me that my strength inspired her, and that she was ready to make some positive changes in her life as a result... it was a truly humbling experience.
-Did you always see yourself in the entertainment industry, or did you have different dreams as a child?
I've always wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts. I enrolled at the Waterfront Theatre School in Cape Town when I was 12 years old. I studied part-time (twice on weekdays after school and all day Saturday)... everything from tap, jazz, hip hop and ballet all the way through to drama and musical theatre. It was the perfect place for me to explore each compartment of my craft. I lived and breathed performing arts and successfully landed my debut in an international feature film at the age of 16.
-What has been your most challenging decision in your career thus far? What made it so challenging?
The most challenging decision thus far HAS to be moving to JHB. I saved up for my big move throughout varsity, and jumped on a plane literally the day after handing in my Honours dissertation. At the time, I didn't have any friends or family living in JHB... just got off the plane with my suitcase and a dream. It's safe to say that risk has paid off... I'm living my dream and have never felt more at home.
Everyone harbours a pet peeve. What is yours?
Scrubs. Seriously boys? Are we still doing this in 2018?
Final Question. If you could choose any superhero to play on a big budget Hollywood production, who would you play?
Oh that's an easy one! Wonder Woman. Hands down.