Our exclusive interview with Three-time ALMA Award nominee, Chicago-born Latina bombshell gorgeous Marisol Nichols who can be seen as Hermione Lodge in highly addictive new series Riverdale (SUNDAYS, 9pm), the CW’s subversive take on the Archie comic book series.
The show’s season 2 premiere will air on Wednesday, October 11th.
Hi Marisol, please tell us a little about you?
I’m passionate about everything that I do – my acting, my family, my friends, my non-profit work.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, friendly, caring about others.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My daughter
How did you get started in the industry?
I tried for a play on a whim and ended up getting the lead role. As soon as I got on stage I was addicted.
What was your first acting role?
Catherine, one of the lead characters in the Arthur Miller play “A View From The Bridge.”
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Worst: Early morning set calls, trying to create something aesthetic at 5:30 am! Best: the opportunity to create many wonderful characters in different roles
Best advice ever given?
“It could all change in a minute.”
How did you find out about CW’s hit new show “Riverdale?” And tell us about your character Hermione Lodge?
I found out about it through my agent, just like every other audition. Also, my manager called and told me there was a new project called Riverdale. It was pilot season, I auditioned, they liked me. Then I met the creator who explained his vision for the show and it was because of him and his description that I happily signed on.
Hermione is complicated!
Are you a fan of Archie comics?
Absolutely. Love Archie comics and I’m proud to keep the legacy alive
What has been your most memorable experience from the set so far?
First read through of the script. The first day we were all together as a cast and read the script out loud. Hearing everyone’s voices for the first-time imbuing life into these characters gave me chills.
What other projects you have been part of?
Over 200 episodes of television including a season on NCIS, 24, about 15 movies
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett are what I aspire to. Their embodiment of characters is mind boggling.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
My phone, my wallet and kisses from my daughter
What music do you like?
A ton! I’m such a music girl. I like anything from old school punk rock like Rancid, and Bad Religion to Bruno Mars.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in. A cappuccino in Italy, walking around the streets of Rome or Verona with my daughter and friends with not a care in the world and as much time as I want. Where the weather is perfect, the food is amazing and ending the day with a great meal, a glass of wine and good friends – sounds like a perfect Sunday.
How’s a normal day in your life?
There is no normal day in my life. I have a ton of projects and it depends on what I’m working on each day. I’m running a nonprofit called Slavery Free World, I’m producing several projects in addition to acting on Riverdale and being a mom. Every day is completely different depending on which deadline I’m trying to keep up with. I like to be busy. I enjoy lots of things to do. I don’t like being bored.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Vegetables. I think they’re amazing.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate – amazing chocolate, cookies, pastries… oh, I’m sorry, did you say just one? ?
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still on Riverdale, (LOL?), having full corporate sponsorship of my non-profit and continuing that work in a huge way. Having several feature films under my belt as both an actress and a producer and starring in my own action film opposite Tom Cruise.
Do you support any charities?
I have my own charity (Foundation for a Slavery Free World). In addition to running my own non-profit, we partner with several other nonprofits in the same field. Namely Operation Underground Railroad and a local organization in LA called Saving Innocence.
Where can we follow you?
On Instagram, FB and Twitter – marisolnichols
Quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” (Winston Churchill )
Holiday Destination: Italy
Food: Italian
Restaurant: In America there’s 2 – in Los Angeles there’s Mastro’s Steakhouse and Georgio Baldi in Malibu.
Drink: Full bodied, amazing red wine and coffee 🙂
Celebrity Crush: Right now it’s Tom Hardy. Just his talent is so incredible and I’m attracted to talent. I’m attracted to skill, anybody who is at the top if his game. Tom Hardy is amazing.
Song: I can’t pick just one, depends on my mood.
Sports Team: Chicago Bulls, the Michael Jordan years
Movie: A French film called the Untouchables. It is so good that when it was over, I watched it all over again.
Photo Credit: Benjo Arwas
