Child Star – Jackson Nicoll
When a Hollywood casting call with hundreds of cute contenders is narrowed down to just one, you know that’s got to be a cool kid. And Jackson Nicoll, 7, who makes his movie debut alongside Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in the much-acclaimed new film, “The Fighter,” is completely cool. His previous experience consisted of a few modeling gigs, but he took to the film set like a fish to water.
The film tells the rough-and-tumble tale of Lowell-based boxer Mickey Ward (played by Wahlberg) who took his punches from opponents in the ring and outside it from his bare-knuckled family. Nicoll plays Little Dicky, the son of Mickey’s older brother Dicky (Bale). The movie is on most short lists for Oscar noms. Nicoll’s role was quiet but substantial enough to earn him a lot of attention and offers. Whatever comes of it, says his mom, April, from their Seabrook home, he’s happy just being a regular kid, (although an especially cool one).
What’s more fun, modeling or making movies? Making movies is much funner because there is food there all day anytime you want it, even shrimp.
How did you learn to act so well? I just knew how to do it.
What are the hardest things about being on a movie set? The hardest thing is they make you be quiet when it’s not your turn.
Did the movie director or any of the other actors give you any good advice? What’s advice?
You must have made some friends on the set. Christian [Bale] is my friend. He carried me around everywhere in the movie even though I know how to walk. Weird, but he’s still cool. I am mad at him kind of, because he didn’t say my name on “Good Morning America” and I think he needs a haircut.
“The Fighter” has got real Oscar buzz. Are you going to the Academy Awards? I am not going because of school.
If you did get to go, what would you like to wear on the red carpet? I wore a tuxedo to the premiere and everyone clapped, so I would probably wear it again, even though it was itchy.
Do you want to keep on acting in movies, even when you grow up? I am never gonna quit because I am gonna buy a submarine and make a pill for dogs to live forever.
What are your favorite things to do in New Hampshire? FISHING and FISHING and FISHING. I have over 100 rods and six tackle boxes and my own boat that I bought with my own money and I just got a motor for it.
Who is your favorite Hollywood star? Me.
