Where and how did you grow up?
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A prairie girl at heart with big city dreams!
What do you use for motivation to keep going strong in your life and career?
It’s not always easy to stay motivated. as there are many ups and downs in the course of a career in the arts. But I think I am just too stubborn to give up. I always come back to the fact that this is the only thing that feeds my soul. So I have to keep doing it in order to be happy. And I have to always remain open to supplementing my career financially elsewhere when I have to. And remind myself that it is not failure. It is a necessity in order for me to sustain a life as an artist.
Tell us about the TV series, “Workin’ Moms” and your role as Rosie Phillips.
Workin’ Moms is a half hour comedy exploring the struggles with balancing career and motherhood. It is raw, unfiltered and messy, but also funny as hell. I play the main character, Kate’s, work colleague who started out as her assistant and over time gained more agency at the firm. Rosie is a quirky, weirdo, with a big heart, but often causes Kate more of a headache than a helping hand. She will definitely make you laugh!
Aside from the obvious, what does being a “mom” mean to you?
I think being a mom is nurturing someone besides yourself and protecting that person (or pet) at all costs. That you would do anything for this being, putting them before yourself and loving unconditionally.
What can we expect from the newest season and how does it differ from any of the previous ones?
In terms of Rosie’s story line, this season we see her actually have a stake in the business. We see her owning her own space and taking initiative, whereas before, she was always trying desperately to please Kate. She’s finally grown-up! It was a new, exciting, side of her to explore.
For those who may not have seen any of the show yet, why would you recommend they go watch it?
I recommend it to anyone who wants to laugh! But also highly recommended for new mothers, who are perhaps struggling and want some reassurance that they are not alone. But you definitely don’t have to be a mother to enjoy this show, it’s very relatable for any human and very entertaining.
You have a solid body of work so far. On which project did you find getting into character most difficult and why?
I would say no character has been too challenging for me to get into, because I think I have tended to play characters that already live inside of me, at least in a small way. I did do a movie where I had to do an Irish accent which was also a period drama, so the technicalities were challenging to me. Acting in general isn’t easy though, but that’s what I love about it.
Do you have a preference between TV and film? Also, is there any genre that you haven’t touched that you’d like to?
I love both! I think they both offer something the other lacks. Usually, films have more space and breath than a fast paced tv show, though not always. I love doing comedies so much but I do want to explore more drama on screen. I began my career in the theatre, where I did all kinds of genres, and I love exploring my emotional depth. Would love to revisit that side of me.
In what ways does the TV show, “Strays” differ from “Working Moms”, in relation to your character and experience?
Rosie and Nikki (my character from Strays) are very different. Rosie is a people pleaser, who desperately wants to be liked. Whereas Nikki is a little con-artist out for herself, who likes to bully others. But what I think is interesting, is they both have similar vulnerabilities, they just present themselves in different ways through life.
What else can we expect from you in the upcoming year?
Coming soon, you can catch me on a new Netflix Christmas movie titled, Meet Me Next Christmas, starring The Pentatonix and Christina Milian. The cast is extremely charming, I think you’ll love it!
Lastly, how can people keep up to date with you and all of your endeavors?
Follow me on Instagram @nikkiduval for all career related updates!
Photo Credit: Whitney Erin Smith
