Nichole Galicia for Cool America
Written by Aaron Royce
Team Credits
PHOTOGRAPHER: Daniel Garriga @danielgarriga_nyc
MODEL: Nichole Galicia @officialnicholegalicia
STYLIST: Charlie Ward @charliewardstyles
MUA: Sophie Ono @sophieono
HAIRSTYLIST: Koji Ichikawa @koji_ichikawa
LIGHTING ARTIST: Miguel Castilla @iammiguelcastilla
VIDEOGRAPHER: Hamadi Price @princehamadi
INTERN for Daniel Garriga: Nahomy Martinez @nahomy.martinez.37625
VMGROUPE TEAM: Addia, Delphine, Andre
THE NEW WORK PROJECT TEAM: James, Shaun
Not only is Nichole Galicia beautiful and extremely down to Earth, she’s also a very determined and focused woman. With her acting career on the rise, Nichole’s biggest passion is still the nonprofit that she runs called the Orchid Foundation, which helps raise funds for underserved girls in NYC. I caught up with Nichole to talk about her life, her nonprofit, and her latest movie directed by Quentin Tarantino.
You started working as a model before becoming an actress. How did you make the transition?
A scout at my modeling agency told me to take acting classes. I was heartbroken, and went crying to my booker, who clarified saying, “You are an amazing model, we are not trying to get rid of you, we just think you should try everything.” So I did.
Is there anything you took from modeling that helped you in film?
Yes, everything. Subtlety, movement, fearlessness.
Do you still go on auditions after appearing in Django or are scripts being sent to you now?
Ahh no, I audition my buns off.
You were hand-picked by Quentin Tarantino for your role as Sheba in Django Unchained. How did that occur?
I auditioned for Death Proof. Quentin said he never forgot me, and when he needed “a girl with confidence 200 years in the making,” he felt I was her.
Django was such an intense movie – some of the scenes were very difficult to watch. Is it that intense when you’re on set?
Yes, but there were light moments too. Quentin puts you in the womb. So, you are safe on set when you are shooting with him.
What was it like to work with Quentin Tarantino, and former co-stars like Leonardo DiCaprio?
Amazing. Duh. Like, mind-blowingly amazing. I worked with living legends.
Your newest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is being anticipated as one of next summer’s biggest movies. What can you share about the film and your role?
If I ever want to work in this town again…nothing! I signed the NDA of all NDA’s. My lips are sealed.
This film covers the Manson family murders-one of Hollywood’s largest crimes to-date. What was it like to play a role within such a tragic and terrifying event?
Like I said, nothing, nada, zilch from me.
Did it take a lot of preparation for the role?
It’s always a lot of preparation for every role. At least, for me it is. I spend every second studying, researching, crafting. I’m never satisfied with the amount of prep time I have. Even when it’s in the can, I’m obsessed with my character. I dream her, I say my lines to myself or aloud for months, and I’m wishing I had done this or that differently.
I know you’ve worked in TV as well. What’s the difference between working in TV and film? Do you have a preference?
My preference is definitely film. I like telling a story and then moving on to another character. I love the pacing and freedom of film. I still love watching movies in a theater.
Where do you see your career five years from now?
I hope to have done another Tarantino film and a Pedro Almodóvar film. Tarantino and Almodóvar write the best female roles ever. Can I be in Broken Embraces Part 2, please? Or in a remake of Volver. I’d basically do anything Tarantino asked me to. In five years I hope to grow my nonprofit, The Orchid Foundation, to help more underserved girls.
What advice would you give to an aspiring actor?
Study, be professional, study, watch every movie made, be patient, be kind, keep your morals intact, and then study some more.
As you know, our magazine is called Cool America. What do you think is cool about America?
You can be any type of woman you want to be in America. That’s what cool about America-our freedoms.
What makes you cool?
I’m a down-ass chick. I have your back, front and both sides.