In the August Issue we interview Nicholas Coombe one of the stars in Dora And The Lost City Of Gold.
Tell us a little about your childhood.
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia. I spent most my childhood hanging out with friends, playing music, dancing, doing sports, going to the beach and eating vegemite sandwiches. I grew up with three sisters, so between the four of us, there was always something going on. We had a really fun family. I lived in Perth until the age of 18 and then moved to Canada when I was 19 to pursue acting.
When did you start acting?
Ever since I can first remember I have been performing in the arts. I started out in dancing at age 7 and then moved into musical theatre a few years later. My first lead role as an actor was Oliver in “Oliver Twist” the musical at a local theatre production. I have been performing ever since.
Tell us about the first role you landed.
I guess there are a few roles I’d consider as special ones for me. I started out in theatre when I was young. The first lead role I ever booked was the role of Oliver in “Oliver the musical” at a local theatre production. I think I was 8 years old. As I got older I started to transition into film and started to book some lead roles in short films around Perth. Once I moved to Canada I booked my first lead role on the film “Pants On Fire” for Disney XD within a few months of landing. One of the first major roles I booked was a lead on the television comedy series “Imaginary Mary.” That show has a special place in my heart. I learnt so much and it was an incredible experience with amazing people.
What are your favorite things to do when you’re not filming?
I love music. I recently started a band called “The Beanie Kids.” We play alternative indie pop rock and it’s honestly a blast. Most of our songs are upbeat and ones that people can dance along to, and that’s important to us. We all love dancing and want to create that environment at our shows. Besides from music I love being around bodies of water. I grew up on the ocean so I find that I end up at the beach pretty often. It’s my happy place.
Tell us about the day you found out you got “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.”
It was insane. I think it was a Wednesday when I received the call from my manager. He said “They want you to fly out in 2 days and you will be filming on the gold coast of Australia for 4 and a half months!” It was such an exciting and terrifying feeling at the same time. It was my dream come true. I had an absolute blast every step of the way.
Are you and Randy similar in any way?
I would say that there are definitely a few similarities. For example Randy loves swimming, and that is 100% me. He’s pretty introverted at first and I’m a lot more social than Randy is but he’s such a funny guy and when he comes out of his shell he’s a real party. I would most definitely be his friend. We would probably talk movies, music and video games all day.
What was it like filming with such an amazing cast?
Amazing! It was a blast. Everyone who worked on “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” were incredible people. We had such a fun time making this film. It’s hard not to have fun when you’re shooting a live action comedy adventure. Everyone was so loving and funny and we all became really good friends on set. I hope to one day work with them again.
Who did you look up to growing up?
There are so many people who inspire me but in regards to actors I have always loved Ewen Mcgregor. I first saw him in “Star Wars” and then in “Moulin Rouge.” I have been a fan of his work ever since. Also, I love Hugh Jackman and Heath Ledger’s work. They came from Perth and it’s really inspiring seeing people succeed when they’re from your home town.