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Nico Parker experienced a dream career moment last month at the famed Sundance Film Festival.
Getty Images; Searchlight Pictures
But for Parker, it was also an important life lesson.
Not that shes expecting anyone to feel sorry for her.
Its what we call champagne problems, and Parker knows it.
Director Laura Chinn and Nico Parker on the set onSuncoast
Still, it was hard.
But, she says, Its such an uptown problem because Im working.
Im aware so many people would love to be doing this, especially after last years strikes.
Ol Parker, Nico Parker, and Thandiwe Newton in 2019 at the premiere ofDumbo
I never want to take that for granted or complain because its such a privileged position to be in.
But shes also paved her own path.
Thanks to a magnetic onscreen presence and spot-on instincts, her talent is overflowing.
Laura Linney and Nico Parker in a scene fromSuncoast
Yes, there will be more missed events, but Parker is playing the long game.
Did you have any formal training?
Nico Parker:Thank you very much.
And no, I didnt have any formal training.
I think life experience is the biggest contributor.
[Observing] other people, reading, hearing other peoples stories, and watching films is so helpful.
Im just always trying to know as much as I possibly can.
You grew up on sets and seeing your parents in the industry.
Was there a moment where you thought, I really want to be an actor?
Id never felt that assured in something beforeand that nervousbut confident all at one time.
I found that so intriguing.
How did the role come about?
So what changed once you met with Laura Chinn?
We read a scene together and then I had an audition.
I just immediately was like, Oh, no one else can do it.
I have to do it.
I just felt really attached.
How did you relate?
I think Doris and I are really different.
But in hindsight, theres just something about being a teenager where every problem is the most significant problem.
No one is taking it seriously, but you feel it so intensely.
I felt that so much when I was a bit younger.
Now I can look at it and be like, What are you complaining about?
Why are you crying?
I dont know why I thought that was a thing that you should do.
Ill look at them now and Ill remember what I was crying about, but what is the problem?
Whats the best advice your mom, Thandiwe Newton, has ever given you?
I remember watching her do her makeup when I was younger, and she just always used her hands.
It warms it up.
It makes it go on nicer.
So now I always think about her when Im doing my makeup.
And what about your dad, director Ol Parker?
Both he and my mom always taught me to remember you are not the most important person on set.
It was always just, Youre all working on the exact same thing.
You all have the same goal at the end of it.
And also, It wouldnt be happening without everyone there.
I love your name, by the way.
Whats the story behind it?
My mom was like, Yeah, she will be.
My dad worked with Meryl.
Anthony Hopkins I think would be pretty sick.
Mom worked with him.
Hes very lovely, very, very nice.
I think you could more than hold your own with Meryl Streep.
I mean…hello, look what you did with Laura Linney.
I dont even know if I did that, but I would attempt.
I would give it my best shot, I would try my hardest.
Ones an English reality-TV show calledThe Traitors.
I just havent been able to fully immerse myself into it yet.
Ive started watching it and Im trying, but Im just not getting into it yet.
Still, Im going to persevere.
And the other one is theReal Housewives of New York.
Its the New York one that I havent been able to get into…yet.
