We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nick Annunziata. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nick below.
Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I truly believe that the greatest risk is trusting in yourself to pursue your passion and dreams. After working in NYC theatre, I knew I wanted to transition to television. So, I packed up everything I owned, took my cat, and drove across the country without an apartment or a job waiting for me. I placed a bet on myself, confident that I would find a way to make it work. I dedicated myself to my craft and kept pushing forward. Just two months later, I landed my first audition and was hired on *Days of Our Lives* for almost a year. Being an actor is a full-time commitment—constantly working to stay working. Every day, I continue to bet on myself as I navigate the challenges of this coveted industry. Though progress has sometimes been slow, I’m still incredibly happy I took that risk—I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I wasn’t involved in the arts as a child—my focus was on sports and being outdoors. But when I was ten years old, I had a chance encounter with the late, great actor Jack Klugman. That moment must have planted a seed in my subconscious, though it took a while to grow. My family didn’t support the idea of a career in the arts; to them, it wasn’t “real.” Wasn’t even a blip on my radar until I was 23 or 24.
Some more backstory, my parents divorced when I was two, they remarried and started new families. Don’t get me wrong—I love my siblings—but I often felt alone. This led me to develop an overachiever mindset, trying everything to gain attention. Simultaneously building a wall around myself for protection. Talk about dichotomy for an unbeknownst artist! But no matter what awards I won, how high my status in sports, or even how many newspaper articles featured me, it didn’t seem to impress them.
Thankfully, I always had movies and music as an escape—thanks to my mom. She played everything from Sinatra to Tina Turner, from Jazz and Disco to good ol’ Rock and Roll. I’d sing along, knowing I wasn’t bad, but I didn’t have the confidence to do it publicly. That changed in my early twenties when I started theatre (HB Studios), and doing open mics, karaoke, and performing anywhere I could. Feeling the energy from the audience built my confidence, and that’s when I realized, “I’m not like everyone else.”
When my mom finally heard me sing and saw me on stage, I got the recognition I had been yearning for as a kid. She and my dad (my stepdad raised me, so he’s my dad) became my biggest fans—better late than never. Sadly, I lost them both this past year, but I know they’re watching and smiling. Some people have told me I was dealt a bad hand, but I don’t see it that way. I’ve never said woe is me, or claimed victim—those emotional difficult times made me who I am…my will is too strong…1000% optimist! I’m very blessed and lucky to have met wonderful people throughout my life, some for 5 minutes, some till the end hopefully… and I look forward to meeting you! Remember this, “life is like poker; you don’t need the best hand to win.”
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Sincere artists are a special breed. I’m not talking about those who just want to be “famous,” but those who burn inside with a need to create and express themselves through their medium. This is not a hobby—it’s a drive fueled by something much bigger. It’s difficult to put into words or make others understand that level of passion. I’ll try…Imagine yourself as the fastest thoroughbred racehorse, but never let out of your stall. That’s the kind of burn I’m talking about. When I was younger, I assumed everyone had that same passion, but I’ve since learned that’s not the case. If you can wake up every day, put yourself out there, face rejection from strangers, and still have the desire to keep creating—I’d say you’re an artist. Or maybe a bit of a masochist. Perhaps we’re a bit of both.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I’m always “working at working,” but when I do get to work on a project, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude. There’s nothing like the feeling of pouring myself into a character, knowing that I gave it my heart and soul, bringing it to life in a way that only I could. It’s an incredible rush. My life experiences shape the way I bring these characters to life, giving them the depth they deserve.
What makes it even more special is the chance to collaborate with other artists. It’s humbling to share that experience, and I value it immensely. Every opportunity I get to work, stretch myself as a human, practice my craft, and share that with the world is exceptional. I hope that through my work, I’m able to move people in some way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://imdb.me/nickannunziata
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialannunziata?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrI’m
- Twitter: http://x.com/NickAnnunziatA
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@officialannunziata
Image Credits
Kevin Alexander – cover photo and pictures 1,2,3,5 Paramount Pictures – still from “Mafia Spies” pic(4)
