Actress Kristina Nokto from Sweden, talks about her exciting film career in Hollywood and some exciting projects she has coming up. Here is what she had to say:
Please introduce yourself to the readers:
My name is Kristina Nokto and I’m from Stockholm, Sweden. I’ve always had my eye on the wider horizon, therefore, I am now working as an actress in Los Angeles.
How and when did you first get into performing?
I got into performing from quite a young age. When I was five years old I loved to dress up and perform different scenes or characters that I had seen – my parents being my very first audience. Later on, I performed in school and took youth theater courses. One of my earliest roles was as the member of a pirate crew. I felt then what it truly meant to live the life of a character on the stage. It has stuck with me since then.
Who were some of your biggest inspirations?
Growing up, I used to watch stars like Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. They always sort of played these strong female leads and I am still today aspiring for the same type of roles. Another inspiration has been actors such as Laurence Olivier, as well as David Suchet – who is mostly known for his role as Poirot – and Patricia Routledge, who plays Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances. Their ability to create and embody a character is unbelievable and I can never get tired of watching their work.
What kind of training have you had, if any?
I’ve studied acting and dancing in Sweden with various teachers. I’ve also trained full-time in London for one year and most recently at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood where I received a full merit scholarship to study.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
I’ve done quite a few by now and it’s really hard to choose. Some of the roles that I did at the Academy I definitely loved doing and will remember. One is Miss Leighton in Once in a Lifetime directed by Mary Bleier. She is a secretary and an aspiring actress, just waiting for her chance to shine. Another one is from a play I was in at a theater back home in Stockholm called Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! by Nobel prize winner Dario Fo. In it, I play Margherita, a naïve and insecure housewife, who gets talked into looting a store and later finds herself in the center of a riot.
What has been one of your biggest achievements in your career so far?
I feel that one of the major ones has definitely been having made the move out here. It has allowed me to truly pursue my dream and to compete in an industry that is completely devoted to the craft of acting and filmmaking.
What projects do you have coming up?
Right now I’m starring as the Tree in L.A Little Theater’s production of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. The show has been extended several times due to popular demand. I’m also about to begin working on a feature film version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I also have another feature film project that’s going to start filming later this year which is still in the writing stage.
Who would be your ideal co-star and why?
Another actor that I’ve always admired a lot is Al Pacino, and I’ve always thought that I would love to act opposite him. Watching his films and all the different roles he has done, I feel that I would learn a lot from him. Another person who has had more recent success would be Jennifer Lawrence. It would be cool to be able to see her in action on the set.
What are your plans for the future?
The future medium of my choice is feature films. Being in this city offers a lot more opportunities of getting involved in interesting projects and working with talented people! I plan to focus on such projects and market myself accordingly. I have a huge love for the theater as well and won’t turn down any such opportunities should they come my way.
What is your advice to aspiring performers?
Follow your dreams with no hesitation! Do not compromise and do not doubt. Work hard and surround yourself with people who support you. Stay true to yourself and to who you are.
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