We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Gomes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I developed my ability to take risks through my experiences as an actress and my journey of building an international career. Leaving Brazil to study acting in Los Angeles was a huge leap—moving to a new country, adapting to a different industry, and working in a second language. It required not just confidence, but also resilience and trust in my craft. Acting itself is a field that demands constant risk-taking whether it’s embodying a challenging role, putting myself out there in auditions, or even choosing unconventional projects that push my limits. My background in theater has taught me that growth comes from stepping into the unknown.
I see risk as an essential part of progress. I’ve learned to take calculated risks by preparing thoroughly, surrounding myself with the right collaborators, and believing in my artistic vision—even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Nicole Gomes, a Brazilian actress based in Los Angeles. Acting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and what I love most about it is the chance to connect with people—through film, theater, or even voice work. I’ve had the opportunity to study in different places, from The Lisbon Theatre and Film School to UCLA Extension, and each experience has shaped the way I approach my craft. Right now, I’m diving into some really exciting projects. One of them is Snatched Up, a short film I’m co-writing. Aksa Lima, who’s directing, invited me to be part of the writing process because she wants me to star in it, which is such an honor. We’ve collaborated on so many things before, so getting to create something from scratch together is really special.
Besides acting, I also host Gesto Comum, a podcast that tells the stories of volunteers and everyday people making a real difference in their communities. It was even nominated for Best Podcast at the 2023 Rio Webfest, which was such an amazing moment!
At the end of the day, what drives me is storytelling—through acting, writing, or sharing inspiring stories. I love projects that have heart and meaning, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say three key things have been the most impactful in my journey: being observant, resilience, and curiosity.
Being observant has shaped me not only as an actress but also as a storyteller. Paying close attention to people, emotions, and the little details of everyday life helps bring depth to my performances and writing. It also allows me to quickly understand different environments, adapt to new roles, and connect with characters on a deeper level. For anyone starting out, I’d say: train your eye and your instincts. Watch how people move, how they react in different situations, and how emotions manifest in subtle ways. The more you notice, the more truthful and layered your work will be.
Resilience is something I had to build over time. This industry is filled with rejections, unexpected changes, and moments of self-doubt, but learning to push through has made all the difference.
Curiosity has been my driving force. Whether it’s exploring different cultures through acting, understanding the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, or diving into storytelling through my podcast.I’ve always been eager to learn. For those just starting, I’d say: never stop being a student. Take classes, ask questions, watch performances with a critical eye, and stay open to learning from everyone around you.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been expanding my on-camera career. Coming from a strong theater background, I’ve really focused on refining my screen acting skills and gaining more experience in front of the camera. One of the most rewarding moments of this journey was having the honor to play Mariana in the short film Serial Dater. Being part of such a meaningful project, which was selected for both the Hollywood North Film Festival and the Maumee Film Festival, was an incredible experience. It’s deeply validating to see my work be recognized in this way, as it affirms the years of dedication to refining my craft. Playing Mariana allowed me to fully dive into a character on screen, and the recognition from these festivals only strengthened my passion for film and storytelling in a more intimate, cinematic format.
This experience has truly been a pivotal point in my career, motivating me to continue growing and pushing the boundaries of my work on camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gomesnicole.com
- Instagram: @nicolegomesoli
Image Credits
@roxangeles_
