Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Whitney Erin Smith
After 7 seasons, actress Nikki Duval had to say goodbye to her character Rosie and her Workin’ Moms castmates this year. Duval talked to NYOTA about what originally sparked her interest in acting, Rosie’s growth, and items she took from the set.
Was there something you watched or a play you saw that initially sparked your interest in acting?
I think it was Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet actually! It was around the same time I was dipping my toe in the theatre world myself- taking Drama classes in my early teens. I remember being transported by that movie, and also falling desperately in love with Leonardo DiCaprio- and hoping that one day I could be in a movie with him. That dream has since faded. But the pursuit for a successful career in the arts remains.
How did it feel to say goodbye to Workin’ Moms after seven seasons?
It was bittersweet. I was ready to move on and explore different worlds. I felt like I had given Rosie a lot of myself- I was proud of the work that I did and content with where the show would end. But when it came to that final week of filming, I got extremely sentimental. Working with the same incredible people for nearly a decade is a rare gift. And being able to have longevity on any series is also rare. So it definitely hit me hard and made me very sad to say goodbye.
Rosie becomes a partner in Season 6 and this is explored more in Season 7. Was it exciting to explore her growth as a character in those final episodes?
It was very exciting for Rosie to have more confidence and agency! I loved exploring that side of her. I also just felt so proud of her, to see how far she had come. I literally cried when I read the ending of Season 6, where she becomes partner. It sort of mirrored my own personal journey on the show. I was such a newbie actor when I got cast, and to reminisce on my personal journey and growth throughout the 7 years was a reflection of that for sure.
Was there anything on set that you took home with you after filming?
Over the years, I have been gifted lots of Rosie’s wardrobe. I think the only outfits I have currently are that incredible coral jumpsuit, mint green puffy sleeve dress, and a couple pink floral numbers- mostly all from Season 6 and 7. My personal style is very different from Rosie’s, so I rarely wear them! But I think I will hold onto them for my sentimental heart.
You got started acting in theatre. Would you hope to go back to your roots in a sense and do more theatre work in the future?
Anything is possible! I do love the theatre and have a lot of respect for theatre actors. It’s a whole different ball game. But for myself, I think it would have to be the perfect project to bring me back. I still want to focus on developing my craft on-screen. I have a lot to explore and learn that I haven’t yet.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Keep going. If this is truly what you want to do with your life. What feeds your soul like nothing else, then you are an artist. And you must do everything you can to keep pursuing that. This industry is difficult at times. The measure of success is not linear. So remember that. There will be high highs and low lows. And you must find a way to keep going. Take classes. Improve your craft constantly. Meet people in this community. Talk about art, immerse yourself in the whole experience. A big thing that has helped me survive this industry is that I know that this is what I am meant to be doing. I own that. That is where my confidence lives. And so if I have to work as a barista for a bit to supplement my career, I do it. If I have to do work for free to gain experience first, I do it. Longevity is the goal. Do what you can to get there and never settle.