Nikki Blonsky

While becoming famous overnight is usually just an expression, the phrase couldn’t be truer for Nikki. She had tried out for the stage version of Hairspray and was initially told she was too young to play the part of Tracy Turnblad. Unbeknownst to her at the time, her audition tape made it to casting agents who were choosing actors for the new film version of the musical.

Director Adam Shankman, along with a small camera crew, went all the way out to Nikki’s hometown of Great Neck, New York to film her reaction. She was literally at work at Cold Stone Creamery when Shankman came in to the store to tell her the good news.

Using her fame admirably, Nikki has continually been a volunteer for the Special Olympics. Her recent contributions to the cause have included singing the national anthem during the opening events. She has told several reporters how wonderful it was to have 3000 of the attending Olympians singing with her.

In recent news, ABC has publicized that Nikki will be part of their new comedy series, entitled ‘Huge.’ Based on Sasha Paley’s book, the series will portray six teenagers and several staff members at a weight-loss camp. Nikki will be playing the lead as ‘Will,’ who is a stubborn full figured teenager that was sent to camp by her controlling parents, who also happen to own a chain of gyms. Although the show is set as a comedy, it will be hitting on some serious teenage issues dealing with body image, self-esteem, and parental pressures.