Austin Nichols(born April 24, 1980) is an American actor and director, known for his role asJulian BakerinThe CWdrama seriesOne Tree Hill.He is also known for his roles in the filmsThe Day After TomorrowandWimbledon.He starred as John Monad in theHBOdrama seriesJohn from Cincinnati,and portrayedSpencer Monroein theAMChorror drama seriesThe Walking Dead.
Austin Nichols | |
|---|---|
 Nichols atSan Diego Comic-Conin 2012 | |
| Born | April 24, 1980 Ann Arbor, Michigan,U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
Early life
editNichols was born inAnn Arbor, Michigan,and moved toAustin, Texasbefore his first birthday.[1]He was named after the Austin Nichols distilling company, producers ofWild Turkey bourbon.[2]His father, David Nichols, is aradiologist,and his mother, Kay (née Vermeulen), was a professional trickwater skier.[3]Kay was a national champion ten times and an international champion once.[when?][4]He has one older sister, Ashley.[4]Nichols was raised nearLake Austinand attended Casis Elementary School.[1]Nichols began competitive water skiing from the age of two.[5]He represented the United States junior water ski team in the Pan-American Championships in 1997, and was also on the United States junior Olympic water skiing team.[when?][6]At age thirteen, he was ranked third in the world.[7]Nichols had intended to become a professional water skier until he injured his shoulder in Florida, and was forced to give up the sport.[2]While atMcCallum High Schoolin Austin,[1]he played basketball but was "absolutely awful".[8]Nichols' interest in acting was sparked when he was fifteen and began to take acting lessons.[9]He moved toLos Angelesafter high school.[2]
Acting career
editBeginnings
editHis acting career began when he gate-crashed a party at theSundance Film Festivaland was signed by a manager.[clarification needed][10]Nichols initially wished to attend theUniversity of Texas,but moved to Los Angeles after his signing and enrolled at theUniversity of Southern California,graduating in 2002 with aBachelor of Artsdegree in English.[8]Although Nichols had guest appearances inSliders,Odd Man Out,CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,Family Law,Watching Ellie,andWolf Lakebefore his graduation, his big break came in 2002 when he appeared asBrenda Chenowith's lover in two episodes ofSix Feet Under.[10]He had previously appeared in two films,Durango Kidsin 1999 andHoliday in the Sunin 2001.
In his first critically successful film role, Nichols starred as a stereotypical"frat boy"inThe Utopian Society,a 2003 independent film directed by John P. Aguirre, which won several awards and some critical acclaim.[11]One critic wrote that Nichols "transforms himself from a cardboard jock and frat boy caricature to a likeable vulnerable human being with surprising sensibilities."[12]Aguirre commended Nichols as a "stellar talent" able to play his character "with total abandon to self ego."[citation needed]
Box office and critical success
editIn 2004, Nichols was cast as J.D., an intelligent rich kid and romantic rival toJake Gyllenhaal's main character in the environmental blockbuster,The Day After Tomorrow.The film received negative reviews but was a box office success.[13][14]Also in 2004, he appeared inWimbledon,oppositeKirsten DunstandPaul Bettany.The film was well received by critics, though it was only a mild success at the U.S. box office.[15][16]Nichols' acting as Jake Hammond, an arrogant tennis pro, was described as "effectively unlikeable".[17]For the role, Nichols had to learn tennis from scratch; he was trained to look professional byPat Cash,who was taken aback by Nichols' skill. Cash observed, "It's absolutely as good as anybody's on the circuit. I swear to God. He hits it like a bullet. He's our star pupil."[18]By the end of their training, Nichols and Bettany were able to have rallies and play points, although some of their more intricate exchanges were computer generated.[19]
After this success, Nichols then had a minor role in an obscure and panned 2005 film,Thanks to Gravity.[20]Nichols followed this with short guest spots on episodes ofPasadenaandSurface,before being cast in a successful 2006 film,Glory Road.[citation needed]Glory Road,directed by James Gartner and starringJosh Lucas,is a film based on the true story of the1966 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship,in which CoachDon Haskinsled a team with an all-black starting lineup, a first in NCAA history. Nichols played one of the few white players on the team; he trained heavily for the role and had to master basketball as it was played in the 1960s, saying "I'd never been so sore in my life."[6]The film made $42.9 million at the box office and received mixed reviews.[21]
The House of Usherand beyond
editNichols' next film was the 2006 thrillerThe House of Usher,directed by Hayley Cloake, and based onthe storybyEdgar Allan Poe.He played the disturbed Roderick Usher, who was described by Nichols as a "twisted, terminally ill, fucked-up guy".[2]The House of Usherwas released in September 2007. Nichols also portrayedNeal Cassady,withWill EstesasJack Kerouac,in the short filmLuz del mundo.[citation needed]
In April 2006, Nichols guest starred inDeadwood,an HBO Western series. Shortly afterward, Nichols signed a holding deal withHBO.[22]In August of that year, Nichols was cast as the lead in a new series,John From Cincinnati,a surfing drama created byDavid Milch,who also producedDeadwood.The series began airing in June 2007, but was cancelled after one season due to poor ratings and mixed critical reviews. Nichols played John Monad, a stranger who suddenly appears in a quiet surfing town. Nichols took up surfing and practiced every day for three months for this role.[23]
In 2007, Nichols appeared in a few episodes of the NBC drama seriesFriday Night Lights,before being cast asJulian Bakerin The CW's teen dramaOne Tree Hill.He was upgraded to series regular for theseventh season.[24]He directed two episodes of the series including the seventh episode of the ninth and last season.[25]In 2013, Austin landed the role of Tommy Wheeler in the Showtime seriesRay Donovan.Nichols then had a recurring role asSpencer Monroein AMC's horror seriesThe Walking Dead,before being promoted to a series regular.[26]He will recur as Sam Loomis in the fifth and final season of A&E's drama-thriller seriesBates Motel.[27]
In 2024, Nichols starred in theLifetimefilmGaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Storyas Rodney Metzer.[28]
Personal life
editAlongside his acting career, Nichols maintains a strong interest in cinema. He keeps a log of every film he sees. He said "I take it to the movies and write down who does the music, edits, directs, and how long the film is."[29]Claire Oswalt, an ex-girlfriend, said in a 2003 interview that Nichols watches an average of 20 movies a week.[30]He especially admiresHal Ashby,Sam Fuller,andJohn Ford.[31]
He was previously in an on and off relationship withOne Tree Hillco-starSophia Bushfrom 2006 to 2012 and took the role ofJulian Bakerin the series to be closer to her.[32]He also dated the actressChloe Bennetfrom 2013 to 2017 after meeting on the set ofAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.where he played her ex-boyfriend, Miles.
Nichols has been friends with actorJake Gyllenhaalsince the two met on the set ofThe Day After Tomorrowin 2004. Nichols said in one interview, "I've learned a ton from Jake. He's a really sharp guy. He told me everything about acting, the business, girls, life."[2]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Durango Kids | Sammy | |
| 2001 | Holiday in the Sun | Griffen Grayson | Direct-to-video |
| 2003 | The Utopian Society | Justin Mathers | |
| 2004 | The Day After Tomorrow | J.D. | |
| Wimbledon | Jake Hammond | ||
| 2005 | Thanks to Gravity | Alex Ford | |
| 2006 | Glory Road | Jerry Armstrong | |
| Lenexa, 1 Mile | Shane Bolin | ||
| The House of Usher | Roderick Usher | ||
| Love & Debate | Alex | ||
| 2007 | Luz del mundo | Neal Cassady | Short film |
| 2008 | The Informers | Martin | |
| 2009 | The True-Love Tale of Boyfriend & Girlfriend | Girlfriend | Short film |
| 2010 | Beautiful Boy | Cooper Stearns | |
| Unthinkable | Bomb Disposal Expert | ||
| 2012 | LOL | Mr. Ross | |
| 2013 | Parkland | Emory Roberts | |
| We Can’t Help You | Boss | Short film | |
| 2014 | Stroker | Stroker | Short film; also director |
| 2015 | Nostradamus | Harry Fisher | Short film; also executive producer |
| 2016 | Lawless Range | Tommy Donnelly | |
| 2018 | The Iron Orchard | Dent Paxton | |
| 2021 | Masquerade | Daniel | |
| 2022 | Match | Ian | |
| 2025 | UntitledI Know What You Did Last Summersequel | TBA | Filming |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Sliders | Seth | Episode: "The Great Work" |
| Odd Man Out | Lyle | Episode: "Punch Line" | |
| 2001 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Adam Walkey | Episode: "Sounds of Silence" |
| Family Law | James Perliss | Episode: "Sacrifices" | |
| Pasadena | Charlie Darwell | Recurring role; 4 episodes | |
| Watching Ellie | Joe | Episode: "Junk" | |
| 2002 | Wolf Lake | Scott Nichols | Episode: "If These Wolves Could Talk" |
| Six Feet Under | Kyle / Tall Stoner | Guest role; 2 episodes | |
| 2003 | She Spies | Fake College Guy | Episode: "Learning to Fly" |
| 2005 | Quarterlife | Charlie | Television film |
| Surface | Jackson Holden | Recurring role; 4 episodes | |
| 2006 | CSI: Miami | Patrick Wilder | Episode: "Fade Out" |
| Deadwood | Morgan Earp | Guest role; 2 episodes | |
| 2007 | John from Cincinnati | John Monad | Main role; 10 episodes |
| Friday Night Lights | Noah Barnett | Recurring role; 2 episodes | |
| 2008–2012 | One Tree Hill | Julian Baker | Recurring role (season 6), Main role (seasons 7-9); 71 episodes |
| 2009 | Prayers for Bobby | Ed Griffith | Television film |
| 2011 | Five | Edward | Television film |
| 2013 | The Mob Doctor | Luke Harris | Guest role; 3 episodes |
| Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. | Miles Lydon | Episode: "Girl in the Flower Dress" | |
| 2013–2016, 2019 | Ray Donovan | Tommy Wheeler | Recurring role (seasons 1-2), Guest role (seasons 3-4, 7); 9 episodes |
| 2014 | The Temp Agency | The Temp | Television mini-series; also executive producer |
| 2015–2016 | The Walking Dead | Spencer Monroe | Recurring role (season 5), Main role (seasons 6-7); 15 episodes |
| 2017 | Bates Motel | Sam Loomis | Recurring role; 6 episodes |
| 2019 | The Village | Ethan | Guest role; 2 episodes |
| 2019 | This Close | Shep | Recurring role; 3 episodes |
| 2021 | Walker | Clint West | Recurring role; 8 episodes |
| 2022 | Minx | Billy Brunson | Guest role; 3 episodes |
| 2024 | Gaslit By My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story | Rodney Metzer | Television film |
References
edit- ^abcHolloway, Diane (June 16, 2007)'John from Cincinnati' role shows off skiing champ's acting prowess[permanent dead link],The Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
- ^abcdeDavis, Peter, (April 4, 2006)"Beautiful People 2006: Austin Nichols"ArchivedApril 29, 2016, at theWayback Machine,Papermag. Retrieved on April 7, 2006.
- ^"Kay Vermeulen Nichols 1951-2015".Archivedfrom the original on 2016-05-18.Retrieved2016-02-01.
- ^abLeblanc, Pam, (August 14, 2006)No one-trick skierArchivedAugust 21, 2006, at theWayback Machine,Statesman.com. Retrieved October 16, 2006.
- ^Ingrassia, Lisa (June 11, 2007),Q&A:Austin Nichols,People Magazinep.30
- ^abJohnson, Noah, (February 2006),Austin's power,Men's Fitness.Retrieved October 16, 2006.
- ^Rainey, Candice (October 4, 2003)"Man of the Moment - Austin Nichols, Actor",GQ. Retrieved October 30, 2006.ArchivedDecember 2, 2007, at theWayback Machine
- ^abBerkshire, Geoff, "Bound for Glory"Hollywood Life,Jan./Feb. 2006, pg. 24
- ^Buddytv.com (July 1, 2007),Exclusive Interview: Austin Nichols, of 'John from Cincinnati'ArchivedDecember 1, 2016, at theWayback Machine.Retrieved July 31, 2007.
- ^abHaight, Sarah (September 2004). "Up Next: Grand Slam".Vogue.Vol. 194, no. 9. p. 600.
- ^Recent press.ArchivedOctober 6, 2007, at theWayback MachineThe Utopian Society. Retrieved August 3, 2007.ArchivedOctober 6, 2007, at theWayback Machine
- ^Nesbit, John, (July 9, 2003)Utopian Society, TheArchivedSeptember 27, 2007, at theWayback Machine,toxicuniverse.com. Retrieved October 30, 2006.
- ^Swietek, Frank.ArchivedDecember 29, 2016, at theWayback MachineDay After Tomorrow, The.ArchivedOctober 7, 2007, at theWayback Machineoneguysopinion.com. Retrieved November 11, 2006.
- ^"The Day After Tomorrow".Rotten Tomatoes.IGN Entertainment.Retrieved2007-08-05.
- ^61% rating atRotten TomatoesArchivedSeptember 30, 2007, at theWayback Machine.Retrieved October 30, 2006
- ^"Wimbledon".Box Office Mojo,LLC. 2007.Retrieved2007-08-10.
- ^Anderson, Matt,Review of Wimbledon,Moviehabit.com. Retrieved July 31, 2007.
- ^Osborn, Richard (October 2004)."Centre Court Becomes Centre Stage".Inside Tennis.Archived fromthe originalon 2007-05-19.Retrieved2007-08-10.
- ^"Q&A: Pat Cash".BBC. October 11, 2004.Retrieved2007-08-10.
- ^Miller, Scott (June 13, 1006).Thanks to Gravity.ArchivedOctober 17, 2006, at theWayback Machinefilmthreat.com. Retrieved November 5, 2006.
- ^Rotten Tomatoes dataArchivedFebruary 28, 2007, at theWayback Machinegives critics and positive rating of 58%. Retrieved November 5, 2006.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (April 20, 2006)."Actor Nichols Nabs Rare Holding Deal with HBO".Backstage.Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2007.RetrievedNovember 5,2006.
- ^Knutzen, Eirek (August 17, 2007)."TV Close-Up: Austin Nichols".BendWeekly.com.Archivedfrom the original on September 28, 2007.RetrievedAugust 19,2007.
- ^Dos Santos, Kristin (June 29, 2009)."Spoiler Chat: Will Brooke and Julian Make It on One Tree Hill?".E! Online.RetrievedJuly 3,2009.
- ^MacKenzie, Carina Adly (February 22, 2012)."'One Tree Hill': Austin Nichols takes to the director's chair, reflects on final week of filming ".Zap2it.RetrievedMarch 29,2012.
- ^"The Walking Dead: Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, and Austin Nichols Q&A".ScreamHorrorMag.com.October 1, 2016.RetrievedOctober 4,2016.
- ^Petski, Denise (January 9, 2017)."'Bates Motel': 'The Walking Dead's Austin Nichols To Recur on Season 5 ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedJanuary 9,2017.
- ^Lowe, Lindsay (June 9, 2024)."The true story behind the Lifetime movie 'Gaslit By My Husband', according to Morgan Metzer herself".Today.RetrievedJune 9,2024.
- ^Adams, Patty (2004),On the SetArchivedSeptember 10, 2006, at theWayback Machine,ym.com. Retrieved November 5, 2006.
- ^Diagrammatics.The Morning News(December 8, 2003). Retrieved October 30, 2006.
- ^"The characters".Wimbledon: The Movie.Universal Studios.2004. Archived fromthe original(Flash)on October 8, 2007.Retrieved2007-08-06.
- ^"Sophia Bush Splits With One Tree Hill Costar Austin Nichols".Us Weekly.2012-02-15.Retrieved2021-02-10.
External links
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