MY GREATEST ROLE: JOHN NICHOLSON IS BEING PHOENIX’S FATHER

As we at MEKKA Magazine celebrate fathers who go above and beyond, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking with a remarkable father and son duo, both well-known on the silver screen: veteran actor John Nicholson and his teen award-winning son, actor Phoenix Nicholson. Welcome to Mekka Magazine, and thank you for allowing us to share your inspiring story with our readers this Father’s Day weekend. This exclusive digital cover story delves into the heart of their relationship, exploring how John’s experience and unwavering support have shaped Phoenix’s burgeoning career and their unique bond as father and son in the captivating world of Hollywood.

Photo credit- Kevin McIntyre 

A Shifting Purpose: From Self to Son

John readily admits that acting was always his “first love,” a passion that drove his own artistic journey. However, watching Phoenix navigate the complexities of the industry at such a tender age has brought a new dimension to his understanding of purpose. “Having a talented son in some ways makes me feel like part of my journey isn’t so much my career, but the opportunity to help nourish my son’s career,” John explains. He playfully likens himself to Dell Curry, with Phoenix as the emerging Steph Curry, highlighting the invaluable experience and open doors a father can provide. This isn’t about vicarious living, but a profound shift in focus, where the nurturing of his son’s talent takes center stage.

Instilling Enduring Values for a Lasting Impact

Beyond the glitz and glamour, John has focused on instilling core values in Phoenix that transcend the entertainment world. He emphasizes perseverance, resilience, and meticulous preparation, qualities he believes will serve Phoenix well in any endeavor. “Never allowing anyone else to define your talent or abilities, and when all else fails, always believe in yourself,” John advises, offering wisdom honed over years of navigating the ups and downs of a demanding industry. These aren’t just lessons for an actor, but for a life well-lived.

The Unforgettable Joys of Witnessing Growth

The rewards of fatherhood, for John, are deeply personal and profoundly moving. Two moments stand out vividly. “One standout moment was watching Phoenix deliver a poised performance alongside veteran actors David Dastmalchian and the late John Amos.”. “He was unbelievably impressed at how he held his own on set with them. He wasn’t intimidated or nervous, and I even remember him telling me there’s no reason for me to be nervous because they’re actors just like me,” John recounts with a hint of pride.

The second, an undeniably proud moment, was watching Phoenix accept the Young Artist Academy Award for Best Actor. “Sitting in the audience at the Director’s Guild in Hollywood, and watching him go up and accept that award and give his acceptance speech was one of the most amazing moments as both his father and a fan of his,” he shares, the emotion palpable in his voice. These aren’t just professional achievements for Phoenix, but shared triumphs that underscore the depth of their bond.

Blazing His Own Path: A Unique Artistic Journey

The father-son bond is clearly the bedrock of Phoenix’s artistic journey. John acknowledges the delicate balance he strikes between sharing his own industry insights and recognizing Phoenix’s unique talent. “There’s definitely a balancing line I walk between wanting to influence him with my own experience and understanding of the industry, but also recognizing that his talent and his approach to acting is unique to him,” John explains. He makes it clear that while they share the same industry, Phoenix is “absolutely blazing his own path with my 100% support.” This isn’t about following in footsteps, but about charting a new course with a loving, experienced hand to guide.

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The Enduring Threads of Love, Purpose, and Legacy

When asked about the crucial advice he imparts, John emphasizes a unifying theme: self-love and unwavering professionalism. “I remind him to always love yourself, be kind to yourself when disappointments happen or you make mistakes or you fall short of a goal, always treat yourself and talk to yourself as you were your best friend.” He also stresses the importance of dedication to craft, regardless of a project’s scale. “It doesn’t matter how big or how small the role is, it doesn’t matter if it’s a small budget Indie film or a big budget blockbuster, the preparation and the hard work is exactly the same for both,” he asserts. The legacy John hopes Phoenix builds is one of unwavering commitment to excellence and a profound belief in himself.

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Phoenix’s Perspective: Inspired by a Guiding Light

Photo credit- Kathrine Kirkpatrick 

From Phoenix’s perspective, his father’s influence is clear and profound. “Growing up, acting came pretty easy to me. Especially since my dad was there to help me through the thick and thin and assist me in what needed to be done,” Phoenix says. He acknowledges that while he’s learning to navigate the industry independently, his father’s lessons remain a driving force. “What fuels my passion is my burning desire to be the best. I love doing what I’m doing, but there is always someone who is better than me, like my dad. So I’m pushing to do the best I can and be the best actor I can possibly be.”

One of the most valuable insights shared by John that resonates deeply with Phoenix is: “Don’t let others block your light.” Phoenix reflects, “When I was younger, I was often considered by others to not be a great actor. I did not allow that to stop me, though. He taught me to keep pushing, especially if others try to stop me.”

Phoenix is clearly inspired by his father’s dedication to his craft, embracing virtues like punctuality, preparedness, and always striving for excellence. “He’s inspired me to follow all of these aspects of his career, and with these virtues, I will become the best actor I can. I will do the best of my ability. I will be the best,” Phoenix affirms, echoing the strong work ethic his father embodies.

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John Nicholson’s journey as Phoenix’s father is a testament to the profound and often understated role a parent plays in shaping a child’s dreams. It’s a story not of a legacy passed down, but of a new one being forged, with the unwavering love and wisdom of a father as its truest foundation. This Father’s Day weekend, we honor the extraordinary bond between John and Phoenix, a bond that exemplifies dedication, inspiration, and the boundless power of paternal love.

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Thank you, John and Phoenix, for speaking with us today! It was a true pleasure to share your inspiring story with our readers.

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Be sure to support their movies and follow their journeys on social media: @actorphoenixnicolson, @johnnicholsontheactor_, and @reel_takes_audition_coaching.