Niki Koss Calls the Shots
Seasoned actress Niki Koss is no stranger to the screen. The 25-year-old has acted in the Paramount Pictures film Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, was featured as the lead in the Lifetime TV film My Stepdaughter, and has also starred in several feature films such as Burying Yasmeen, Dreamcatcher, Red Wing, The Appearing, and Girl on the Edge. Her most notable casting to date is as a series regular on Freeform’s Famous in Love; Koss played bisexual Hollywood star Alexis Glenn alongside co-stars Bella Thorne and Carter Jenkins. Koss also has experience behind the camera: she co-created and directed the digital series Royals and has directed and produced numerous short films. She has shadowed numerous directors to further develop behind-the-scenes skills as well, including former Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario for one episode of Famous in Love and Roger Kumble for two episodes of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. Below, Koss recalls her career highlights.
When did you first develop your passion for acting?
I've known I wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. When I was three years old, I told my mom that I wanted to get an agent, and the rest is history.
You’ve also dabbled in directing. How does being behind the camera differ from being in front of it? Do you have a preference?
Being behind the camera is completely different than being in front. I don't have a preference—it's like choosing between two of your kids! I truly love both so much, I don't know what I'd do if I had to do just one.
What was it like shadowing Roger Kumble for two episodes of Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists?
Shadowing Roger was an unbelievable experience for several reasons. I loved getting to be on the set of a Marlene King show, of course, but the cast and crew were so special on that one in particular. I also fell in love with Portland, where they shoot The Perfectionists. Also, getting to shadow one of the greatest directors I know for a month straight was not only an incredible learning experience but a blast.
What was the audition process like for Famous in Love?
I first auditioned for Georgie [Flores]’ character, Cassie. Then, I got a callback for Alexis and was thrilled beyond belief. After that, I had a few more auditions for the network and studio. It was stressful but totally exhilarating.
Where were you and how did you react when you found out you were cast?
I was in the car driving to acting class. I had to pull over because I couldn't stop crying and hyperventilating. It was a very dramatic reaction, but what can I say? It was one of the happiest moments, if not the happiest moment, of my life.
How are you and your character similar? How are you different?
[My character] Alexis and I have a lot of similarities in that she's confident, doesn't let anyone walk all over her, and is career-obsessed. The biggest difference between us is that I would never intentionally hurt someone else to get to the top.
Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments you can share?
I was quite the prankster on the set. One of my favorite pranks was on Keith [Powers, who played Jordan]. When he was gone one day, I filled his room with an elaborate trail of candy hearts leading to his toilet. I also lined the toilet and everything in the bathroom with candy hearts. The best part was that he had no reaction whatsoever. A few days later, I asked him if he saw it, and he casually shrugged and said "Haha, yeah,” which was so on-brand for him in the best way.
What was your favorite episode to film and why?
That's such a hard one! Honestly, I loved filming every episode so much, but I think my favorite was the Backsplash flashback episode. If I remember correctly, that was the episode Alexis had a meltdown in her trailer, too, which was a blast to film.
What are you currently working on? What can people expect next from you?
I have a movie coming out very soon that I'm really excited about called Dreamcatcher, so look out for that. I'm getting ready to film another movie that I can't talk about quite yet, but I will say it's definitely a character I've never played before. Also, I'm going to be directing my first feature in a couple of months, which I'm ecstatic about. The first feature I produced, Burying Yasmeen, was released in most countries as well, so please check that out! I play a really fun, socially awkward character who I'm thrilled to be able to share with the rest of the world.
This or That:
Movies or TV? TV. I have a full-on addiction.
Horror or rom-com? Rom-com, always.
Sushi or salad? Sushi all day, every day.
Pool or beach? Depends on the location. Probably beach, though.
Dress or jumpsuit? Dress.
Follow Niki on Social Media:
Instagram: @nikikoss
Twitter: @nikikoss
Facebook: @nikikossactresss