Lake Charles native starring in popular Netflix series
Lake Charles native and Barbe graduate Elia Nichols is in her third season of shooting an Italian series on Netflix for ages 8-14 called “Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends.”
Nichols describes the show as the equivalent of “Saved by the Bell” or “Beverly Hills 90210.” She plays the role of a strict professor at a fashion school.
“It’s the kind of TV show where there are just young leads — there’s eight of them –— and they are beautiful and darling,” Nichols said. “And I’m one of the three adult leads. We’re kind of the ones that keep them in line, and we’re the comedic relief.”
The show has been a success in Italy, and Netflix World picked up the series about six months ago. The show is now available in over 180 countries, including the U.S.
“It’s been insane,” Nichols said. “I think every child from ages 8 to 14 in Italy watches the show.”
After studying acting for both her undergraduate degree at Tulane University and her master’s at the University of Texas at Austin, Nichols moved to Los Angeles to begin her career. But the L.A. scene wasn’t for her, and she moved to Italy and started an English-language theater
company.
“I’m not an L.A. girl,” Nichols said. “I always said that in L.A. they just expect you to be anorexic. And I grew up in Lake Charles, La., with shrimp and sausage and butter, and I like to eat. I’m not interested in being that.”
Nichols has lived in Italy for 11 years and said she is “truly living a dream” as a well-paid actress in a comedic role she loves. But she said she still misses Lake Charles every so often and visits twice a year.
“I think it took me leaving Lake Charles to appreciate it,” Nichols said. “And I desperately miss the Gulf seafood. Every time I come back I eat ridiculous quantities of shrimp and crab and crawfish.”
Elia Nichols plays the role of a strict professor at a fashion school. (Special to American Press)
Nichols gets her makeup done on the set of “Maggie & Bianca” (Special to American Press)