Niko Ceci knew from a young age that performing was in his DNA. The fast-rising triple threat from Toronto is amassing quite the body of work, including a starring role in I Woke Up a Vampire, a new family series with a fantastical twist. Niko plays Kev Gardner, the best friend of Vampling (half-vampire, half-human) Carmie Henley (Kaileen Angelic Chang), who puts his vast comic book knowledge to good use to help her navigate the supernatural world.
Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with Niko about his role in I Woke Up a Vampire, what fans can expect, his favorite vampire-themed media and more.
RELATED: Maša Lizdek on Playing an Android in Sci-Fi Thriller Simulant
This interview is condensed for length and clarity.
Melody McCune: We at GGA love a good origin story. How did you get into acting?
Niko Ceci: When I was three years old, my parents played me classic movies like The Wizard of Oz and Annie, and I was so obsessed with them. When other kids played baseball and hockey, I memorized scripts and performed them for my friends, family and parents.
At about seven years old, I was doing gymnastics, and one of the girls in my class — her mom was a stunt double — saw me sing and act and asked if I would be interested in acting. She referred me to her agent, who is now my agent, Megan McGregor. I love her so much and couldn’t ask for a better agent.
MM: Let’s talk about I Woke Up a Vampire. Can you tell me what it’s about and how your character fits into the story?
NC: I Woke Up a Vampire is the story of a 13-year-old girl named Carmie. On her 13th birthday, she discovers she has superpowers, and her life is changing, and she’s freaking out. She doesn’t know what’s happening.
Her best friend, Kev Gardner, played by me, is a comic book aficionado. He’s helping her navigate the world with these superpowers. Kev knows a lot about them. He’s also helping her as a kid in middle school and helping her find the right friends.
RELATED: Tamara Almeida on Jane and Its Impactful Story of Animal Conservation
MM: Do you share any similarities with Kev?
NC: Kev is many things. He’s funny, which I think I am. He’s very intelligent, and when he puts his mind to something, he won’t stop until he gets where he wants to be, which I [can] relate to. He loves fantasy and mythical creatures like me. I love Harry Potter. We both love that.
MM: What can audiences expect when watching this series?
NC: They can expect a very fun, mysterious TV series. There are many plot twists they’ll never expect. It’s unlike any other show because there’s so much going on. You can never get bored. It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever worked on.
MM: Describe I Woke Up a Vampire using three words.
NC: Adventurous. Funny. Captivating.
MM: Are you a fan of any vampire-themed movies and TV shows? If so, do you have any favorites?
NC: My mom is a huge fan of Twilight. I watched the movies with her, and she read the books to me. I also love The Lost Boys.
MM: Do you have any other fun projects coming up?
NC: I do. I will be a part of the second season of a very fun show called Circuit Breakers, which aired on Apple TV last year. My character, Felix, is very outgoing. I can’t say too much about the show or the character because it hasn’t been released in the press yet, but I think the audience will love the storyline and my character too.
RELATED: Aaliyah Cinello Teases Circuit Breakers and What Viewers Can Expect
MM: Have you watched anything interesting lately?
NC: Me and my family love Outer Banks. We watched that show together. It’s captivating. Something new happens in every episode. You can never get bored with that show. I think it has such a unique storyline. I also love Wednesday. My dad would always watch The Addams Family with me. My favorite character is Wednesday. I love Jenna Ortega. My sister grew up watching Stuck in the Middle. When I learned she was starring in [Wednesday], I got excited because she’s such a talented actress.
MM: Name your favorite films.
NC: My first favorite would have to be the Harry Potter franchise. I love the Clue movie. I’m a big fan of murder mysteries. Speaking of murder mysteries, I love Adam Sandler‘s Murder Mystery. I really like Star Wars.
I like Birds of Prey, the Harley Quinn story. Margot Robbie‘s a super diverse actor. I like Alice Through the Looking Glass. Helena Bonham Carter is my favorite actor because she is so versatile. My last choice would be Home Alone. Classic.
MM: Thank you so much for chatting with me, Niko!
NC: Thank you, Melody!
You can follow Niko on Instagram (@niko.ceci). Catch new episodes of I Woke Up a Vampire every Friday at 6:30 pm on the Family Channel.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/top-10-vampires-from-books-film-and-tv/
[email protected]
What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
- THE WHEEL OF TIME: Prime Video Sets Premiere Date and Releases Teaser Trailer for Season 3 - December 7, 2024
- OUTLANDER Recap: (S07E11) A Hundredweight of Stones - December 6, 2024
- SILO Recap: (S02E04) The Harmonium - December 6, 2024
