Growing up, upcoming actress Nekoda Garrett was a huge fan of iconic 90s rom-com ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’ Fast forward to 2024 and she’s now working with the film’s legendary director, Gil Junger…
Since deciding to pursue acting a year ago, the luminous South Leicester resident has made great strides in her mission to conquer Hollywood. She has secured a lead role in an upcoming supernatural thriller called ‘The 13th Child’ and has starred in a short film called ‘The Whispering,’ which was selected as a semi finalist in this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
However, Nekoda’s most promising accomplishment so far, is her involvement with director Gil Junger, whose debut ’10 Things I Hate About You’ famously launched the career of Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger.
Although she can’t say too much about the upcoming project, the future certainly looks bright for the accomplished dancer turned actress, with Gil describing her as ‘definitely one to watch.’
“Her natural beauty, intelligence, elegance and sophistication come through in an effortless, grounded performance,” Gil Junger said of the actress, who originates from Australia’s Gold Coast.
Nekoda moved to the UK 15 years ago, after securing a coveted contract with the New English Contemporary Ballet Company.
“I’ve been dancing since I was four and am now making the transition into acting as a lot of dancers do. It’s another side of the performing arts that I love to work on and it doesn’t feel like a job to me,” she told Pukaar.
“I’ve always loved acting, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to love movies and admire other actors more and more. Jodie Foster in ‘Silence of the Lambs’ is one example. She owns her craft in everything she does and you can really see the work that’s put into preparing for a role and really engrossing herself into a character. I really admire her for that.”
Nekoda is also a fan of actresses like Jodie Comer, Julia Stiles and Reece Witherspoon, who she admires for her versatility.
With her elegant poise and classic Renaissance looks, directors are keen to cast Nekoda in period dramas, and although she enjoys these roles, there is much more to her than meets the eye…
She enjoys clay shooting and motor racing in her spare time. When asked about her dream role, her eyes light up immediately.
“I love action, so something in Bond or Mission Impossible where I get to play a very dangerous girl – and get to do my own stunt work would be amazing,” she revealed.
“ I’m quite an adventurous ‘live life on the edge’ kind of girl. I like to push myself to the limit and see what I’m capable of…“
Nekoda currently trains under the famous Mel Churcher, who has coached the likes of Daniel Craig, Angelina Jolie and Keira Knightly for various projects across the film, TV and theatre industries.
She is busy honing her craft and looking forward to the future – the start of a very promising journey.
“I feel very privileged and take everything with gratitude. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and how far I can go,” she said.
Watch this space!
Follow Nekota’s acting journey at: www.instagram.com/nekodagarrett1
