Meet Nia Holloway Star of ‘The Republic of Sarah’
Nia was virtually photographed and interviewed in Atlanta by Alison Engstrom
You got your start by playing Nala in the national tour of The Lion King. Did you know since very little you were destined to become a performer?
Absolutely. I come from a family of performers on both my mother and father’s side of the family, so it's always something that's been in me.
You were the youngest to play the role and you did for six years. How was it growing up and being on stage/tour?
It was definitely unconventional but so perfect for me. I always jokingly called it Lion King University because I spent all of my formative years on the road. It gave me a really beautiful opportunity to cultivate my craft but also grow more into the woman I want to be through my craft.
Is there anyone or anything who has really inspired your career?
The goal for me is to make the people proud who have believed in me before anyone else did so, I’d have to say my family is my biggest inspiration.
Congratulations on your role in The Republic of Sarah airing on the CW. Can you talk about how the part of AJ Johnson came to you and more about her?
I was in LA for pilot season when I got the audition for The Republic of Sarah. Those who have gone through pilot season, know it can be strenuous days of auditions having very little time to connect with stories and characters. But when I read the pilot for “The Republic of Sarah” I immediately fell in love with AJ. AJ has a hard exterior, that's definitely necessary for her job as a cop in Greylock, but she also embodies a very sensitive and vulnerable side that her friends and family can really count on when things get difficult.
Can you share more about the premise of the show and what we can look forward to in the series?
The ROS is about a small-town teacher, Sarah, who declares independence, through a map loophole, to save her home, Greylock, when a greedy mining company threatens to destroy it. Viewers can look forward to some inspiring and courageous moments from Sarah and her friends as they go through the trials of creating a country, yet they can expect to see those same characters battle with their own personal traumas.
I love how there is this a grass roots activism theme woven throughout the show. What do you hope that viewers take away from the series?
I hope the viewers can see that often, there isn't some big name or title necessary to be impactful. Reaching outward in your own community can be exactly what's needed to right wrongs.
You have such an incredible voice! Do you ever think you will pursue music in addition to acting?
For sure, music is such huge part of my life. I currently have two singles, “I’m Your Lady’ and “ Young God”, available on all streaming platforms. I'm looking forward to releasing more music later this season so definitely stay tuned.
When it comes to your career, what types of projects do you hope for in the future?
I'm excited to be a part of even more projects that inspire viewers beyond the surface but also gives me an opportunity to explore myself as a creative. I really hope to do some action entailed projects that allow me to emote my vulnerability and athleticism.
Do you have any fun summer plans?
Currently, I'm planning to release a couple of singles along with visual art that I am beyond stoked for everyone to hear and see!