The star of gay rom-com Fire Island and Broadway, Nick Adams speaks to Attitude about his stage and screen career, and how fitness keeps him sane

Words Alastair James

Photography Taylor Miller Grooming Mark Alan Esparza

From the moment he went to see a musical revue in his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, aged nine, Nick Adams’ heart was set on becoming an actor. After cutting his teeth on Broadway in shows such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, La Cage Aux Folles, and Falsettos, he’s turning to TV and film, and earlier this year illuminated gay rom-com Fire Island as the delightfully wicked Cooper. Here he talks about his early days in the world of theatre, his ever-evolving relationship with the gym, and Jonathan Bailey.

What did you make of the first show you saw?

I remember it like it was yesterday. The excitement and the presence that I felt, just hanging on every word and lyric and lighting up. I said to Mum afterwards, “I have to do that.” A week later, she found auditions for a musical in our local paper. I never turned back. From that point on, I was always in a show or in acting classes. Nine years old, fell in love.

What impact did theatre have on you?

I found this passion. I was a really shy kid, and I felt different. I couldn’t connect with people at school. I discovered this sense of community and a lot of young queer kids trying to understand what they are. We had something special about us without being able to put a label on it — just this kinship. I finally started to find myself and a sense of confidence.

It became a great way to connect with my parents and give them more insight into who I was. They’ve been my biggest champions. My mum is such a vivid storyteller. The way she would tell stories, she’s so physical that I think that also sparked my interest in wanting to tell stories through acting. Theatre also gave me a better sense of identity as well as a purpose and a passion.