Nick Young

Nickolas Ray Young is an American actor who appeared in the films Friend of the World and Hemet, or the Landlady Don't Drink Tea (2023), television movies El Diablo (1990) and Geronimo (1993), and OnStage Playhouse's productions of The Diary of Anne Frank (2011) and The Other Place (2022). Young began working on television in Arizona throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s before moving to San Diego County for film and theater work in the 2010s.

Early life

Young was born to Elois Roain Drayfahl and Duain Francis Young. He became interested in performing arts while in grade school, and played American football as an offensive lineman at Palo Verde High Magnet School. After high school, Young majored in drama at Pima Community College. after winning the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference for the discus throw but he was unable to place.

Career

1980–2008: Acting and firefighting career Young acted in many television movies and shows in Tucson and Phoenix while pursuing a career as a firefighter. In 1981, Young received an electric shock while working with another fireman who suffered steam burns. Both were treated for non-serious injuries. Young was promoted to engineer on May 8, 1988, and retired on February 28, 2008. where he performed in stage plays such as The Diary of Anne Frank, The Other Place and Kimberly Akimbo. The Case of: Dakota Moore, I Brake for Caterpillars

2020: Friend of the World

Young auditioned for Friend of the World by submitting a mobile video and he was cast as Gore, a lead role. and he was nominated for Best Actor at the San Diego Film Awards. The film was distributed by Troma Entertainment. Rob Rector at Film Threat and John Noonan at FilmInk noticed his character seemed to be inspired from Dr. Strangelove. Film critic Daniel M. Kimmel said Young proficiently expresses his character's thoughts and Cheryl Eddy at Gizmodo claims he has an "unhinged aura of someone who's been alone too long." Young's performance has been compared to John Goodman, Bruce Campbell and Sterling Hayden while director Brian Patrick Butler said his character is like John Wayne, casting him for his "grimness and humor." The Diary of Anne Frank Mr. Dussell OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista, California

The Sugar Bean Sisters The Bishop Crumley PowPAC, Poway's Community Theatre, Poway, California Kimberly Akimbo Buddy Point Loma Playhouse, San Diego, California 2016 La Jolla Theatre Ensemble, La Jolla, California 2019 Return Engagements Joe Bristol Scripps Ranch Theatre, San Diego, California

The Other Place Ian Smithton OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista, California Rest Gerald OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista, California by Samuel D. Hunter It's a Wonderful Vida Saint Nick OnStage Playhouse, Chula Vista, California by Herbert Sigüenza

Filmography