Nigel Vonas has two sides. No, we’re not implying a duality in the nature of this Canadian actor but rather stating that he has accomplished what most actors aspire to; a celebrated career on stage and on screen. He is transfixing in the theater; vetted by his award-winning performances in “Lost in Yonkers” as well as People’s Choice Awards for “Danny and The Deep Blue Sea” and “Cherry Docs.” Roles in Prison Break (Golden Globe nominated), Arrow (Leo award-winner), and Universal Films The Chronicles of Riddick attest to his onscreen charisma and versatility. Perhaps most importantly, he’s managed to appear in a number of action productions without being typecast. Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, Christian Bale, and the like have proven that there are numerous opportunities along this path for actors like Vonas who are both captivating and malleable.
Vonas will appear as Pierce in the upcoming feature film The Serpent, opposite Russian actress Gia Skova. While the filmmakers and studio are tight lipped about the plot details, the inside info is that the story follows Serpent (Skova as special agent Lucinda Kavsky) who is made to believe that she is going to China for a biological experiment which could extend human life. The reality turns out to be much more sinister. Actress/model Gia Skova is talented and stunning, having graced the covers of Vogue and InStyle in addition to adorning the runway for designers such as Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. Nigel’s role as Pierce required someone who is equally talented and charismatic on camera. The actor relates that his character’s public persona of power paired with private vulnerability made the role highly attractive to portray.
In a vastly different story of power meets vulnerability, Nigel appeared in a public service announcement for the US Army. This spot for the US Army's SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention) project, aimed at preventing sexual assault, might seem like an atypical project for a Canadian actor. Vonas reveals his motivations stating, “This is very special to me. I believe in this project and feel it has great value to society. The importance was more valuable to me than the money. I believe in the message and support the cause. This spot was filmed at the US Military Fort Irwin National Training Center in the Mojave Desert. The experience of being around so many highly trained and skilled military personnel while getting to observe the kind of life they live and the dedication they have to their service was something I'll never forget. I was lucky enough to meet some very high-ranking men and women in the US Army. Their professionalism and powerful presence, along with their courteous demeanor, was very inspirational to be around.” There are other meaningful results for this actor who states, “I was shopping at a Trader Joe’s one day when someone serving in the US Army recognized me from the PSA. She told me something that I’ll never forget. She looked at me and said, ‘I believe you cared.’ It reminded me why I became an actor.”
Too often we think of entertainment professionals as those who are consumed with themselves and their career aspirations. When this happens, think of someone like Nigel Vonas who is both celebrated for his professional work and committed to making positive contributions to society with the abilities he possesses. Belief in one’s own potential as well as that of others is a part of what makes Nigel Vonas so exceptional at what he does.