Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Thing About Harry’s Niko Terho

Niko Terho

There’s just something about leading man Niko Terho. The up-and-comer and Hollywood’s newest heartthrob captures our hearts as the titular character in Peter Paige’s new queer rom-com The Thing About Harry. Starring opposite Jake Borelli, Britt Baron, and Karamo Brown, The Thing About Harry follows two high school enemies, promiscuous jock Harry (Terho) and out-and-proud Sam (Borelli), who travel to their Missouri hometown for a friend’s engagement party on Valentine’s Day. Along the way, revelations are made, changing the course of their relationship forever. By the end, we’re left asking ourselves: can friends be lovers too?

Pop Culturalist caught up with Niko to chat about his start in the industry, The Thing About Harry, and what this film will mean to a community who often doesn’t see their love stories depicted in this way.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Niko: I’ve always wanted to be an actor; I can’t remember a time when I didn’t. I’ve always been obsessed with movies. I would spend countless hours watching movies every day. I knew that wasn’t enough—I wanted to be involved in the story. So, I guess I always knew. My mom was an actress and she used to teach children how to act in our backyard. I’ve always known, but I haven’t been able to pursue it until recently because of soccer.

PC: What has that transition been like going from athletics to acting?
Niko: It’s been different, but also familiar in a certain sense. Preparing is all about muscle memory, which is the same as athletics. Acting also a team sport; you’re working with everyone. It’s a huge collaboration. So, in that sense it’s very familiar. But, there’s also a lot more focus on yourself in acting, and there’s a lot more usage of your imagination. The acting process is also a lot more fun.

The Thing About Harry

PC: Your new film The Thing About Harry is out on Hulu. Tell us about The Thing About Harry, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Niko: It’s a love story about the trials and tribulations of a developing relationship. I was drawn to this role because I saw so much of myself in Harry’s personality. Harry and I are not too far off from each other. I was actually joking with Peter Paige [director] on set—I told him some of these scenes are exactly how I would act in my day-to-day life. There’s a scene with Harry in the mirror and Peter just told me to do what I would do, and it happened to match up perfectly with what was in the script. I loved how much I saw myself in this character’s personality.

PC: This is your first big role. Did anything surprise you about the experience?
Niko: I was surprised by how easy it was to just have fun with it. I was able to forget about all the pressure that comes with leading a movie and realized how easy it is to lose yourself in the story. I never felt stressed or pressured on set: that surprised me.

PC: Were there any nerves heading into this project given that this is your first big role and the fact that the film will mean a lot to the LGBTQ+ community who often don’t see their love stories depicted in this way?
Niko: There weren’t too many nerves. I mean, you always feel a bit of nerves since you want to do a good job because you’re passionate about the role and you want to give your all to it. Besides that, I was really just excited to be a part of this. I was mainly excited for what this project is going to mean to so many people. Hopefully we did it justice.

PC: Harry and Sam have a really transformative journey throughout the film. How did you and Jake Borelli approach that dynamic?
Niko: It happened really naturally, especially with the way that it’s written. I can’t speak for Jake, but I threw myself into the character and trusted the ride.

PC: A topic of debate in the film is whether friends can also be lovers. Where do you fall?
Niko: I think friends can be lovers. I think there are certain situations when you get into the friend zone and that’s difficult to get out of. [laughs] But, I think it’s for sure possible. I would hope so. [laughs]

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences takeaway?
Niko: This film will speak to so many different people in so many different ways. I just hope they enjoy it and get lost in the story. It’s a rom-com, and it’s supposed to make you feel good throughout. It’s supposed to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I hope it does. I hope they take away whatever they can relate to.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Niko: Survivor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Niko: A Knight’s Tale

PC: Favorite book?
Niko: The Harry Potter series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Niko: In the Heights

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Niko: Elton John

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Niko: Me

To keep up with Niko, follow him on Instagram. Stream The Thing About Harry on Hulu today.

Photo Credit: Freeform/Vu Ong

Kevin

Kevin is a writer living in New York City. He is an enthusiast with an extensive movie collection, who enjoys attending numerous conventions throughout the year. Say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

11 Discussion to this post

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