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