Pop Culturalist Chats with SIX’s Nikolai Nikolaeff
Australian actor Nikolai Nikolaeff has a substantial television career, but his current role on SIX may be the most notable. As Tamerlin Shishoni, aka The Prince, he must infuse a seemingly awful man with humanity and give audiences a way to understand a complex character. We chatted with Nikolai about how he prepared for such an intimidating role, his insights into the character, and why this story is such a powerful one to share.
PC: Tell us about SIX and what attracted you to the project.
Nikolai: History Channel’s SIX is in its second season. I’m the new guy on the show along with Eric Ladin and Olivia Munn. We’re joining the already amazing cast; they paved the way in season one. The series is about the Navy SEAL team that took out Osama Bin Laden. History Channel commissioned the series because it’s the history of now. Their other shows, like Vikings, go way back, but with SIX it’s modern-day history.
I play the bad guy—but I don’t like saying that. No one is born to be a bad guy. Through circumstances that they can’t control—especially with my character The Prince—and everything that’s been done to [them], I challenge anyone not to be bitter and twisted and not seek revenge. It’s an interesting position to be in. The show isn’t afraid to tackle the gray areas of what’s morally right. In season one, SIX opens up with a war crime committed by one of their golden boys.
PC: How did you prepare for this role? Was it more difficult because you are playing the “bad guy”?
Nikolai: In the first season, The Prince is referred to a lot. His empire is vast, and he’s a mysterious character that everyone whispers about. It was a challenge watching the series knowing that was the character I would bring to life [with] all of the expectation. But then I wiped that away and committed myself to his background and where he came from. I’ll be honest with you, it was really hard. I went to some dark rabbit holes to prepare. I didn’t know what happened in these parts of the world, but researching and watching these atrocities and what people are able to do to each other…it really messes with you. I’m aware I have a charmed life, and I have never experienced anything that these people have. I wouldn’t wish [their experiences] on anyone.
PC: When bringing The Prince to life, was there anything that you could identify with?
Nikolai: I’m a very lucky man. I’m the godfather to seven kids. They range from 21-years-old to 6-months-old. I’m also a very proud uncle. I love my nieces and nephews. The idea of losing them is really powerful. I don’t have any kids of my own, but that’s what happens to The Prince. The way he lost them is truly horrific. That’s the thing about this show. I say, “bad guy,” but I challenge anyone who has had that done to them to not be messed up and not want to make sense of the world. And to, dare I say it, get back at the people who did that to him. I think anybody who’s a father, uncle, or has loved ones in their life, I think they could relate to losing them in a very unfair, unjust, and cruel way would turn you into someone that you wouldn’t particularly want to be. That’s how I related.
PC: What are you hoping audiences take away from seeing the show?
Nikolai: The show is naturally skewed toward a particular audience, initially. A lot of my friends who have seen it—who wouldn’t necessarily have watched it—have commented on how surprised they were by the human element and how they’re brought into the show. It’s not just “Hoo-rah!” and a war show [like that]. There’s thought that has gone into it. It blurs the lines between right and wrong. In series one, we open with a straight-up war crime committed by one of the SEAL Team Six. That’s what I particularly love and was appreciative of: to be brought into a series that shines a light on the reality of what has happened. We’re not squeaky clean, and we’re not afraid to show that. It puts people in an uncomfortable position because we have done stuff to other people, and the truth is hard to face.
PC: In your future projects, do you have a dream role?
Nikolai: I’ve been so lucky. The last five projects that I’ve worked on have been quality-oriented. They’re full of nuance and gray areas; they’re interesting to watch. Audiences are getting smarter. They want stories like these. Quality stories are what I chase, like The OA, SIX, and Daredevil. I have a film coming out called Mile 22 with Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg. That’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait for people to see it. I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, really.
Pop Culturalist Speed Round
Last TV Show You Binge-Watched
Silicon Valley
Favorite Movie
The Shawshank Redemption
Guilty Pleasure Movie
True Lies. It’s one of the best action films ever done.
Favorite place
Mallacoota in Victoria in Australia
Place you want to visit
I’d love to go see the Pyramids in Egypt.
Person You’d Like To Meet Someday
When I think about actors that I really appreciate…Tommy Lee Jones is a cool guy. He’s definitely an actor that I’d love to work with.
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