Who is Daniel R. Nixon?
I’m a proud neurodivergent actor, currently touring with the Queensland Theatre in Drizzle Boy. I’d say I’m bold, driven, sensitive, and tend to overthink a lot of things, but I always speak my mind. I enjoy my own company and don’t excel at socialising, yet somehow, I’m still incredibly charming..
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would practice more patience, especially with myself. It’s been an incredible achievement to get to where I am, and I should always remember to trust the process.
Who inspires you and why?
I always find this question difficult to answer because it’s hard to narrow it down to just one person. I’m constantly inspired by many people in life, and I take little bits from everyone to drive my own inspiration.
What I find really interesting is how I’m often inspired by things I don’t necessarily agree with or things that contradict each other. I use those as lessons to help me do better, go further, or be braver.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I had the power, I’d make healthcare free worldwide.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I haven’t been on holiday in over 5 years, but when I visited New York for the first time, I fell in love with the hustle and bustle. Everyone seems to be chasing something. It gave me so much energy and motivation, even with all the noise and chaos that I often found triggering.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My favourite cafes. Since moving to Melbourne, I’ve become enraptured by the cafe culture, and I love exploring new ones and taking friends to my favourites.
What are you currently reading?
Nothing at the moment. I find it difficult to read fiction unless it’s analysing scripts. As a child, though, I was a huge reader. Before bed I used to read my DK encyclopaedia about space and the Guinness World Records book every night.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening to one of my first musical loves, Oasis – the band that’s deeply rooted in my British culture and my family, and one that got me into learning to play guitar. And before you ask, Wonderwall wasn’t the first song I learned to play. It was actually Songbird!
Happiness is?
One of the most powerful words in the English language. It means so many different things to so many people, and it’s incredibly hard to compare or measure happiness when its definition can be so subjective. Which is what I love about it. Safe to say, right now, I’m very happy.
What does the future hold for you?
The future holds a lot, and I can’t wait to set high expectations for myself, only to be surprised by things I can’t control. This keeps the future uncertain, but it strives me to work as hard as I can. Hopefully, it means being able to continue telling stories and enjoying this wild rocket ride I’m currently on!
Daniel R. Nixon stars in Queensland Theatre’s production of Drizzle Boy by Ryan Enniss – which will undertake a tour to selected locations across Queensland throughout October and for three nights in Canberra in November 2024. For more information, visit: www.queenslandtheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Daniel R. Nixon – courtesy of Queensland Theatre