Nico Tortorella
Nico Tortorella has carved out a unique space in Hollywood, known for captivating roles in popular TV series like Younger and The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Beyond their undeniable talent on screen, they have become a powerful voice for authenticity, openly exploring and advocating for diverse expressions of identity, sexuality, and relationships. This candid journey has positioned them as a fascinating and influential figure, inviting us to explore the many facets of their remarkable life. Nico Tortorella has built a versatile acting career across popular television and film, demonstrating a wide range of dramatic and comedic talent. Beyond their screen work, Tortorella is a vocal advocate for living authentically, openly discussing their gender identity, sexuality, and relationship structures. Their commitment to transparency and self-discovery has made them an important and inspiring figure within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
AI Summary
Nico Tortorella has carved out a unique space in Hollywood, known for captivating roles in popular TV series like Younger and The Walking Dead: World Beyond. Beyond their undeniable talent on screen, they have become a powerful voice for authenticity, openly exploring and advocating for diverse expressions of identity, sexuality, and relationships. This candid journey has positioned them as a fascinating and influential figure, inviting us to explore the many facets of their remarkable life.
- Nico Tortorella has built a versatile acting career across popular television and film, demonstrating a wide range of dramatic and comedic talent.
- Beyond their screen work, Tortorella is a vocal advocate for living authentically, openly discussing their gender identity, sexuality, and relationship structures.
- Their commitment to transparency and self-discovery has made them an important and inspiring figure within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
A Dynamic Presence
Born in Wilmette, Illinois, Nico Tortorella quickly established a captivating presence in the entertainment industry. Their journey began with an early foray into the demanding world of modeling, which soon led to opportunities on screen. This initial phase laid the groundwork for a career characterized by both versatility and a deep commitment to personal expression.
The Early Hustle
In 2009, Tortorella landed a main role as aspiring underwear model Cole Shepard in The CW's drama The Beautiful Life: TBL. While the series, centered on models sharing a New York City residence, faced a swift cancellation after just two episodes, it provided valuable early experience. This brief but intense experience highlighted the unpredictable nature of the industry.
Not long after, Tortorella joined the ABC Family teen drama Make It or Break It as Razor, an aspiring singer. They briefly left for The Beautiful Life, but returned in a recurring capacity, showcasing an early resilience and adaptability. This period of navigating different projects was crucial in shaping their budding career.
From Slasher Flicks to Serious Drama
A significant film role came in 2011 with Scream 4, where Tortorella played Trevor Sheldon, caught in the terrifying world of Ghostface. They then reunited with Scream 4 writer Kevin Williamson for the Fox serial killer drama The Following, taking on a main role as Jacob Wells in its intense first season. These roles demonstrated a talent for high-stakes storytelling.
Perhaps their most widely recognized role arrived in 2014 with TV Land's Younger. As Josh, Sutton Foster's character Liza's younger love interest, Tortorella became a fan favorite, portraying a complex, charming character for many seasons until 2021. The show offered a blend of comedy and drama that captivated a broad audience.
Beyond mainstream television, Tortorella also found a powerful connection with independent film. In 2015, they starred in Hunter&Game as Carson Lowe, an electronic musician—a role they described as 'meant to play.' This indie gem resonated deeply, earning Best Feature and Best Director awards at the LA Indie Film Fest.
A Voice Beyond the Screen
Tortorella expanded their creative endeavors into podcasting, launching 'The Love Bomb' in 2016. This platform allowed them to delve into conversations about love, relationships, and identity, showcasing a passion for deep, authentic connection. They later appeared on other notable podcasts, sharing their unique perspectives.
In a delightful and unexpected turn, Tortorella embraced their playful side by competing on RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race in 2020. This appearance further highlighted their adventurous spirit and willingness to explore different facets of entertainment and self-expression. It was a memorable demonstration of their vibrant personality.
More recently, Tortorella joined the expansive Walking Dead universe, starring as Felix Carlucci in The Walking Dead: World Beyond from 2020 to 2021. This role offered another opportunity to explore complex characters within a high-stakes, dramatic environment. It further cemented their place in popular genre television.
An Open Book: Personal Life & Advocacy
Nico Tortorella is celebrated for their profound openness about their personal journey of self-discovery. Previously identifying as gender fluid and using they/them pronouns, they shared in 2024 that they had shifted to using he/him pronouns. This embodies a continuous evolution of identity, shared openly with the world.
Their candor extends to discussions of sexuality, with Tortorella identifying as bisexual and demisexual. They have also been a prominent voice in normalizing diverse relationship structures, speaking openly about their polyamorous relationship with Bethany C. Meyers. This transparency has made them a significant advocate for authentic living and loving.
After over a decade of dating, Nico and Bethany C. Meyers civilly married in 2018, followed by a ceremony at St. Paul's Chapel. They've since grown their family, welcoming a daughter in 2023 and a son in 2024. Their journey together continues to reflect a deeply personal and public commitment to building a life on their own terms.
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Nico Tortorella
Nico Tortorella (born July 30, 1988) is an American actor and model, known for screen roles including the slasher film Scream 4 (2011), the Fox crime drama series The Following (2013–2015), and the TV Land comedy drama series Younger (2015–2021). He also played Felix Carlucci on the AMC series The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020–2021).
Life and career
Nico Tortorella
Tortorella is a native of Wilmette, Illinois, and a graduate of New Trier High School. He is of Italian descent. In May 2009, The CW ordered a 13-episode first season of the drama series The Beautiful Life: TBL. The series centered on a group of models sharing a residence in New York City and Tortorella portrayed the role of up-and-coming underwear model Cole Shepard. The series premiered on September 16, 2009, to mixed reviews from critics. The CW cancelled the series after its second episode due to low ratings.
In June 2009, Tortorella was announced to star in the ABC Family teen drama television series Make It or Break It, where he took on the role of Razor, an aspiring singer. Tortorella temporarily left the series to pursue work on The Beautiful Life and, after that series' cancellation, returned to Make It or Break It in a recurring role. In August 2010, Tortorella made a special guest appearance in the episode "If Only..." which marked his final appearance on the series. That year, Tortorella also had a small role in the Joel Schumacher film Twelve.
In June 2010, Tortorella was announced to star in the horror film Scream 4, the fourth installment of the Scream film series. He portrayed Trevor Sheldon, a Woodsboro teenager whose life is in danger when school peers are killed off one by one. Tortorella next appeared on the Fox serial killer drama The Following. The show was created by Kevin Williamson, who also wrote Scream 4. In 2014, Tortorella was cast as Josh, Sutton Foster's character Liza's younger lover in the TV Land comedy-drama Younger, created by Darren Star. His first leading film role was in the 2015 independent film Hunter&Game, in which he played hard-partying electronic musician Carson Lowe, which he described as a "role I was meant to play." The film premiered at the LA Indie Film Fest in October 2014, where it won Best Feature and Best Director of a Feature Awards. The film had its East Coast premiere at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival in May 2015, where it won the Best Feature award.
Tortorella launched The Love Bomb podcast on the At Will Radio network in September 2016. Tortorella and Matteo Lane were featured on the Nancy podcast on May 1, 2018. Tortorella competed on RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race in April 2020.
Personal life
Nico Tortorella
Tortorella previously used they/them pronouns, though in 2024 shared that he had shifted to using he/him pronouns. He has identified as bisexual, demisexual, and gender fluid.
Tortorella and Bethany C. Meyers dated for over a decade before they revealed that their polyamorous relationship created divisions with their respective families. Tortorella and Meyers civilly married March 9, 2018, at a Manhattan City clerk's office before exchanging vows at St. Paul's Chapel. The couple have a daughter, born in 2023, and a son born in 2024.
Filmography
Film
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2010</td><td>Twelve</td><td>Tobias</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>Scream 4</td><td>Trevor Sheldon</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Trespass</td><td>Jake</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>Odd Thomas</td><td>Simon Varner</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>Hunter&Game</td><td>Carson Lowe</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Fluidity</td><td>Matt</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>The Mattachine Family</td><td>Thomas Reid</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Television
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2009</td><td>The Beautiful Life</td><td>Cole Shepherd</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>2009–2010</td><td>Make It or Break It</td><td>Razor</td><td>Recurring role</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>The Following</td><td>Jacob Wells</td><td>Main role (season 1)</td></tr><tr><td>2015–2021</td><td>Younger</td><td>Josh</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>Mamma Dallas</td><td>Jesse</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>Menendez: Blood Brothers</td><td>Lyle Menendez</td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>RuPaul's Drag Race</td><td>Himself</td><td>Episode: "Tap That App"; also guest judge</td></tr><tr><td>Trailblazer Honors</td><td></td><td>Television film</td></tr><tr><td>2018–2019</td><td>How Far Is Tattoo Far?</td><td>Himself</td><td>Host</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club</td><td>Himself</td><td>Guest</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race</td><td>Himself</td><td>Competitor</td></tr><tr><td>Legendary</td><td>Himself</td><td>Guest judge, episode: "Wild Wild West"</td></tr><tr><td>2020–2021</td><td>The Walking Dead: World Beyond</td><td>Felix Carlucci</td><td>Main role</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>Cribs</td><td>Himself</td><td>Guest</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>City on Fire</td><td>William</td><td>Main role</td></tr></tbody></table>
Music videos
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Role</th><th>Artist</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2013</td><td>"Valentine's for One"</td><td>Kissing man</td><td>Forklift Comedy</td></tr></tbody></table>