Nikki Blonsky is an award-winning actress and singer best known as Tracy Tumbland in the 2007 film adaptation of the stage musical Hairspray.
Nikki Blonsky was born Nicole Margaret Blonsky on November 9, 1988 in Great Neck, New York to Karen Smeja and Carl Blonsky. Her mother is a school aide while his father is municipal worker. Although her father was Jewish, Nikki Blonsky was raised as Catholic and attended Great Neck North High School.
Blonsky first worked as a crew in the Cold Stone Creamery before rising to stardom for her starring role in the 2007 musical film Hairspray. She originally auditioned for the role of Tracy Tumbland in the Broadway version of Hairspray, but was told that she was too young for the role. After being turned down, Blonsky has given up hope of playing her dream role. But a New Line assistant noticed Blonsky’s performance in the Broadway audition, and brought her audition tape to the producers of the musical’s film version.
It was while she was serving scoops at the Cold Stone Creamery that Blonsky received the news that totally changed her life.
Blonsky’s outstanding portrayal of Tracy Tumbland earned her a Best Young Actress award in the 13th Annual Critics' Choice Awards. She also won best acting ensemble for her performance in the film along with Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow, Allison Janney, and Elijah Kelley.
Blonsky is also known as a talented singer. She has collaborated with local guitarist Jon Kestenbaum in recording a song dedicated to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. For her debut album, Blonsky has worked with alternative rock musician Duncan Sheik on a number of tracks. Her debut single, “On a High” was one of the original sound track of the Lifetime television film Queen Sized, in which she also did the lead role.