Nico Parker, daughter of acclaimed director Ol Parker and actress Thandiwe Newton, is making waves in Hollywood with her commendable performances in notable productions, including HBO’s popular series ‘The Last of Us’ and the highly anticipated animated film ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. At 21 years old, Nico’s rise in the film industry is drawing attention and praise, particularly from her father, who expressed his affection for her burgeoning career during a recent interview.
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Ol Parker, who recently premiered his new romantic comedy ‘Office Romance’ at Los Angeles’ Egyptian Theatre, enthusiastically discussed his daughter’s achievements with PEOPLE, highlighting her knack for capturing audiences. “It’s incredible to see how well she’s doing in such significant roles,” he remarked when prompted about Nico’s rapid ascent within the entertainment sphere. He further noted her recent work in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, which she has just completed filming, setting the stage for its release in 2027.
Adding a light-hearted twist, Ol jokingly referred to himself as a “nepo dad”—a term often used to denote nepotism—in the context of potentially collaborating with Nico. “If the chance arises for us to work together, I should be so lucky,” he said, hinting at the possibility of their professional paths crossing in the future. “She’s incredibly talented, but it might take some persuading on my part to get her to work with me,” he quipped.
Reflecting on the dynamics of their relationship, Ol commented that their collaboration might present unique challenges. “I can already foresee the potential for her to disregard my authority on set. It’s like, ‘Hey, you can’t speak to me that way!’ But it’s all in good fun,” he laughed, revealing the warmth and humour that characterises their father-daughter bond. Despite their playful banter, Ol noted that Nico often dismisses his advice, particularly when it comes to her self-tape submissions, saying, “She’s just like, ‘No, this is rubbish.’”
Nico was born in 2004 to Ol and Thandiwe, who were married for over two decades before their separation in 2022. The couple also share another daughter, Ripley Parker, who is 25. As both daughters chart their own paths in the world of entertainment, Ol has expressed pride in their accomplishments.
In his latest directorial venture, Ol was fortunate to work with some high-profile talent, including Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein in ‘Office Romance’. Lopez stars as Jackie, the CEO of an airline who finds herself romantically entangled with the company’s lawyer, played by Goldstein. Ol shared how thrilled he was to direct a script that wasn’t his own, calling the writing by Goldstein and Joe Kelly “fantastic”.
“This is the first film I’ve directed without writing it myself, and I was just lucky to be chosen for such a great project,” Ol elaborated, underscoring the rarity of the scenario for him. Considering Lopez’s reputation as the “queen” of romantic comedies, Ol was eager to be a part of the project. “Watching her work is a masterclass in itself,” he said.
He described a particularly memorable moment while working with Lopez, when she captured a specific laugh for the film via a voice note after the initial take didn’t resonate as strongly. “She just sent it to me on her phone, and it made it into the final cut,” he explained. “It was a moment that showcased her talent and versatility—a testament to why she excels in this genre.”
During his discussion, Ol also touched on the chemistry between Lopez and Goldstein, noting the immediate rapport they established. “Chemistry can be manufactured, but you can’t beat the authenticity of two actors who naturally connect,” he observed. This organic chemistry, he believes, transforms a film and enhances its overall impact.
‘Office Romance’ is currently available on Netflix, and Ol encourages audiences to experience the delightful project that showcases the highs and lows of love and ambition. As he continues to navigate his own career in the film industry, both as a director and as a proud father, Ol Parker’s reflections underscore a heartfelt connection to his daughters, particularly as they pursue their aspirations in Hollywood.