What was it like meeting Ricky Lake? Did she have any words of encouragement?
Nikki Blonsky: Ricky was unbelievable. I have been a huge fan of Ricky ever since the original movie. I watched her on TV. Nikki’s version of the Corny Collins show was her show. I ran home every day to watch her. To work with her was amazing. To get to know her for the great lady she is was really nice, too. Did you relate to your character’s treatment at school? Nikki Blonsky: Yes. I was made fun of terribly in school because of my different shape, and because I was short. I just didn’t fit in. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Ultimately, I think it made me a stronger person. I think I owe that to my parents. My parents never made me feel like I was different. They never made me feel out of place. I always felt right at home. I belonged, according to them. They really gave me the strength to do this and to do what I wanted with my life. It was exciting to spread the word with the World that you don’t have to be a certain size or shape to follow your dreams and be what you really want to be. If y
