August 8th 2024.
Nic Sampson had a rather unconventional first job, to say the least. While most people his age were just getting out of school and trying to figure out their next move, he landed a role as the Yellow Power Ranger at the young age of 18. Can you imagine? While his peers were stuck in stuffy classrooms, he was off saving the world as a live-action superhero. How cool is that?
Of course, playing a Power Ranger wasn't all fun and games. Nic had to wear a lot of latex, which was definitely not the most comfortable thing in the world. And fun fact: whenever you see a Power Ranger in their helmet, it's actually a stunt double. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that's just the way it is.
After his stint as the Yellow Mystic Ranger in Power Rangers Mystic Force, which aired in 2006, Nic went on to star in other shows like Funny Girls and The Brokenwood Mysteries. Now, at the age of 37, he's reflecting on his unique experience as a Power Ranger and turning it into a show for the Edinburgh Fringe.
"It's definitely not your typical after-school job," Nic says with a laugh. "I had to move from Wellington to Auckland to film the show, so I ended up living in a hotel for six months. It was quite an adventure."
At the age of 18, Nic was suddenly thrust into the world of acting and fame. But even though his role as a Power Ranger was undeniably cool, he didn't quite feel like he fit the traditional superhero mold. "I was really into improv comedy and still had one of my baby teeth," he admits. "But they wanted one of the Power Rangers to be this nerdy, fantasy-loving kid, which was perfect for me."
Despite not feeling like the typical action hero, Nic had a blast playing alongside his fit and attractive Australian co-stars. And even though he was living the high life for a short while, he quickly learned that it wasn't sustainable. "I remember my parents telling me to save my money while I was on the show," he recalls. "But I was young and naive, and I thought I would never have to work again. By the end of the season, I had spent most of my Power Rangers money on the hotel."
But being a Power Ranger also gave Nic a false sense of what life in the entertainment industry would be like. "I lived off the money for a while, but eventually had to get a job at a bakery," he says. "It was definitely a humbling experience, having to get up early and work a 'regular' job."
Despite the challenges, Nic's time as a Power Ranger gave him a unique perspective and ultimately led him to where he is now – writing and performing comedy. His upcoming show at the Edinburgh Fringe is a character show where he plays himself trying to organize a reunion of the Power Rangers cast at a comic convention. "It's going to be very silly," he assures us.
As he gears up for the Fringe, Nic admits to being a bit nervous. "I have a mix of excitement and nerves," he shares. "In the hours leading up to the show, I sometimes wish I would just get slightly hit by a car so I have to cancel. But deep down, I know I'll have a great time once I'm on stage."
But despite the nerves, Nic is excited to share his story and make people laugh. And who knows, maybe his time as a Power Ranger will inspire some future superheroes in the audience. You can catch Nic's show, "Yellow Power Ranger," at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 8-16 and 18-25. Tickets are available now. And if you have a celebrity story or any tips, be sure to reach out to The Agency's entertainment team. They'd love to hear from you.
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