There’s a certain magic that comes with watching a young star rise—seeing them evolve, take risks, and push their creative boundaries. Niko Ceci is one of those rare talents who captivates audiences with his undeniable charm, effortless charisma, and authenticity that makes him impossible to ignore.
Whether he’s lighting up the screen in Netflix’s I WOKE UP A VAMPIRE or pouring his heart into a new song, Niko is proving that his artistry knows no bounds.
Now, the 15-year-old Toronto native is about to make an electrifying leap into the music world with his debut single, OUTTA CONTROL, set to drop on November 15th across all streaming platforms.
Niko Ceci has been in the entertainment spotlight since he was six years old when he made his stage debut in the classic drama MATRIMONIO ALL’ITALIANA.
Since then, he has built an impressive résumé, from starring as the voice of Pablo in the remake of Clifford the Big Red Dog to his most recent role as Kev in I WOKE UP A VAMPIRE.
Niko caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about his dogs, work, and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs you’ve loved in your life.
I’ve only had one dog in my life. Her name is Willow, and she is a Silver Labrador Retriever. She is four years old and super playful! Willow is always running around, ready for a game of fetch or a swim! She is also always ready for a treat.
You’re obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hasn’t ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
My dog has been a part of my life for four years! She was a really good distraction from all of the craziness going on in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Willow has taught me how amazing it is to have a dog who is always there for you.
If you’ve never had a dog, it’s hard to explain, but they are like a best friend who never leaves your side. They make you laugh, they comfort you when you are sad, and they just love you no matter what!
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
My favorite things to do with Willow are definitely playing fetch and swimming! I would love to bring her to the beach one day because I am sure she would have a blast.
You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who wanted to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
My biggest advice to anyone who wants to work in the acting industry is, NEVER GIVE UP! It is a common statement, but it is the truth. If you book one in 50 auditions you're winning.
The best part of my work is being able to build characters and mix my own ideas with how the writers incision the very same characters. There is really nothing that I don’t love about acting, even the long days! It really is my passion and what I hope to do for the rest of my life!
Quick-fire questions:
Big dogs or little dogs?
Big dogs! I have one of my own! Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph? I like Willow’s crazy energy! She’s always ready to run and play, and it’s a challenge to keep up with her!
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Dogs who do as they’re asked or dogs who do whatever they like whenever they like?
Dogs who listen because it can get crazy sometimes.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
I like both at different times.
Days off or days at work?
Days on set!! I love filming.
The fastest route or the scenic route?
The scenic route, for sure! There’s always something fun to look at, and Willow loves to sniff everything along the way.
Nighttime or early morning?
Early morning! I love starting the day with a walk with Willow before the day gets busy.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
Willow tried to “help” me with laundry the other day, and she grabbed one of my socks and ran off with it. I was cracking up because she looked so proud of herself like she was doing something super important!
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I like to hang out with Willow, watch TV, and write scripts. Sometimes we just chill on the couch together!
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
I also love baking and cooking!! I think it is therapeutic for me.
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
Modern Family and Victorious.
Album?
Sugar Honey Iced Tea - Latto.
Film?
Priscilla.
Website?
Youtube, of COURSE.
Animal charity(s)?
I really like supporting local animal shelters that help find homes for dogs and other displaced animals.
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life and why?
Definitely, Amazon! I love the fact that you can order whatever you want and receive it within a day!
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
This is kind of a funny story, but when I auditioned for the role of "Pablo" on the reboot of Clifford the Big Red Dog, I convinced my parents to agree to get a puppy if I landed the role. I am not sure why, but they agreed and guess what? Now I have a four-year-old Silver Labrador Retriever, who you know as Willow.
Another memorable moment was definitely when I walked onto the I Woke Up A Vampire set for the first time. I remember thinking that I was in a dream and that it could not really be that at age 12, I was starring as one of the lead characters in a Netflix series.
Everything about that day, the sets, meeting the cast and crew, and doing the table reads represents my awe and my excitement every time I get the opportunity to work on a new project.
Finish the following sentence, “Dogs are…” ...
The best part of every day! They make everything more fun, exciting, and full of love.
And finally, this is a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they’d say?
I would ask her, “What is your favorite food? I really think she would say, “All food".
This is an opportunity to talk about any causes, projects, business ventures, etc that are important to you and you'd like us to tell our readers about.
If you love dogs, definitely check out your local animal shelters! They are always looking for help from the community, whether it’s by volunteering, adopting, donating, or just spreading the word about how to help animals in need.
Thanks, Niko!
Photo Credit: Vita Cooper
