Niko Terho’s story stands as a testament to the importance of embracing change and following one’s dream
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns … and for actor Niko Terho, it is exactly those twists and turns that have paved the way for his extraordinary journey. Born in Barbados with Finnish roots, Terho initially set his sights on a promising football career. However, fate had other plans for him. A deep-seated passion for acting led him to pivot from sport to the entertainment industry. And this bold move has certainly paid off. Case in point: Since 2022, Terho has been a series regular on “Grey’s Anatomy”…
DAMAN: We learned that you were trained to be a football player at 15 but then you made the move to become an actor instead. What drove you to that decision?
Niko Terho: I absolutely loved playing football. But I made some discoveries about what my life would look like if I continued pursuing football as a career and it just wasn’t quite what I wanted. I also had this insane pull to acting. I’d always been obsessed with movies growing up and knew I wanted to do what those actors were doing. It just got to the point where the pull was too strong and I owed it to myself to give it a shot.
DA: What were some of the initial challenges you faced when transitioning from football to acting?
NT: It’s funny because in many ways football seemed like the secure path. I had always been told that I was good at it and it had been the thing that had provided all the opportunities. Acting was this unknown quantity and it’s really hard to know if you’re any good unless you actually go for it. So, there was this sense of doubt initially: “Am I making a stupid decision?” But in the end, I knew I just had to follow the happiness and go with my gut, which is how I tend to move through life in general.
DA: Can you tell us about your first film project?
NT: Other than training, my first acting gig was for a movie in 2019 called “The Thing About Harry” directed by Peter Paige. It was pretty wild because not only was that my first acting gig, but it was also my first leading role. They really took a chance there. Everyone involved, both cast and crew, were so welcoming. It really was a great environment to learn in.
DA: Can you tell us about your experience auditioning for “Grey’s Anatomy”?
NT: That process was also quite surprising. You hear all these stories about jumping through a ton of hoops with multiple chemistry reads before a decision is made. But I had almost the opposite experience. I sent in a self-tape audition and about a week later I got the offer and was asked to fly out a week after that. It all moved really quickly. It just goes to show that there is no one way that anything is ever done.
I also get to constantly live in my imagination and play make-believe for a living … which is pretty damn ideal in my opinion
DA: And what has been the most rewarding aspect of being a series regular on “Grey’s Anatomy”?
NT: There are so many rewarding aspects. I couldn’t ask for a better place to learn, especially as my career is just beginning. Getting to work alongside and witness some of the most talented and experienced actors in the business is priceless. I also get to constantly live in my imagination and play make-believe for a living … which is pretty damn ideal in my opinion.
DA: Now that season 20 of “Grey’s Anatomy” is airing, can you tell us about any storylines or developments that viewers can look forward to involving your character, Lucas Adams?
NT: I will say that Lucas goes through a lot of changes this season. It feels like he’s really trying to find himself and what kind of surgeon he is. There are a lot of growing pains. He’s really starting to stand up and look out for himself. He may not always handle it in the best ways, but it’s important for his journey and development.
DA: How does it feel to join such an iconic and long-running series like “Grey’s Anatomy”? And what do you hope to bring to the show with your character?
NT: “Grey’s” has produced so many iconic characters. Trying to match up or replicate any of them is an impossible task. I guess my hope is to just bring my own unique perspective on what it’s like to be a surgical intern in the world of “Grey’s Anatomy” and hopefully people can relate to and/or find it entertaining.
DA: And how does your character fit into the dynamics of the show?
NT: My character actually comes into the show with a pretty big connection to the hospital already. He’s a Shepherd, which means he’s related to some really iconic characters from the show. That comes with a ton of pressure, though he does do his best to hide this fact and chart his own course.
I trust that whatever is truly meant for you will come; you just got to do your best to be open and ready to let it in
DA: The entertainment industry can be rather unpredictable and is highly competitive. How do you stay inspired and motivated in this environment?
NT: The motivation and inspiration, I think, comes from me knowing for a fact that there is nothing in the world I’d rather be doing. Yes, the time in between jobs can be difficult, but I like to view this time as an opportunity to explore other aspects of life that can also be fun, whether it’s spending time with family and friends or picking up a new hobby. I trust that whatever is truly meant for you will come; you just got to do your best to be open and ready to let it in.
DA: What does a typical day in your life look like?
NT: I like to keep things pretty chill. A typical mundane day when I’m not working or traveling would probably start with me waking up and taking my dog for a hike. Then I come home and work out. After that, I’ll probably go grab brunch at a place in my neighborhood, then either go see a movie or drive to the beach. I also take my dog to the park—she’s an active pup. And I’d probably end the day with having friends over to watch a movie or just hang out.
DA: You’re also known for your passion for environmental causes. How do you envision merging this aspect of you with your work as an actor?
NT: In many ways, I’m only just getting started in this industry; so I’m still trying to figure out what the best way to merge the two worlds would be. At the moment, they are pretty separate, I guess, other than the fact that I’m starting to use the voice I’ve gained from acting to try and bring awareness to these issues. I hope to be able to figure that out soon.
DA: Are there any particular environmental initiatives or organizations you’re involved with that you’d like to highlight or support through your platform as an actor?
NT: We have a program in Barbados that is being implemented called The Roofs to Reefs Programme. Its aim is to make our country more resilient to climate change. I think it’s a very smart approach and I encourage people to read up on it. In Southern California, there is an organization I got to meet with called TreePeople. Their goal is to renew depleted landscapes, helping mountain forests recover from fires and bringing green spaces to urban areas where it is severely lacking, among other things. And globally, I’ve been following the efforts of Oceana who are dedicated to protecting and restoring our oceans. I think these are all great organizations and programs that should be highlighted.
DA: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring actors or individuals considering a career change like yours?
NT: Life is way too short for you not to be pursuing your passion. If it is really what you want to be doing, you owe it to yourself to give it a real shot. That can mean having a “survival job” whilst you work to achieve your goal. But don’t let it get in the way of that pursuit. It can be scary but it’s necessary for you to be the happiest you can be. It’s really hard to get this idea across without it sounding cheesy, but it is ultimately what I believe.
Photography @lensbymi_
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Grooming Heather-Rae Bang for Art Department using Balmain Hair and Ketu Skincare
Production Media Playground PR