As a LGBT philanthropist, MC, and winner of multiple South-Florida pagents, as well as the star of lavish productions at The Copa for many years, few can match Nikki Adams. But what could she turn into that no one knows about?
Where did you grow up? In a small town called Jennerstown, in Southwestern Pennsylvania. How long have you lived in South Florida? For 41 years. Why did you move here? I had to get out of the small-town mentality. What part of South Florida do you live in? In the Hollywood area. What do you like most about living here? The weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At home, because I get enough social activity through work. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’ve been a performer and community activist in South Florida for a long time, and I won the Miss Florida Pageant in 1981.
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What contribution to South Florida LGBT community are you proudest of? Raising millions of dollars over the years for charities. What’s the best gig you ever did, and why? A New Year’s night at Ozone, when the audience crowd-surfed me from the stage, around the bar, and then back to the stage. How did you come up with your name? I was named by my drag mother—Tiny Tina—after a 60’s sci-fi actor—Nick Adams—who was blonde, with blue eyes. How would you like to be remembered? As alive! Will you ever retire? That’s doubtful. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Can I get change from that $5 that I tipped you?”
What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? All of the ones that I’ve met. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Shopping sites. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Paris. And I’m going back for my fourth trip there in the spring, because I love that city. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Patience. What did you learn from your parents? To love and to be loved. What performer do you admire, and why? Latrice Royale, because she’s made her way with grace and humility.
What’s your favorite movie? Auntie Mame. What drives you crazy? Stupidity. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I’d feel awesome! I’d be fed to my content and I’d get belly rubs!! Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? Yes. What’s your best characteristic? Honesty. How do you enjoy spending your time? By relaxing with my pets. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Adam Pascal. Who do you admire, and why? My dad. He’s the smartest and most compassionate person that I know. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My mom, because I miss talking to her. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? To the future, when we elect a new president.
What would your last meal be? A ribeye steak, asparagus with hollandaise, and chocolate cake. What do you worry about? Bills! If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A piano, because it can play many notes at once. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Neither—I’m a cougar! Who depends on you? My pets. Who are you closest with? My friend, Melissa. What would your autobiography be called? Live, Live, Live! What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Broadway music. What’s on your bucket list? To visit the Far East. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have none. I learn from my mistakes. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I could easily be a recluse. Where can we see you? On Tuesdays, for Trivia Night at Smarty Pants. And in a city near you!
