Actress Nicole Butler Vegas’ noteworthy accomplishments began long before she began her show biz career, which was in 2021. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Nicole joined the US Air Force after high school and was stationed overseas. After her military service, she began a career in law enforcement and became a police officer for the North Las Vegas Police Department, serving in a city that afforded her to see a fair share of action and where she is now a permanent resident.
Since beginning her acting career, Nicole has racked up quite a few impressive credits and worked with some prominent people in independent films on both sides of the camera. She is currently on location filming Lost Media with director Shawn C. Phillips, whom she has worked with in the past on his films Skate to Hell and Desert Fiends and Desert Fiends 2. Besides acting, Nicole is heavily involved behind the camera with credits that include producing, art department, and even craft services.
Nicole graciously found time during her filming schedule to grant us this interview so that we can learn about her very impressive list of credits, both inside and outside of show biz. Above photo of Nicole in front of her image as “Sabre Sparkles” from Clown Motel: 3 Ways to Hell, courtesy of Nicole herself.
CHRIS CHARLES: Thank you so much for doing this for Idol Features, Nicole.NICOLE BUTLER VEGAS: Thank you for this opportunity to share and connect with others through this interview!
CHRIS: As you know, my friend and colleague, Mya Nguyen told me about you. How did you and Mya become acquainted?
NICOLE: We are all inner-connected through working on films together.
CHRIS: You’ve told me you are currently on location, shooting a film and will be until May. Where are you now and what is the film and your role in it?
NICOLE: I am filming Lost Media, my fourth feature film as a main producer with Director/Writers Shawn C. Phillips (“Coolduder” on his YouTube channel) and Ethan Phillips. I have three roles in this film; “Nina,” “Celeste” and “Nina Clone.” We started planning in November 2025. The campaigning, marketing, locations, casting, proper paperwork, crafty… I’m also working very closely with Kevin M Greig, our unit production manager on booking tickets, hotels, and transportation for our celebrities we booked in our film.
CHRIS: Before you entered show biz, you had far from a boring life. First off, I understand you’re an Air Force veteran. Please tell me a little about your military career.
NICOLE: I went into the Air Force in 1998 and was deployed in 1999 to Prince Sultan Air Force Base for four months. I was trained as a M-60 specialist. I was told in a war time situation, the life expectancy for a M-60 specialist is 30 seconds. I was a military police officer which led me later in life to be a cop in North Las Vegas for a short term! Glad I had the training and experience as a cop in the military and a civilian cop in law enforcement! My son Kyle is now three years enlisted in the Marines as an aviation mechanic.
CHRIS: As an Army veteran, I thank both of you for your service to our country, and yes, I read that you also have law enforcement training after you left the Air Force. After you completed the academy, where did you serve as a law enforcement officer?
NICOLE: I had six months of training in the police academy here in Las Vegas. We were trained with OC spray (oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly known as pepper spray), boxing, taser, long hours of learning in the classroom and I physically trained to survive or at least hold on till our backup arrived! The 3 C’s contain, control, and communicate! You can never guess or prepare enough to experience so many levels of life’s curveballs that come at you every day on the streets! Hence after all my training, I decided that it was not for me and pursued other areas of interest in my life. I still stay in contact with many of my ex-coworkers.
CHRIS: That’s quite impressive. Did you make many felony arrests?
NICOLE: I have made many felony arrests and many where I felt I got there just in time! So many close calls and seconds away from being a completely devastating circumstance! You see people at their absolute worst and knowing you did what you could to help despite the circumstances at hand. My gun was most of the time out and my head on a swivel making sure to have situational awareness. Being able to deescalate a situation and make the scene safe. A lot of trips to the jail!
CHRIS: You were born in Buffalo, but now live in Las Vegas. Is there anything about Buffalo you miss and can’t get in Las Vegas?
NICOLE: When my grandparents were alive, I missed being close to them! I tried so hard to move back home and it just wasn’t in the cards for me. I love the summers there, chicken finger subs, loganberry drinks, pizza logs, duffs wings, Niagara Falls tourist spots, Becker Farm pies. I grew up with my grandma Vera getting for us during the holidays. I grew up horseback riding and fun bon fires, the country life! I lived in many places growing up and my favorite was with my grandma Vera and Papa!
CHRIS: Are you much of a gambler?
NICOLE: I had zero luck with any gambling! Even when I was on a Boyd Gaming commercial, I lost more times in the scene then I should have! What odds of not winning so much? By the way, when you bet wrong in blackjack, others get mad cause they lose too! No gambling for me! I enjoy the Vegas shows; Zowie Bowie performances, Nelson Ghost Town, Lee Canyon for skiing, and my very favorite is Freakling Brothers Trilogy of Terror once a year during Halloween (The Mollner Family).
CHRIS: When did you start acting in films?
NICOLE: I started acting through meeting my first film friend, Corey Thompson, in 2001. Corey connected me to Julie C. Goldman of Goldman & Associates. I was then booked on my very first set as background on a pilot called “The Cleaning Lady.” The production bumped me with my first Taft Harltely. I then signed up with a few acting coaches; Paul X Campanella, Billy McNamara (Dreamtraxx), and a few others. I also took some stunt training through Allen Woodmen that included high falls, fighting, and arm burns. Goggle Nicole Butler Vegas and you can see what areas I have done in the entertainment world.
CHRIS: So, I assume horror is your favorite genre?
NICOLE: Yes, I love horror-comedy! My favorites growing up were Poltergeist, Evil Dead 2, Waxworks 1 & 2, Warlock 1 & 2, Staytuned, Witchboard, Drag Me to Hell, Frighteners, It, Dusk to Dawn, American Mary….! I love the creative side of horror, especially with the death scenes! My life is serious enough so I enjoy the campy films!
CHRIS: You have quite a few upcoming films. Which ones are you most excited about?
NICOLE: When my grandparents were alive, I missed being close to them! I tried so hard to move back home and it just wasn’t in the cards for me. I love the summers there, chicken finger subs, loganberry drinks, pizza logs, duffs wings, Niagara Falls tourist spots, Becker Farm pies. I grew up with my grandma Vera getting for us during the holidays. I grew up horseback riding and fun bon fires, the country life! I lived in many places growing up and my favorite was with my grandma Vera and Papa!
CHRIS: Are you much of a gambler?
NICOLE: I had zero luck with any gambling! Even when I was on a Boyd Gaming commercial, I lost more times in the scene then I should have! What odds of not winning so much? By the way, when you bet wrong in blackjack, others get mad cause they lose too! No gambling for me! I enjoy the Vegas shows; Zowie Bowie performances, Nelson Ghost Town, Lee Canyon for skiing, and my very favorite is Freakling Brothers Trilogy of Terror once a year during Halloween (The Mollner Family).
CHRIS: When did you start acting in films?
NICOLE: I started acting through meeting my first film friend, Corey Thompson, in 2001. Corey connected me to Julie C. Goldman of Goldman & Associates. I was then booked on my very first set as background on a pilot called “The Cleaning Lady.” The production bumped me with my first Taft Harltely. I then signed up with a few acting coaches; Paul X Campanella, Billy McNamara (Dreamtraxx), and a few others. I also took some stunt training through Allen Woodmen that included high falls, fighting, and arm burns. Goggle Nicole Butler Vegas and you can see what areas I have done in the entertainment world.
CHRIS: So, I assume horror is your favorite genre?
NICOLE: Yes, I love horror-comedy! My favorites growing up were Poltergeist, Evil Dead 2, Waxworks 1 & 2, Warlock 1 & 2, Staytuned, Witchboard, Drag Me to Hell, Frighteners, It, Dusk to Dawn, American Mary….! I love the creative side of horror, especially with the death scenes! My life is serious enough so I enjoy the campy films!
CHRIS: You have quite a few upcoming films. Which ones are you most excited about?
NICOLE: My most exciting moment has been directed by Shawn C. Phillips; Skate to Hell. I love my role of “Kat” and the real worm scene in my mouth! I am looking forward to Alien Horde, The Mahal Empire, Thank you Michael Mahal, Sonny Mahal, and director Brandon Slagle for casting me in a co-starring role as “Karly.” Clown Motel: 3 Ways to Hell was fun and I played “Sabre Sparkles.” It was directed by Joe Kelly. Sabre Sparkles does not play nice with the cowboys! Also in my recent film, Lost Media, I had three roles; Nina, Nina Clone, and Celeste. That is directed by Shawn C. Phillips.
CHRIS: What character would you say was the biggest stretch for you to play?
NICOLE: Lost Media, which we recently wrapped on! Multiple roles with kill scenes can be exhausting, but worth it when the viewers can get pulled into the madness! The one scene from Skate to Hell in which Kat has the real worms poured into her/my mouth! Desert Fiends 2 also with my head being ripped off and other projectile substances in my scenes. Sabre Sparkles from Clown Motel: 3 Ways to Hell as well since some takes can only be done one time! Knowing you have to get it correct the first time, no do-overs!
CHRIS: What has been your most physically challenging film role, so far?
NICOLE: This last film Lost Media, since I was heavily involved with this one with multiple hats on production side, having heavy dialogue at times was very challenging for me. Also the screaming and kill scene I did with Jason Wallace was painful being in the rocks and an uncomfortable position screaming in his ear.
CHRIS: Are there any actresses known for horror you particularly admire?
NICOLE: Alison Lohman is the actress I admire for her role in Drag Me To Hell. Her role as Christine Lohman was very inspiring so inspiring I took a scene she had in the bed while the gypsy hovered over her puking bugs into her mouth! In the film Skate to Hell, I played Kat and had a scene where real worms were puked into her mouth. It was very inspired by the scene in Drag me to Hell.
CHRIS: I agree Alison did an amazing job in such a demanding role that film. So, is there anyone in indie films, on either side of the camera, you haven’t yet worked with, but would really like to work with?
NICOLE: Yes, a few actually! Director Chase Dudley, director Billy Pon, director Rick Danford and my very favorite is director JT Mollner. Especially JT.
CHRIS: By the way, I saw Mason Reese, of 1970s “borgasmord” commercial fame, pictured with you and others in the cast of Lost Media. What is he like to work with?
NICOLE: Mason Reese brings such enthusiasm and professionalism to the set and scenes! His appearance may be small, however his presence and energy level is unmatched with anyone I have ever worked with. I am glad director Shawn C. Philips cast him in Skate to Hell and Lost Media.
CHRIS: You also have done many behind the camera roles. Is there anything you haven’t done behind the scenes, but would be willing to try?
NICOLE: I would love to direct or co-direct a feature film! Really capture my vision as a director not just a main producer! Maybe it might be the next film I decide to take on, it is one I am directing!
CHRIS: What character would you say was the biggest stretch for you to play?
NICOLE: Lost Media, which we recently wrapped on! Multiple roles with kill scenes can be exhausting, but worth it when the viewers can get pulled into the madness! The one scene from Skate to Hell in which Kat has the real worms poured into her/my mouth! Desert Fiends 2 also with my head being ripped off and other projectile substances in my scenes. Sabre Sparkles from Clown Motel: 3 Ways to Hell as well since some takes can only be done one time! Knowing you have to get it correct the first time, no do-overs!
CHRIS: What has been your most physically challenging film role, so far?
NICOLE: This last film Lost Media, since I was heavily involved with this one with multiple hats on production side, having heavy dialogue at times was very challenging for me. Also the screaming and kill scene I did with Jason Wallace was painful being in the rocks and an uncomfortable position screaming in his ear.
CHRIS: Are there any actresses known for horror you particularly admire?
NICOLE: Alison Lohman is the actress I admire for her role in Drag Me To Hell. Her role as Christine Lohman was very inspiring so inspiring I took a scene she had in the bed while the gypsy hovered over her puking bugs into her mouth! In the film Skate to Hell, I played Kat and had a scene where real worms were puked into her mouth. It was very inspired by the scene in Drag me to Hell.
CHRIS: I agree Alison did an amazing job in such a demanding role that film. So, is there anyone in indie films, on either side of the camera, you haven’t yet worked with, but would really like to work with?
NICOLE: Yes, a few actually! Director Chase Dudley, director Billy Pon, director Rick Danford and my very favorite is director JT Mollner. Especially JT.
CHRIS: By the way, I saw Mason Reese, of 1970s “borgasmord” commercial fame, pictured with you and others in the cast of Lost Media. What is he like to work with?
NICOLE: Mason Reese brings such enthusiasm and professionalism to the set and scenes! His appearance may be small, however his presence and energy level is unmatched with anyone I have ever worked with. I am glad director Shawn C. Philips cast him in Skate to Hell and Lost Media.
CHRIS: You also have done many behind the camera roles. Is there anything you haven’t done behind the scenes, but would be willing to try?
NICOLE: I would love to direct or co-direct a feature film! Really capture my vision as a director not just a main producer! Maybe it might be the next film I decide to take on, it is one I am directing!
CHRIS: I saw you on an episode of (the reality show) Bar Rescue. What was your experience with that show like?
NICOLE: Good experience all and all! I enjoyed speaking with John Taffer in front of the cameras as well behind the scenes. Just know you drink lots of booze and will be too tipsy to drive when they abruptly say cut for the day!
CHRIS: I also saw you on an episode of Penn and Teller: Fool Us. So just between us; were you actually a plant in the audience who was supposed to have the balloon when Teller rang the bell?
NICOLE: I was not planted despite everyone there not believing me that I wasn’t! I was actually very shocked that the balloon got to me! I was in the far back nose bleed section! I messed up and unlocked the magician locked in the box before instructed to do so! I just reset and locked the lock before I ruined the live show too much! Fun experience!
CHRIS: I see you appeared at “Days of the Dead” convention in Las Vegas last January. What was that like for you?
NICOLE: I love “The Days of the Dead” in Las Vegas at the Plaza hotel! Thank you to Bill Philputt, owner of the convention, who gave us our very first panel for my first feature as a main producer of Desert Fiends in January 2026! We will be back hopefully this September 4-6 2026 in Vegas! Hope he will give us a panel for Skate to Hell which has world wide distribution through Desk Pop Entertainment! Thank you Bill for supporting independent filmmakers and giving us the opportunity to be showcased! I love that we can give opportunities for others to be a part of and involved in the filmmaking process!
CHRIS: Do you possess any skills or have any hobbies only those close to you know about?
NICOLE: I can horseback ride, ski, and enjoy supporting and connecting others to resources through nonprofits!
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this for Idol Features, Nicole. In closing, do you have any shout-outs to anyone?
NICOLE: Thank you to all who have supported me along the way! My first film friend Corey Thompson, Jack Berner, Luciano Di Giallonardo, Mindy Dougherty, Julie Goldman along with director Shawn C. Phillips, Ethan Phillips, Kevin Greig (unit production manager), Noel G, Tom Arnold, Michael B. Moynahan, Brett Wagner, Michael and Sonny Mahal (The Mahal Empire), director Brandon Slagle, Guillermo T. Ramos, Michele Peralta, Jason Wallace (The Don Vic Show), Victor Santigo, Mary Kate, director Joe Kelly, director Chase Dudley, indie horror junkie Rick Danford, Kristy Adams, Eileen Dietz, Mya Nguyen and Chris Charles for this interview! You can check me out through Googling Nicole Butler Vegas! There are many ways to get involved with independent films!
NICOLE: Good experience all and all! I enjoyed speaking with John Taffer in front of the cameras as well behind the scenes. Just know you drink lots of booze and will be too tipsy to drive when they abruptly say cut for the day!
CHRIS: I also saw you on an episode of Penn and Teller: Fool Us. So just between us; were you actually a plant in the audience who was supposed to have the balloon when Teller rang the bell?
NICOLE: I was not planted despite everyone there not believing me that I wasn’t! I was actually very shocked that the balloon got to me! I was in the far back nose bleed section! I messed up and unlocked the magician locked in the box before instructed to do so! I just reset and locked the lock before I ruined the live show too much! Fun experience!
CHRIS: I see you appeared at “Days of the Dead” convention in Las Vegas last January. What was that like for you?
NICOLE: I love “The Days of the Dead” in Las Vegas at the Plaza hotel! Thank you to Bill Philputt, owner of the convention, who gave us our very first panel for my first feature as a main producer of Desert Fiends in January 2026! We will be back hopefully this September 4-6 2026 in Vegas! Hope he will give us a panel for Skate to Hell which has world wide distribution through Desk Pop Entertainment! Thank you Bill for supporting independent filmmakers and giving us the opportunity to be showcased! I love that we can give opportunities for others to be a part of and involved in the filmmaking process!
CHRIS: Do you possess any skills or have any hobbies only those close to you know about?
NICOLE: I can horseback ride, ski, and enjoy supporting and connecting others to resources through nonprofits!
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for doing this for Idol Features, Nicole. In closing, do you have any shout-outs to anyone?
NICOLE: Thank you to all who have supported me along the way! My first film friend Corey Thompson, Jack Berner, Luciano Di Giallonardo, Mindy Dougherty, Julie Goldman along with director Shawn C. Phillips, Ethan Phillips, Kevin Greig (unit production manager), Noel G, Tom Arnold, Michael B. Moynahan, Brett Wagner, Michael and Sonny Mahal (The Mahal Empire), director Brandon Slagle, Guillermo T. Ramos, Michele Peralta, Jason Wallace (The Don Vic Show), Victor Santigo, Mary Kate, director Joe Kelly, director Chase Dudley, indie horror junkie Rick Danford, Kristy Adams, Eileen Dietz, Mya Nguyen and Chris Charles for this interview! You can check me out through Googling Nicole Butler Vegas! There are many ways to get involved with independent films!
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. A former Xanga blogger ("Xangan"), Chris is still in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco. Besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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