17-year-old New York actress/singer Nicole Blonksy will play Tracy Turnblad in the new Hairspray film. And if that name had you saying “who?” at your computer screen, you’re not alone. Not that many people outside of Great Neck, New York know her name.
New Line has been conducting a nationwide search across the States to find a true unknown to take the lead role alongside Queen Latifah, John Travolta and the just-announced Amanda Bynes. Blonksy has experience singing in musicals, but was apparently working at an ice cream shop when she scored the audition.
Now all she has to do is survive working alongside Travolta in a dress. Hairspray starts shooting this year for a summer 2007 release.