Niklas Beger represents a new generation of talent moving fluidly between fashion and film. Signed to Marilyn Models, his path began with an early interest in acting before expanding into modeling, where image and presence became another form of storytelling.
In this conversation, he reflects on the influences shaping his creative identity, the relationship between acting and modeling, and the role fashion plays in the way he builds and expresses his work today.
01. Which early personal or cultural influences shaped the way you see yourself today, both in fashion and acting?
All of the friends I’ve made over the past few years. Similar to acting, friendship means giving and taking from one another. I feel most alive when someone can take a piece of my work and keep it.
02. If you had to choose eight key references that define your current visual and emotional language, which would they be?
01. Joachim Trier
02. Frances Ha
03. Greg Girard
04. The Walking Dead
05. Ben Stiller
06. A Sudden Gust of Wind
07. Jonathan Anderson
08. Kandinsky’s Squares with Concentric Circles
03. How did you get started in modeling, and how did you come to join Marilyn Models?
At some point, someone asked me if I was a model. I liked wearing cool clothes but hadn’t considered a professional career in modeling. I didn’t think I was photogenic. Then I submitted pictures to Marilyn.
04. What came first for you, acting or modeling, and how did that first experience shape the way you approach both today?
It might be surprising, but acting came first. I used to play a lot of story-driven video games that feature actors doing motion capture and voiceover. I think that’s what first got me into acting. Modeling is quite different, but similar in that it also tells a story.
05. What led you to study acting, and how did that experience shape you both creatively and personally?
Somehow I had my mind set on studying abroad, perhaps as a challenge. A different culture, a different language. But honestly, I just looked up acting programs online and Emerson in Boston was one of the two I went out for. Being surrounded by so many different creative people was quite amazing.
06. You recently worked on a short film. What did that experience reveal to you about yourself as a performer?
It reassured me how much I enjoy collaborating with others. That’s the best part, seeing everyone bring something to life.
07. You recently worked on a short film. What did that experience reveal to you about yourself as a performer?
It reassured me how much I enjoy collaborating with others. That’s the best part, seeing everyone bring something to life.
08. Looking ahead, what kind of roles, stories, or creative directions are you most excited to explore next?
I would love to take on projects set in the past or the future. Working on something like that must be the closest thing there is to time travel.
captured and styled by sasha brons.
featuring niklas beger from marilyn new york.
photo assistance by kate quezada.
editor in chief carlos venegas.
featuring niklas beger from marilyn new york.
photo assistance by kate quezada.
editor in chief carlos venegas.
