Nikki Blonsky’s TikTok Comeback: Rise, Fall, and Return to Fame

BREWSTER, N.Y. — Nikki Blonsky, best known for her role in the 2007 film “Hairspray,” has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to TikTok, where she has been sharing her vocal talent and nostalgia for the beloved musical.

The 36-year-old actress’s videos have captured the attention of a younger audience, prompting her to raise the price of her Cameo video messages from $20 to $100 in response to rising demand.

“It’s kind of iconic that Blonsky is making bank from a role she had 17 years ago,” noted entertainment critics who pointed out that many Gen Z viewers may not be familiar with her full story.

Blonsky’s career trajectory took a sharp turn following an altercation in 2008 at an airport in Turks and Caicos. At that time, she, her father Carl, and mother Karen became involved in a confrontation with Bianca Golden, a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model.” The fight reportedly escalated over saved seating arrangements and resulted in arrests for both families, alongside allegations of racial slurs.

“I did not take a conscious step out of Hollywood. Singing and acting has been my dream since I was three. It kind of feels like the industry left me,” Blonsky reflected in a 2017 interview, acknowledging how significantly the incident influenced her career.

According to media reports, the incident received widespread coverage, tarnishing Blonsky’s image as an up-and-coming star. In subsequent interviews, she expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “I am deeply saddened and hurt to hear I have been wrongly accused of ever having anything other than love in my heart for someone of a different race.”

The actress has continued to perform sporadically but has admitted to feeling overshadowed by the negative attention from the airport fight. In 2020, amid embracing her identity as a gay woman, she faced a resurgence of messages regarding the altercation, further complicating her attempts to move past the event.

Despite the obstacles, Blonsky is thriving in her new role as a social media influencer and performer, using platforms like Cameo to connect with fans and introduce a new generation to “Hairspray.” In 2023, she and her partner, Hailey Jo Jenson, are reportedly enjoying the financial benefits of their online presence and nostalgic appeal.

Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of fame and how a single incident can dramatically alter public perception and career trajectories. While she has navigated significant challenges, Blonsky’s return to the spotlight underscores the potential for redemption and reinvention in the entertainment industry.