Julianne Nicholson, best known for her somber roles in August: Osage County and Mare of Easttown, has taken a surprising comedic turn in the latest season of Hacks. As “Dance Mom,” a quirky influencer recruited to boost Deborah’s late-night show ratings, Nicholson showcases her comedic range — and some dance moves that took fans by surprise.
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The character, who shares TikTok-style videos of herself dancing to old-school choreography, was brought in by Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) and Kayla (Megan Stalter) in hopes of bringing viral energy to the struggling show. “I’m more than just heartbreak,” Nicholson joked, reflecting on her career shift from intense dramas to slapstick comedy.
Originally, the showrunners wanted Nicholson in an earlier season, but scheduling didn’t align. This time, they offered a “chunkier” role with a one-week shoot in Los Angeles — perfect for the UK-based actress, who calls herself a “huge fan” of the series.
To prepare, Nicholson trained with London choreographer Corey Baker to develop her dance persona. “Dance Mom has a very loose history with dance,” she explained, “but it’s more about creating a TikTok dance for a middle-aged woman.” Despite not considering herself a natural dancer, she embraced the challenge with humor and joy.
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The performance, though brief, left an impression. “On the call sheet, on my trailer, everything said ‘Dance Mom,’” Nicholson recalled, laughing. “People still shout it at me on the street — it brings me joy.”
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Whether Dance Mom will return in Hacks Season 5 is uncertain. “Maybe she should live on in our memories,” Nicholson mused. However, she continues to captivate audiences in Hulu’s Paradise, where she plays Sinatra — a calculating mastermind surviving assassination attempts and orchestrating chaos in an underground city.
The stark contrast between her roles has led to interesting fan encounters. “People tell me they hate me for playing Sinatra,” she said. “But then others call me Dance Mom and smile. I love that balance.”
And yes — Dance Mom has a real name: Mary Alice. A rare moment in the show reveals it during a drunken wake-up scene, hinting that there’s more depth to the character than her bubbly persona suggests.
From intense dramas to viral dance crazes, Julianne Nicholson continues to surprise and delight fans across genres.
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