Haute Secrets Dallas: Talk Show Host and Actress, Nicole Barrett

Photo Credit: Danny Campbell Photography

Some people have a bigger than life personality and Talk Show Host, Actress, Pageant Winner and Native Texan, Nicole Barrett exudes star power! Having the ability to navigate a cut throat and competitive entertainment industry, Nicole realized early in her career what an immense asset she possessed in being a skilled communicator and resourceful entrepreneur. A self-made woman, never afraid of hard work, she successfully managed to create opportunities for herself and even earned the respect of some of Hollywood’s most iconic celebrities. Not too shy to speak her mind even in the political arena, this petite vixen has managed to pave a prolific path to becoming one of Dallas’ brightest stars.

Growing up in Dallas, in the historic community of Hamilton Park, Nicole’s emerging talent for acting blossomed in high school when she won Miss Texas Teen in the first pageant she ever entered. She went on to pursue a decade long pageant career which led to multiple titles including, Miss Texas National Teenager Top Ten Finalist, 1st Runner up Miss Santa Fe and Miss Black Texas 2001.

While attending college in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nicole continued to pursue her love of acting and appeared in a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” and also gained recognition for her roles as Rose in “Fences” and Blanche in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”  

Upon moving back to Dallas, the acting roles kept coming and she starred as Ruth in “A Raisin in the Sun,”  appeared in the film ‘Elvis and Annabelle‘ and on episodes of Style Network’s reality show ‘Big Rich Texas.’

Wanting to explore different creative genres, in 2014 Nicole debuted her very own talk show ‘The Nicole Barrett Show,’ and it became the only Black Woman Hosted TV and Radio Talk Show in #5 market in Dallas/Ft.Worth! The show focuses on hot topics, politics, health issues and has a weekly segment entitled ‘Interview with an Icon,’ that features legendary stars of music, film and history. Since the launch of her show, Nicole has interviewed some of the most famous names in the entertainment business including: Lily Tomlin, Newt Gringrich, Rich Little, Stephanie Powers, Governor Mark White, Holland Taylor, Frances Fisher, Bebe Winans, Julie Newmar, Patty Duke, Louis Gossett Jr., Audrey Landers, Tippi Hendren, Gloria Gaynor, Jesse Jackson, Bern Nadette Stanis, Shirley Jones, Freda Payne, The Temptations and many more!

Nicole’s most recent interview, in February 2016 created a media firestorm when she sat front row at Presidential hopeful Donald Trump’s Press Conference and asked the question that would be heard around the world: “Mr Trump, how do you feel about the recent endorsement from David Duke?”  The question along with Mr. Trump’s various responses were featured on all major outlets and sparked heated debates nationwide. As a result Nicole Barrett became known as the person who “Stumped Trump.” In her endeavors to remain neutral and always hear both sides of a story, she invited David Duke, who is known for his outspoken views on racial separation, to be a guest on her talk show.

Convinced that leading a well-balanced life is a caveat to success, Nicole supports philanthropic efforts that are close to her heart and is a member of the Dallas Theater Guild Board, Les Femmes du Monde and TACA. She has been a Chairperson for A Fabulous Luncheon with Debbie Reynolds, Shirley Jones Concert Gala Celebrating 60 years in Show Business and Kinky Friedman’s CD Release/Birthday Bash. Nicole’s latest projects include the developing of made-for-TV movies, reality-based shows and a feature film. With all this on her plate, one can surmise that we have not heard the last of Nicole Barrett, truth be told; it’s just the beginning!

Haute Living had the opportunity to sit down and get to know one of Dallas’ most dynamic personalities and what made her list of favorites.

Where were you born: Dallas, Texas

How long have lived in Dallas:  Most of my life.

Neighborhood: Originally- Hamilton Park! Currently- Uptown area.

Occupation: Talk Show Host/Actress

Best Sushi: Nobu

Best Italian: Avanti

Best dessert: La Duni

Best Steakhouse: Al Biernats

Best Pizza: Coal Vines

Best Sunday brunch: Del Frisco’s Grille

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox

Best Spa: Crescent Hotel

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: DMA

Best place for a power business meeting: Trulucks

Best Aspect of Dallas: The Downtown Skyline

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Fairmont

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Northpark Mall

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Kendra Scott

Favorite Charity Event: Fashion Stars for a Cause

Favorite Cultural Event: State Fair of Texas

Favorite Cultural Institution: Myerson Symphony Center

Describe your city in three words: Big, Beautiful, Best!

All-around favorite spot in Dallas: Klyde Warren Park

How do you spend your downtime? Watching News!

What Dallas social event do you look forward to all year? Mad Hatters

What’s your dream event? Co- Chairing a Gala with Kate Middleton!

Biggest Accomplishment: My late Pastor (before he passed) was honored with a Post Office to be named after him. He asked me to plan and coordinate the ceremony. There were hundreds of community leaders, elected officials, and dignitaries in attendance. It was an honor for me to be a part of that. Also, now Hosting a TV and Radio Talk Show in a #5 market, isn’t too bad, either!

Personal Mantra: “Dream it….Believe it….Make it Happen!” Whatever it Takes”

Photo Credit: Danny Campbell Photography