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12-Year-Old Dutchess Actress Gets Royal Treatment In New Nickelodeon Show

DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- Akira Golz, a 12-year-old Southern Dutchess resident is the voice behind the new Nickelodeon show, "Nella the Princess Knight."

Dutchess resident Akira Golz is the voice of Nella in Nickelodeon's new "Nella the Princess Knight."

Dutchess resident Akira Golz is the voice of Nella in Nickelodeon's new "Nella the Princess Knight."

Photo Credit: Submitted

The animated show, geared to the preschools set, airs Monday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. The series centers on Nella, an unconventional 8-year-old who possesses the royal qualities of a princess, like compassion and grace, while also embodying the courage and determination of a brave knight. 

Whenever a problem arises, Nella embarks on daring quests to save her kingdom through her unique ability to transform from a princess into Nella the Princess Knight. According to a Nickelodeon spokesperson, the show features a social-emotional curriculum promoting self-confidence, inclusiveness and compassion for others. 

Following its U.S. launch, "Nella the Princess Knight" will debut internationally in spring 2017.

Golz, who sings, dances and acts, said getting this role was a dream come true. Though she's lent her voice to "Dora the Explorer" and "Peter Rabbit," this is her first starring role. The actor and model, who has been in the business since age five, has also appeared on Broadway in "Matilda," along with other regional theater musicals. She said she likes voicing Nella because she's so "cool." 

"I'm still trying to process it all," she told Daily Voice. "This is what I've wanted to do for a long time."  She particularly likes the fact that Nella likes dancing at extravagant balls just as much as she likes meeting fire-breathing dragons. 

Golz can relate as she loves softball, body surfing and dodging through New York City on her scooter, just as much as she does lacing up pointe shoes and singing.

Leading up to Nella the Princess Knight’s series premiere, NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will feature exclusive content including a full-length episode, as well as original pieces of short-form content. NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App will also launch a brand-new game inspired by the show, in which players ride through the kingdom with Nella and help return sleeping dragons to their homes.

Robert Vargas (head writer, "Zack and Quack") serves as an executive producer on the show and the series is created by Christine Ricci (curriculum advisor, "Blaze and the Monster Machines," "Dora the Explorer"). 

As for where Golz will be when the show airs? Said the tween: "I'll be at school."

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