Actress Julia Nickson made quite a splash in the 80s action scene starring alongside Sylvester Stallone in “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” and now she’s showing fans a whole new side of herself. And yep, she’s rocking gray hair like a total pro while doing it. At 66, Julia is embracing both retirement and a more relaxed, joyful pace of life, and she shared a rare glimpse into that journey on Instagram earlier this year.
Getty (Kevin Winter)A Heartfelt Goodbye to the Spotlight
On March 29, 2025, Julia shared a serene, close-up shot of herself reclining back in a chair. Her gray hair is pulled back, her face relaxed, and she’s casually sporting what looks to be a simple t-shirt. Captioned with gratitude, she explained her reasons for retiring. “Working over 40 years in the US has been an extraordinary journey with many ups and downs. Feeling extraordinarily grateful for so many talented actors I have had the opportunity to be with on the screen.”
The photo radiates calm energy and contentment; a far cry from the high-octane action film that made her famous. Besides working on “Rambo,” Julia also appeared in cult classics like “China Cry,” and made guest appearances on TV shows including “Babylon 5” and “Murder, She Wrote.” She also worked with big names like Richard Roundtree, Michael Ironside, and David Carradine, over her decades-long career, proving she could hold her own in any scene.
Truck Adventures in Kauai
A few months later, Julia posted a more playful, casual shot in a pink t-shirt, her hair slightly messy yet effortlessly chic, showing off a pickup truck. “My ride in Kauai! Always love driving trucks,” she said in her caption. “It would be my vehicle of choice if I had a big driveway to park it in!”
This post shows another side of Julia: fun-loving, adventurous, and unapologetically herself. It’s a reminder that her life now is about simple joys and experiences rather than stunts and cameras.
Fans Celebrate Her Journey
Fans have been quick to express their admiration for Julia, celebrating both her career and her current joy in life. One wrote, “Even after all these years, you’re still beautiful,” while another added, “Your attitude towards life has changed me a lot. I envy you.”
Many reflected fondly on her acting, sharing, “Happy Retirement, I enjoyed watching you as Catherine Sakai from Babylon 5!!” and another posted this ode to her:
“You were my first celebrity crush (born 1974) and your beauty, charm and grace have never been forgotten. I visited Singapore last year and I was truly amazed at its beauty. I’ll definitely be back. Luck and love in your future endeavors.”
Others couldn’t help commenting on her playful truck post, saying, “You look so joyful and that truck is a total beast—you’ve got both style and power.”
Together, these posts show a star at peace with her past and excited for her present. And it seems like fans are just as happy to see Julia Nickson stepping back and enjoying life as they were to see her on screen in the 80s.
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