Katherine Langford pays tribute to her late drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson

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‘You gave me hope to pursue my dream’: Katherine Langford pays tribute to her ‘radiant’ drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson after she loses her battle with pancreatic cancer

By Jabeen Waheed For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Katherine Langford has paid a touching tribute to her late drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson who tragically lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

In a heartfelt post shared to her Instagram on, the 13 Reasons Why star wrote: ‘This morning I woke up to the news that my acting mentor, Fern Nicholson passed away last night in Perth‘

Alongside a picture of Fern, the 24-year-old continued: ‘Fern mentored me in some of the my most fundamental moments, and on top of everything that’s happened this year, it hurts that much more to be away from home and hear this news.’ 

‘You gave me hope’: Katherine Langford has paid a touching tribute to her late drama teacher Fern R. Nicholson who tragically lost her battle with pancreatic cancer

Katherine was a student at Fern’s prestigious Perth acting school. Nicholson’s Academy of Screen Acting, in 2015.

The following year, she headed to America after winning the coveted role of Hannah Baker in Netflix’s hit series, 13 Reasons Why.

Katherine went on to praise Fern in her tribute for ‘seeing something special in her before others.’

'Selfless and radiant': In a heartfelt post shared to her Instagram on, the 13 Reasons Why star wrote: 'This morning I woke up to the news that my acting mentor, Fern Nicholson [pictured] passed away last night in Perth'

‘Selfless and radiant’: In a heartfelt post shared to her Instagram on, the 13 Reasons Why star wrote: ‘This morning I woke up to the news that my acting mentor, Fern Nicholson [pictured] passed away last night in Perth’

‘I remember spending every Wednesday night in your classes – they were the highlight of my week, and gave me hope that maybe one day I’d be able to pursue this dream that I’m lucky to be living now. 

‘For those who met or had the privilege to be taught by her, you understand what a selfless and radiant soul she had, and the enormous light she leaves behind. RIP Fern ✨,’ the actress concluded.  

Fern launched Nicholson’s Academy of Screen Acting [NASA] in Perth with her brother Wayne in 2011. 

The 24-year-old continued: 'Fern mentored me in some of the my most fundamental moments, and on top of everything that's happened this year, it hurts that much more to be away from home and hear this news'

The 24-year-old continued: ‘Fern mentored me in some of the my most fundamental moments, and on top of everything that’s happened this year, it hurts that much more to be away from home and hear this news’

On her website, Fern wrote: ‘I am a hard trainer with a tremendous amount of passion! I love ALL who I work with and trust that all students who have the same drive and passion will allow me to assist them in making this journey an exciting one!

‘It’s my mission to share and explore with as many of you that are just as passionate about this craft as I. 

‘It’s not just about the techniques and skills that are required to be a great actor, it’s about you, about you’re personal journey and gathering “life skills” on the way. I love what I do and do what I love!!’

Training: Katherine was a student at Fern's prestigious Perth acting school. Nicholson's Academy of Screen Acting, in 2015. The following year, she won the role of Hannah Baker in Netflix's hit series, 13 Reasons Why

Training: Katherine was a student at Fern’s prestigious Perth acting school. Nicholson’s Academy of Screen Acting, in 2015. The following year, she won the role of Hannah Baker in Netflix’s hit series, 13 Reasons Why