Nick Clifford personally understands how a near-death experience can completely change a person's perspective on life, and he hopes to see his character Andy embrace a new sense of confidence in the wake of his recent car crash on VH1's "Hindsight."
"I actually got into a real bad accident when I was in high school," Clifford told Headlines & Global News. "I know for me, as a person, it really changed me in terms of seeing things a bit more clearly. It becomes a bit easier to make decisions because you feel more confident. You're grateful for being alive and being able to make decisions."
Andy faces his own serious dilemma when he wakes up in the hospital: Will he stay committed to his devoted girlfriend Melanie (Jessy Hodges) or pursue his childhood crush Becca (secretly back from the future), who finally seems interested in him? His accident occurred on his way to see Becca (Laura Ramsey), but she has decided to step aside, leaving him to apologize to Melanie and ask for her forgiveness.
"He's really struggling to figure out what the next move is and when Becca says that she can't do it, he really believes her. That's why he turns to Melanie and tries to patch up their relationship," Clifford said. "He's seeing that maybe his priorities should be to surround himself with the people who love him... Going back to Melanie and professing his love is a smart choice."
Clifford struggles to compete with Horner in physical appearance on the show as well. Whereas Horner can show off his sculpted physique in ripped jeans and sleeveless shirts, Clifford must wear a more awkward and buttoned-up attire.
"Everything we wear is so hot and stuffy. Everything has to be tucked in. It reminded me of 12-year-old self. Andy kind of dresses like a 12-year-old," he sad. "Andy's wardrobe is brilliantly done by our costume designer Lorraine [Coppin], but every time I tried something [on that fit] she'd say, 'Yeah, we're going to have to get it two sizes bigger than that. You can't have things fit.'"
Clifford spent much of the 1990s living in Europe, but he found that the same music and fashion trends existed on both sides of the Atlantic. A few references thrown out on set "didn't make it to Europe," but music and movie eventually made it after a six-month delay from its debut in the States.
As "Hindsight" wraps up its last few episodes, Clifford wants to see Andy starting to create his own choices rather than choose from the ones given to him and enter situations with a bit more self-assurance.
"I think the show for Andy is about coming to terms with your life is what you make of it. If you want to change things about your life, you have to be pro-active and go after them," he said. "When [Becca] comes over and kisses him, he gets this sign that says, 'Maybe things aren't what you think they are. Maybe you're not resigned to the life that you have now.' So he's really growing as a character and taking on responsibility for his own life."
"Hindsight" airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on VH1.
