[1] Nolan was born in Rakaia where she lived until age eight, and then moved to nearby Barrhill for the next two years.
[1][2] Nolan graduated from Toi Whakaari Drama School in 2005 with a Bachelor in Performing Arts (Acting).
[3] She appeared in The Hothouse as Isobel Jones, a role that earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the 2007 NZ Qantas Television Awards.
[4] She has starred in the feature film Kissy Kissy (NZ International Film Festival 2007), with an international debut in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009);[1] Nolan also had a supporting role in the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
[5] Nominated for Best Actress in the 2007 Qantas Television Awards for her role in The Hothouse.