Hello, I am Paula Bennet and welcome to my new Zealand Herald podcast, Ask Me Anything Now. One thing I've bluten in life is it's never too late to do something new. So on this podcast, I've talked to people from all walks of life to hear how they got to where they are, get some advice and guidance on some of life's biggest questions. My guest today has been on our entertainment scene for a long long time, but is still so young. But it's because she started her first acting job at just twelve years old. She's been on many local Telly shows about as a true wisty you can imagine, The Outrageous Fortune and West Side stand out as favorites for me. I was even lucky enough to meet her and week with her and give us a clue. Her new show, Double Parked Season two is out now on three and three Now.

Hello, I am Paula Bennet and welcome to my new Zealand Herald podcast, Ask Me Anything Now. One thing I've bluten in life is it's never too late to do something new. So on this podcast, I've talked to people from all walks of life to hear how they got to where they are, get some advice and guidance on some of life's biggest questions. My guest today has been on our entertainment scene for a long long time, but is still so young. But it's because she started her first acting job at just twelve years old. She's been on many local Telly shows about as a true wisty you can imagine, The Outrageous Fortune and West Side stand out as favorites for me. I was even lucky enough to meet her and week with her and give us a clue. Her new show, Double Parked Season two is out now on three and three Now.

And Tonia Prepple, welcome and thank you.

And Tonia Prepple, welcome and thank you.

Love to see you again. After that crazy charades show. It was crazy, wasn't it?

Love to see you again. After that crazy charades show. It was crazy, wasn't it?

It was?

It was?

But I thought you did such a great job because you had to do like ten a day or something, and I obviously only did one and after that, I was exhausted and it was so hot, and you just had to sort of keep up that level of energy for like twelve hours. It was quite funny because people, you know, we had wonderful people like you, and some of them wore just said to come in and guy, it's just what I'm doing, and then get so competitive so quickly.

But I thought you did such a great job because you had to do like ten a day or something, and I obviously only did one and after that, I was exhausted and it was so hot, and you just had to sort of keep up that level of energy for like twelve hours. It was quite funny because people, you know, we had wonderful people like you, and some of them wore just said to come in and guy, it's just what I'm doing, and then get so competitive so quickly.

Yeah, absolutely, I mean you do.

Yeah, absolutely, I mean you do.

You get sort of filled with the desire to win and triumph, which is wonderful.

You get sort of filled with the desire to win and triumph, which is wonderful.

And I definitely was that. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it.

And I definitely was that. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it.

Okay, easy, quick fine questions. If you'd go to the pub or for a drink with any celebrity, who would it be?

Okay, easy, quick fine questions. If you'd go to the pub or for a drink with any celebrity, who would it be?

Or probably Phoebe waller Bridge. Do you know her? She's the creator of Fleabag.

Or probably Phoebe waller Bridge. Do you know her? She's the creator of Fleabag.

Yeah. So she's a writer and actress and Killing Eve she was, yeah, yeah, creator of that, and she's just like so I totally have a crush on her, Like she's just so talented and smart and funny and brilliant. And I feel like we'd be friends, you know, Like I feel like if we just had the chance to hang out, we'd be friends. What would you drink be?

Yeah. So she's a writer and actress and Killing Eve she was, yeah, yeah, creator of that, and she's just like so I totally have a crush on her, Like she's just so talented and smart and funny and brilliant. And I feel like we'd be friends, you know, Like I feel like if we just had the chance to hang out, we'd be friends. What would you drink be?

Oh?

Oh?

I think choice Nkronia. Yeah, do love her? Do love a Nigarrony?

I think choice Nkronia. Yeah, do love her? Do love a Nigarrony?

Yeah? Nice? Nice?

Yeah? Nice? Nice?

And a favorite bar pub restaurant anywhere in the world. Oh oh, where would I like to go? Oh I want to go to like the Histon, Bloomintholes, the Fat Duck and England. That sounds amazing. I think you can lick the walls or something like. It's, you know, a full multisensory experience. I think.

And a favorite bar pub restaurant anywhere in the world. Oh oh, where would I like to go? Oh I want to go to like the Histon, Bloomintholes, the Fat Duck and England. That sounds amazing. I think you can lick the walls or something like. It's, you know, a full multisensory experience. I think.

Wow, mind you.

Wow, mind you.

We were just before you came in here in the studio, we were talking about feeding children. Okay, that changes your dietary quite a bit, doesn't Yeah.

We were just before you came in here in the studio, we were talking about feeding children. Okay, that changes your dietary quite a bit, doesn't Yeah.

Yeah, although they probably would quite like to lick the walls.

Yeah, although they probably would quite like to lick the walls.

They would exactly what made me think about it?

They would exactly what made me think about it?

I was like, oh, this is great grace for kids.

I was like, oh, this is great grace for kids.

Yeah, yeah, they would, they would. Okay, we're going to chat about the second season of Double Pack shortly, but first let's talk a bit more about you, because as we've already, I mean, I've literally got photos of me with you because I was just so excited because my whole family are kind of bonkers on outrageous fortune.

Yeah, yeah, they would, they would. Okay, we're going to chat about the second season of Double Pack shortly, but first let's talk a bit more about you, because as we've already, I mean, I've literally got photos of me with you because I was just so excited because my whole family are kind of bonkers on outrageous fortune.

Your true Westias.

Your true Westias.

So yeah, that were yeah, that was that was your stuff that we were going to get I know, and I would like walk into a baron Wellington or something and they would play Gutther Black for me, you know, like they kind of almost saw me as, yes, you're part of the West Yeah, but you're another member of our you know, the extension and the in all of it. But I mean it was it must have been intense. And you did I mean, how many seasons was Outrageous? Six?

So yeah, that were yeah, that was that was your stuff that we were going to get I know, and I would like walk into a baron Wellington or something and they would play Gutther Black for me, you know, like they kind of almost saw me as, yes, you're part of the West Yeah, but you're another member of our you know, the extension and the in all of it. But I mean it was it must have been intense. And you did I mean, how many seasons was Outrageous? Six?

Yeah, and then six worth west Side? Yeah.

Yeah, and then six worth west Side? Yeah.

So that's a big chunk of your acting career, isn't it.

So that's a big chunk of your acting career, isn't it.

It was huge. Yeah.

It was huge. Yeah.

I started when I was twenty on Outrageous and I finished on West Side when I was thirty five.

I started when I was twenty on Outrageous and I finished on West Side when I was thirty five.

Wow.

Wow.

Yeah, And they made you look so much younger, you know, like at twenty as you can look back at it because I watched it with my step daughter, watched West Side and because she hadn't seen Outrageous, huh, And so then we went back and watched Outrageous again, and so I just saw you so young and with no may Caffe and yeah, I used to have fifteen minute makeup calls, and for the first few seasons before Laretta kind of had her glow up. Yeah, I have your fifteen minutes. It was amazing, you know, like tiny bit of foundation on my face and that was it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that would have been fun. It was great and could you embrace your character? And it's quite a you know. I interviewed Robin Malcolm and spent some time with her as well in we both did this woman's event for the day, and she was just saying that what she also loved about the show was that it was body positive. They wanted you to be real and who you were, and there wasn't any of those kind of external pressures that we unfortunately still see today for some of our actors.

Yeah, And they made you look so much younger, you know, like at twenty as you can look back at it because I watched it with my step daughter, watched West Side and because she hadn't seen Outrageous, huh, And so then we went back and watched Outrageous again, and so I just saw you so young and with no may Caffe and yeah, I used to have fifteen minute makeup calls, and for the first few seasons before Laretta kind of had her glow up. Yeah, I have your fifteen minutes. It was amazing, you know, like tiny bit of foundation on my face and that was it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that would have been fun. It was great and could you embrace your character? And it's quite a you know. I interviewed Robin Malcolm and spent some time with her as well in we both did this woman's event for the day, and she was just saying that what she also loved about the show was that it was body positive. They wanted you to be real and who you were, and there wasn't any of those kind of external pressures that we unfortunately still see today for some of our actors.

Yeah, what the expectations are.

Yeah, what the expectations are.

Yeah, you're absolutely right, Like it was body positive and what I believe is the best way to be pop body positive and that bodies were not talked about. Yeah, it just was not on. It was not up for discussion. No one ever talked about it. It wasn't like you had a wardrobe fitting and you It wasn't even like we're a body positive show.

Yeah, you're absolutely right, Like it was body positive and what I believe is the best way to be pop body positive and that bodies were not talked about. Yeah, it just was not on. It was not up for discussion. No one ever talked about it. It wasn't like you had a wardrobe fitting and you It wasn't even like we're a body positive show.

It just was not part of it, you know.

It just was not part of it, you know.

It was it was neutral, which I think is you know the best way to be body positive is to not talk about bodies, you know, like, how do you help your daughter feel positive in her body. Don't talk about everybody, you know, it's just that should be something that we just ultimately don't discuss, and that that was the case.

It was it was neutral, which I think is you know the best way to be body positive is to not talk about bodies, you know, like, how do you help your daughter feel positive in her body. Don't talk about everybody, you know, it's just that should be something that we just ultimately don't discuss, and that that was the case.

Yeah, I love it.

Yeah, I love it.

Yeah, so you were a child actor. Did you call your SEP child actor?

Yeah, so you were a child actor. Did you call your SEP child actor?

Yeah?

Yeah?

I guess it.

I guess it.

Yeah, yeah, you.

Yeah, yeah, you.

And like I read about that first job at twelve and then it was you know, friends, wasn't a family friends that they knew someone that got you into it?

And like I read about that first job at twelve and then it was you know, friends, wasn't a family friends that they knew someone that got you into it?

Is it right?

Is it right?

Yeah?

Yeah?

It's such a classic New Zealand story. Yeah.

It's such a classic New Zealand story. Yeah.

So yeah, my best friend at primary school, her their neighbor was an acting agent. So my best friend's mum asked me if I would like to get signed up and I was like yes, absolutely, had no idea what that meant or what they would entail, but I definitely wanted to do it. So I was eleven and I asked my parents and they're like, look, sure you can get an agent, but you this particular agent, but you have to do it yourself, you have to organize it. So I was like, no problem. So rang up this agent said can I can you represent me? And they were like, well this is weird having had a kid rung up. So yeah, she took me on and then I started listening for a couple of things, and then I got my first TV show the following year when I was twelve. So you so you knew, like you said to say that it was just kind of it was in your DNA.

So yeah, my best friend at primary school, her their neighbor was an acting agent. So my best friend's mum asked me if I would like to get signed up and I was like yes, absolutely, had no idea what that meant or what they would entail, but I definitely wanted to do it. So I was eleven and I asked my parents and they're like, look, sure you can get an agent, but you this particular agent, but you have to do it yourself, you have to organize it. So I was like, no problem. So rang up this agent said can I can you represent me? And they were like, well this is weird having had a kid rung up. So yeah, she took me on and then I started listening for a couple of things, and then I got my first TV show the following year when I was twelve. So you so you knew, like you said to say that it was just kind of it was in your DNA.

But it's not in your family's tona. No, it's not.

But it's not in your family's tona. No, it's not.

A lot of actors come from acting, Yes, absolutely, and so that's part of yeah, the tentlate of their life. Yeah, but no, most of my families are lawyers or academics, so it was not part of that at all. But yeah, from my earliest memories, like literally three or four, I just knew it was what I wanted to do, and I would seek out every opportunity that I could to perform, and every time I did, it just felt like something kind of ignited in me, and I was like this is what I Wow. Yeah, my nephew's like that really Yeah, he's in yeah, and no one else has kind of got the jeans and he's just like we knew from three years old. Wow, And he performs on stage and he's been in Shortland Streege.

A lot of actors come from acting, Yes, absolutely, and so that's part of yeah, the tentlate of their life. Yeah, but no, most of my families are lawyers or academics, so it was not part of that at all. But yeah, from my earliest memories, like literally three or four, I just knew it was what I wanted to do, and I would seek out every opportunity that I could to perform, and every time I did, it just felt like something kind of ignited in me, and I was like this is what I Wow. Yeah, my nephew's like that really Yeah, he's in yeah, and no one else has kind of got the jeans and he's just like we knew from three years old. Wow, And he performs on stage and he's been in Shortland Streege.

Oh cool.

Oh cool.

You know, like look at place each sport, does you know it's really nice about around and he'll you know, doing whatever he wants. But yes, we just look at him and just go, wow, there's something in there, something in that. Yeah, I know it's it's quite unusual, but but yeah, but true.

You know, like look at place each sport, does you know it's really nice about around and he'll you know, doing whatever he wants. But yes, we just look at him and just go, wow, there's something in there, something in that. Yeah, I know it's it's quite unusual, but but yeah, but true.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And then following that path, I suppose because you had such a certainty that it was what you wanted to do, those sorts of opportunities, did you just kind of grab them and run with it, because it's not kind of it's kind of hard to map out in New Zealand what you're sure is like, isn't it?

And then following that path, I suppose because you had such a certainty that it was what you wanted to do, those sorts of opportunities, did you just kind of grab them and run with it, because it's not kind of it's kind of hard to map out in New Zealand what you're sure is like, isn't it?

Oh?

Oh?

Yeah, as sure as and you know, particularly for you know, a girl growing up in Wellington whose family was absolutely not part of any arts scene. Yeah. I I mean as a kid, I would just like as soon as I could read, i'd like read the newspaper to see if there were like general auditions for local repertory plays and things like that, and then I'd go along and audition and I got cast in a few. And then when I got this agent when I was eleven, I started acting in professional TV shows from when I was twelve, and I yeah, was quite busy throughout my teens and then towards the end of my teens all sort of stopped because suddenly I was in a different category as like a young adult and it was a lot more competitive, and I remember feeling like, oh, it's so devastated. I was like, I've just been a child actor.

Yeah, as sure as and you know, particularly for you know, a girl growing up in Wellington whose family was absolutely not part of any arts scene. Yeah. I I mean as a kid, I would just like as soon as I could read, i'd like read the newspaper to see if there were like general auditions for local repertory plays and things like that, and then I'd go along and audition and I got cast in a few. And then when I got this agent when I was eleven, I started acting in professional TV shows from when I was twelve, and I yeah, was quite busy throughout my teens and then towards the end of my teens all sort of stopped because suddenly I was in a different category as like a young adult and it was a lot more competitive, and I remember feeling like, oh, it's so devastated. I was like, I've just been a child actor.

In my career is over.

In my career is over.

And it was you know, sounds dramatic, but it was very real, real worry at the time that I wouldn't be able to do this thing again that I.

And it was you know, sounds dramatic, but it was very real, real worry at the time that I wouldn't be able to do this thing again that I.

Loved so much.

Loved so much.

But then sort of well, the big sort of next step was getting outrageous fortune and that really catapulted my career in lots of ways. And I feel like, yeah, from then things have been definitely up and down, but from that point I've been able to really fullge your path. So when did you study because you've done you did study law for a little while.

But then sort of well, the big sort of next step was getting outrageous fortune and that really catapulted my career in lots of ways. And I feel like, yeah, from then things have been definitely up and down, but from that point I've been able to really fullge your path. So when did you study because you've done you did study law for a little while.

Yeah, yeah, maybe it to go.

Yeah, yeah, maybe it to go.

And then you've studied acting numerous times, have you? But you've studied Yeah, I tried to. I still study as much as I can. So I so after I finished school, I did go to university and I did a year of law and then it's like, oh, it's.

And then you've studied acting numerous times, have you? But you've studied Yeah, I tried to. I still study as much as I can. So I so after I finished school, I did go to university and I did a year of law and then it's like, oh, it's.

Just not for me.

Just not for me.

So I switched the credits to an arts degree. And eventually, at age thirty, I graduated with an arts degree. It took me a long time, but so I didn't go to drama school, and because I guess, I went to university in that time where I could have gone to drama school, and then I got cast an outrageous fortune, and so then it sort of didn't feel quite right to go back and do a three year degree. But I really believe in continual growth and learning and development in life, in anything, but particularly a few the thing that means a lot to you and that you're passionate about because you can always get better at it.

So I switched the credits to an arts degree. And eventually, at age thirty, I graduated with an arts degree. It took me a long time, but so I didn't go to drama school, and because I guess, I went to university in that time where I could have gone to drama school, and then I got cast an outrageous fortune, and so then it sort of didn't feel quite right to go back and do a three year degree. But I really believe in continual growth and learning and development in life, in anything, but particularly a few the thing that means a lot to you and that you're passionate about because you can always get better at it.

So yeah, I still do lots of courses.

So yeah, I still do lots of courses.

I'm doing one this weekend, for example, a weekend course with a teacher from Australia who's coming over.

I'm doing one this weekend, for example, a weekend course with a teacher from Australia who's coming over.

Yeah, and I love it, like, I mean, the wonderful thing. And do you learn something?

Yeah, and I love it, like, I mean, the wonderful thing. And do you learn something?

Sorry? Oh, because you are just phenomenal, So do you genuinely learn? So? Oh?

Sorry? Oh, because you are just phenomenal, So do you genuinely learn? So? Oh?

Yeah.

Yeah.

I am so painfully aware of my limitations as an actor where I want to be. I mean, you know, it's just so inspiring seeing a beautiful performance in a play or a film and you go, wow, that's possible, And I'm not there yet so it's it's really clear how much better, deeper, more, truthful, whatever, you know, all those words that I could be. So yeah, absolutely, training is a big part of it. Wow, Okay, I'm not going to say it surprises me, but I just think that you you evolve your characters and I believe them so much, and you portray them in a way that you know, I do feel like I'd go and have a drink with retail good luck to.

I am so painfully aware of my limitations as an actor where I want to be. I mean, you know, it's just so inspiring seeing a beautiful performance in a play or a film and you go, wow, that's possible, And I'm not there yet so it's it's really clear how much better, deeper, more, truthful, whatever, you know, all those words that I could be. So yeah, absolutely, training is a big part of it. Wow, Okay, I'm not going to say it surprises me, but I just think that you you evolve your characters and I believe them so much, and you portray them in a way that you know, I do feel like I'd go and have a drink with retail good luck to.

You actually know you'd hold your own.

You actually know you'd hold your own.

Right Yeah yeah, okay, so then you love to learn and do new things. So the random one of the random ones, which is you and Meddle in Paris at Clown School, which I did know that you had been because when you tuned up to give us a clue, it was like there's a bit of experienced miming going on. There was announced and I think it was Tom Sainsbury that revealed that's the nation.

Right Yeah yeah, okay, so then you love to learn and do new things. So the random one of the random ones, which is you and Meddle in Paris at Clown School, which I did know that you had been because when you tuned up to give us a clue, it was like there's a bit of experienced miming going on. There was announced and I think it was Tom Sainsbury that revealed that's the nation.

That I've been to class school. Uh yeah yeah.

That I've been to class school. Uh yeah yeah.

So yeah, So Madeline and I which is obviously because now we're co stars and double packed, but we became friends. She came and did a guest role on Outrageous Fortune and we headed off and then she said that she was going to Paris to do this to study with Philip Collier. And I did French at high school and university, and I always wanted to be able to haven't I have an excuse really to go to France and speak the language. And so even though we were only like new friends, I was like, can I come with you?

So yeah, So Madeline and I which is obviously because now we're co stars and double packed, but we became friends. She came and did a guest role on Outrageous Fortune and we headed off and then she said that she was going to Paris to do this to study with Philip Collier. And I did French at high school and university, and I always wanted to be able to haven't I have an excuse really to go to France and speak the language. And so even though we were only like new friends, I was like, can I come with you?

Like?

Like?

And because it worked with a break and outrageous filming, so and she's like, yeah, okay. So anyway, I signed up without really knowing much about what this teacher was like. And yeah, he's very intense. He has a very intense you said that, really intense, really intense. Yeah, you get up and you so he gets you to do an exercise which is often quite cryptic, and he held this drum and you get up and start performing this exercise in front of the class, and he will bang the drum when he's had enough of it, like when it's bad, and honestly, sometimes you.

And because it worked with a break and outrageous filming, so and she's like, yeah, okay. So anyway, I signed up without really knowing much about what this teacher was like. And yeah, he's very intense. He has a very intense you said that, really intense, really intense. Yeah, you get up and you so he gets you to do an exercise which is often quite cryptic, and he held this drum and you get up and start performing this exercise in front of the class, and he will bang the drum when he's had enough of it, like when it's bad, and honestly, sometimes you.

Just stand up and he bangs the trumph.

Just stand up and he bangs the trumph.

And so I found it pretty tough.

And so I found it pretty tough.

It's all kind of in this like the first month is called leisure the game, so it is all kind of in this playful way.

It's all kind of in this like the first month is called leisure the game, so it is all kind of in this playful way.

But I'm like really.

But I'm like really.

Sensitive himself I found it quite hard to like just get on board with the kind of joyful, constructive criticism we.

Sensitive himself I found it quite hard to like just get on board with the kind of joyful, constructive criticism we.

Would get all the time. I stood up and I'm crap. I stood up and I'm crap. Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, thanks to that. Yeah, but look it got me to Paris. What a story, right, yep, exactly.

Would get all the time. I stood up and I'm crap. I stood up and I'm crap. Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, thanks to that. Yeah, but look it got me to Paris. What a story, right, yep, exactly.

You know. So on the note of meeting people on seat that you get on well with, no I seek way there for me talking about your now husband six months Dan, six months and year Dan. So I want to know which did you meet on we titled did you meet what you met? Outrageous Fortune? When did you start having eyes?

You know. So on the note of meeting people on seat that you get on well with, no I seek way there for me talking about your now husband six months Dan, six months and year Dan. So I want to know which did you meet on we titled did you meet what you met? Outrageous Fortune? When did you start having eyes?

Yeah?

Yeah?

So we met, funnily enough, back in like two thousand and three in a theater lecture at Victoria University. Because we're by studying, I can't remember that, but he can. He remembers that we were sitting next to each other and had a nice hit. I really can't remember that. And then he moved to Auckland, maybe like two thousand and eight, and I was already up here doing Outrageous Fortune. And because we're you know, similar age and both in the arts, we knew of each other and were kind of part of the same wider circle of friends, but never really had much of a connection or independent friendship apart from just being in this wider circle of friends.

So we met, funnily enough, back in like two thousand and three in a theater lecture at Victoria University. Because we're by studying, I can't remember that, but he can. He remembers that we were sitting next to each other and had a nice hit. I really can't remember that. And then he moved to Auckland, maybe like two thousand and eight, and I was already up here doing Outrageous Fortune. And because we're you know, similar age and both in the arts, we knew of each other and were kind of part of the same wider circle of friends, but never really had much of a connection or independent friendship apart from just being in this wider circle of friends.

And then kind of it was so strange.

And then kind of it was so strange.

It must have been I think it was like season four, is that right, season four of No I must have been season three of West Side and we'd already done three seasons of it, yeah, and the same kind of not really connecting with each other in any kind of particular way, and it was so strange.

It must have been I think it was like season four, is that right, season four of No I must have been season three of West Side and we'd already done three seasons of it, yeah, and the same kind of not really connecting with each other in any kind of particular way, and it was so strange.

It's never happened to me before.

It's never happened to me before.

I don't know if it's ever happened to you, but it was like, the best way I can describe it is like something like opened up in the universe that was not there before and we were both like, oh oh hey, and yeah, it just like changed.

I don't know if it's ever happened to you, but it was like, the best way I can describe it is like something like opened up in the universe that was not there before and we were both like, oh oh hey, and yeah, it just like changed.

It was really bizarre.

It was really bizarre.

Okay, so it was it weird then being at work and you're now dating and you both hooked up with someone else in your day job, yes, who we work with?

Okay, so it was it weird then being at work and you're now dating and you both hooked up with someone else in your day job, yes, who we work with?

Yes?

Yes?

Yes?

Yes?

Right? Yeah? Yeah so that I mean, mom, mind, you.

Right? Yeah? Yeah so that I mean, mom, mind, you.

You're an actor, your actor, and it's such a cliche, right that you hook up with your co star like it happens so often. But funnily enough, with West Side, we actually have hardly any scenes together, like how you know, Lefty and Rita don't have much to do with each other and don't really like each other all that much. So yeah, so it was, Yeah, it was. It was kind of lovely actually, because we've got to hang out, I mean quite as you say, for actors that okay when they're genuinely playing a couple and you can see that evil of intimacy and then it might just sort of, you know, creep over and that's something. Yeah, but that wasn't the case because, as you say, you both were completely different, you were doing completely different scenes. Yes, yeah, that's right. Yeah, we so we kind of we did. Yeah, we didn't actually get to hang out much at work. Yeah yeah, but you so you kind of even though you'd known each other a long time, you more or less had that instant moment.

You're an actor, your actor, and it's such a cliche, right that you hook up with your co star like it happens so often. But funnily enough, with West Side, we actually have hardly any scenes together, like how you know, Lefty and Rita don't have much to do with each other and don't really like each other all that much. So yeah, so it was, Yeah, it was. It was kind of lovely actually, because we've got to hang out, I mean quite as you say, for actors that okay when they're genuinely playing a couple and you can see that evil of intimacy and then it might just sort of, you know, creep over and that's something. Yeah, but that wasn't the case because, as you say, you both were completely different, you were doing completely different scenes. Yes, yeah, that's right. Yeah, we so we kind of we did. Yeah, we didn't actually get to hang out much at work. Yeah yeah, but you so you kind of even though you'd known each other a long time, you more or less had that instant moment.

Yeah we did.

Yeah we did.

Yeah, it's weird and simultaneously as well, Oh I know it is, And it is because it is such a cliche to get together with someone you're working with, Like often happens because you're working in this intense environment, and particularly if you are actually acting opposite them, which we weren't, you're like purposely creating these feelings of connection and intimacy. But yeah, this was kind of separate to that and obviously lasted. And so you got married about six months ago. And I think just the obvious is that dress you were wearing, Oh my godness, thank you, just absolutely adorable and beautiful.

Yeah, it's weird and simultaneously as well, Oh I know it is, And it is because it is such a cliche to get together with someone you're working with, Like often happens because you're working in this intense environment, and particularly if you are actually acting opposite them, which we weren't, you're like purposely creating these feelings of connection and intimacy. But yeah, this was kind of separate to that and obviously lasted. And so you got married about six months ago. And I think just the obvious is that dress you were wearing, Oh my godness, thank you, just absolutely adorable and beautiful.

And it was a bit shorter, so I had your two dresses.

And it was a bit shorter, so I had your two dresses.

For my ceremony dress, I had a lot like my wedding dress. It's like sort of ye long laced sleeves and a big, full skirt, and then for the reception I changed into a little mini which was yeah, super fun.

For my ceremony dress, I had a lot like my wedding dress. It's like sort of ye long laced sleeves and a big, full skirt, and then for the reception I changed into a little mini which was yeah, super fun.

You and we've got Freddy and Gas. Yeah, Freddy and Gas. Yeah, and Freddy's five just five turn five in July. Yeah. Wow. School yep.

You and we've got Freddy and Gas. Yeah, Freddy and Gas. Yeah, and Freddy's five just five turn five in July. Yeah. Wow. School yep.

We actually went for our first school visit yesterday where he's going to go in term four. So yeah, we went for yesterday for the first time.

We actually went for our first school visit yesterday where he's going to go in term four. So yeah, we went for yesterday for the first time.

And where the mums will recognize you, won't they, I guess.

And where the mums will recognize you, won't they, I guess.

So, I mean in New Zealand, people I find you might have a different experience because of your politician role of people might have a different, you know, sense of what they can say to you. But I find particularly in Auckland, people can't sometimes say something, but often they don't. Like I'll sometimes get a bit of like side eye, but they usually like for example, yesterday when we went on the school visit, no one said anything.

So, I mean in New Zealand, people I find you might have a different experience because of your politician role of people might have a different, you know, sense of what they can say to you. But I find particularly in Auckland, people can't sometimes say something, but often they don't. Like I'll sometimes get a bit of like side eye, but they usually like for example, yesterday when we went on the school visit, no one said anything.

I agree.

I agree.

So people, yeah, they're sort of engrossed in their own lives and yeah, we're not really that interesting, not that interested. Yeah, we're not that interesting. And I think it's quite common, you know, and at to see people off the telly or yeah, to see I used to say to people, you know, you're right, it is a little bit different outside of Auckland. And I used to say to people, know, if I really don't, if I really just want to be with my friends and have that moment, you know, go to a baron Ponts and be because they always think they're far more important than you.

So people, yeah, they're sort of engrossed in their own lives and yeah, we're not really that interesting, not that interested. Yeah, we're not that interesting. And I think it's quite common, you know, and at to see people off the telly or yeah, to see I used to say to people, you know, you're right, it is a little bit different outside of Auckland. And I used to say to people, know, if I really don't, if I really just want to be with my friends and have that moment, you know, go to a baron Ponts and be because they always think they're far more important than you.

Yea, so they should, right, so they should absolutely, yeah they.

Yea, so they should, right, so they should absolutely, yeah they.

Yeah, but then there's nothing like our out of out of Auckland is who just embrace you and you know.

Yeah, but then there's nothing like our out of out of Auckland is who just embrace you and you know.

Like I find it gets more intense the more south you go.

Like I find it gets more intense the more south you go.

Yeah, like Dned and it's like, well that's that's that's a lot.

Yeah, like Dned and it's like, well that's that's that's a lot.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely, I can imagine that.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely, I can imagine that.

So having children, I mean, how you're doing the juggle because you know, this work and Dan works, and you're.

So having children, I mean, how you're doing the juggle because you know, this work and Dan works, and you're.

Both a lot. Yeah, it is, it's a lot.

Both a lot. Yeah, it is, it's a lot.

And unfortunately, acting, like acting on TV shows, the hours just are really long, particularly if you're in a lead role, which is not conducive to family life and also not conducive to being the kind of mother that I want to be that's really important to me, which is one that's there, you know, all the time. I want to be there all the time, and also I want to work. So it's it is difficult and it's a juggle. But I actually have found decision making a lot easier since having them, because my values are so clear and they just are my priority. So I just I try to be quite careful with how many TV shows I do because really that's the only thing.

And unfortunately, acting, like acting on TV shows, the hours just are really long, particularly if you're in a lead role, which is not conducive to family life and also not conducive to being the kind of mother that I want to be that's really important to me, which is one that's there, you know, all the time. I want to be there all the time, and also I want to work. So it's it is difficult and it's a juggle. But I actually have found decision making a lot easier since having them, because my values are so clear and they just are my priority. So I just I try to be quite careful with how many TV shows I do because really that's the only thing.

That takes all of the time.

That takes all of the time.

Like, yeah, all the other kind of bits of work I do, I can sort of fit around their kindy or I can do even at night when they're asleep. But yes, and luckily, so far, when I have done like a lead role like on Double Parked or a couple of other things that I've done since they've been born, then Dan has been able to kind of down tools so he only works about four hours a day, so he's their primar key giver and then we have a wonderful nanny who looks after them for four hours a day or they're at kindy and yeah, he's their main guy while I'm working, and they come and visit me on set every day.

Like, yeah, all the other kind of bits of work I do, I can sort of fit around their kindy or I can do even at night when they're asleep. But yes, and luckily, so far, when I have done like a lead role like on Double Parked or a couple of other things that I've done since they've been born, then Dan has been able to kind of down tools so he only works about four hours a day, so he's their primar key giver and then we have a wonderful nanny who looks after them for four hours a day or they're at kindy and yeah, he's their main guy while I'm working, and they come and visit me on set every day.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So and it's healthy. Yeah, I think it's worked for us so far. I mean it's it is healthy for them absolutely. Yeah. I less you're heat up occasionally, but it's good for them. It's good for them, and it's what I want to do because I know it is good for them. But yeah, it's it's there's Yeah, there's lots of things about this business that you know, the uncertainty of it and the freelance nature of it, which is challenging but also beneficial to family.

So and it's healthy. Yeah, I think it's worked for us so far. I mean it's it is healthy for them absolutely. Yeah. I less you're heat up occasionally, but it's good for them. It's good for them, and it's what I want to do because I know it is good for them. But yeah, it's it's there's Yeah, there's lots of things about this business that you know, the uncertainty of it and the freelance nature of it, which is challenging but also beneficial to family.

Like we never can never really plan because we.

Like we never can never really plan because we.

Never know, Like at the moment, I'm waiting to hear if I'm if I'm going to be cast in this show in Australia, and if i am, then we're going to go like in two weeks, but if I'm not, then will stay.

Never know, Like at the moment, I'm waiting to hear if I'm if I'm going to be cast in this show in Australia, and if i am, then we're going to go like in two weeks, but if I'm not, then will stay.

Yeah, So it's strange.

Yeah, So it's strange.

But the positive impact of that is that there is more flexibility, so Dan can decide not to take on something if I've got something on, and we can any understands your life, You understand each other's lives, yea, and so in that context it's yeah, yeah, and we can all pack up and go together. Like yeah, we all went to Melbourne a few years two years ago for me to do a show and he was able to just write from there, so that was that's great. I think it'll be really hard if we're going to talk about double Packed in the second half of Little Bit More and not getting type pats. But in Double Packed, we've got babies we do. Did did it make you more or less inclined? Him another child? Did it? You know? Like just being around those little places of smelling, the smelling, you forget this, You forget the smell so quick. I know.

But the positive impact of that is that there is more flexibility, so Dan can decide not to take on something if I've got something on, and we can any understands your life, You understand each other's lives, yea, and so in that context it's yeah, yeah, and we can all pack up and go together. Like yeah, we all went to Melbourne a few years two years ago for me to do a show and he was able to just write from there, so that was that's great. I think it'll be really hard if we're going to talk about double Packed in the second half of Little Bit More and not getting type pats. But in Double Packed, we've got babies we do. Did did it make you more or less inclined? Him another child? Did it? You know? Like just being around those little places of smelling, the smelling, you forget this, You forget the smell so quick. I know.

I know it's not fear. Yeah, I know, and then you end up. I'm okay because I'm a grandmother, so it's you're right for me to have. You got babies.

I know it's not fear. Yeah, I know, and then you end up. I'm okay because I'm a grandmother, so it's you're right for me to have. You got babies.

Yeah, I know they're all a bit older, but I sniff other people's babies and I just say to them it's perfectly okay because I'm a grandmother. Yeah, Like it's not creepy. Yeah, yeah, definitely not. Yeah, you're allowed to sniff a baby. Yeah, surely, it's just an accepted And how was it then working with babies? It was, Oh, it was great. They were so cute. I mean to be honest, I was a little bit like, oh God, how's this going to go? Because I've worked with a I always get cast as pregnant people who have babies. So I've worked with heaps of babies over my career, and it's usually pretty challenging for obvious reasons because they're babies and often are upset because they have a saw timmy or just don't feel like doing it or tired, you know, all of the things. They can only be on set again for good reason for a very short amount of time because baby label laws.

Yeah, I know they're all a bit older, but I sniff other people's babies and I just say to them it's perfectly okay because I'm a grandmother. Yeah, Like it's not creepy. Yeah, yeah, definitely not. Yeah, you're allowed to sniff a baby. Yeah, surely, it's just an accepted And how was it then working with babies? It was, Oh, it was great. They were so cute. I mean to be honest, I was a little bit like, oh God, how's this going to go? Because I've worked with a I always get cast as pregnant people who have babies. So I've worked with heaps of babies over my career, and it's usually pretty challenging for obvious reasons because they're babies and often are upset because they have a saw timmy or just don't feel like doing it or tired, you know, all of the things. They can only be on set again for good reason for a very short amount of time because baby label laws.

Are quite strict, as they should be.

Are quite strict, as they should be.

Yeah, so I was a little bit nervous about it, like, oh god, it just makes things a lot harder.

Yeah, so I was a little bit nervous about it, like, oh god, it just makes things a lot harder.

But these babies, they were great.

But these babies, they were great.

So we had two newborns and then two they are about four months old because the season tracks about the first four months of your life, and one was even cast and usual of wow, but they were pretty chills like, which is just such a crapshoot.

So we had two newborns and then two they are about four months old because the season tracks about the first four months of your life, and one was even cast and usual of wow, but they were pretty chills like, which is just such a crapshoot.

Isn't it about how how baby? But they're little, they'll sleep anywhere, Let's be honest.

Isn't it about how how baby? But they're little, they'll sleep anywhere, Let's be honest.

When they they don't even know though, Like I mean, mine cried, cried a lot, but they sort of just did. I think we just got really lucky. But yeah, didn't make me want to have babies more or less.

When they they don't even know though, Like I mean, mine cried, cried a lot, but they sort of just did. I think we just got really lucky. But yeah, didn't make me want to have babies more or less.

I don't know. I think we feel pretty good with two. We feel like again.

I don't know. I think we feel pretty good with two. We feel like again.

For the lives that we want to have in the careers that we want to have. Too. Feels like a good number. It's a carful. It's a carful. Yeah, that's right. You can keep your car.

For the lives that we want to have in the careers that we want to have. Too. Feels like a good number. It's a carful. It's a carful. Yeah, that's right. You can keep your car.

Yeah, don't have to buy a seven seed.

Yeah, don't have to buy a seven seed.

Okay, we're going to take break here, and when we come back, we will be chanting about not getting tight cast, to brucify and always learning. I am back with Antonio Prebople advice time, and I want to chat to you about not getting typecast and the importance of always learning. And we've already sort of touched on it, really, but you know, you've talked about going and doing a week in course this weekend. I mean, is it just that that's striving to be better? That listening to the experts. I mean what drives that. Yeah, I want to be as best as I can be at the thing I love, and with acting, the wonderful thing about it is there's no limit to how good you can be, and hopefully the older you get, just the better you can get. You know, it's tricky with in comparison to saving athlete, you really pique at a certain aged level, and then as your physical self declines, your career unfortunately declines and you have to start a new chapter. But for acting, there really shouldn't be any endo it until you start.

Okay, we're going to take break here, and when we come back, we will be chanting about not getting tight cast, to brucify and always learning. I am back with Antonio Prebople advice time, and I want to chat to you about not getting typecast and the importance of always learning. And we've already sort of touched on it, really, but you know, you've talked about going and doing a week in course this weekend. I mean, is it just that that's striving to be better? That listening to the experts. I mean what drives that. Yeah, I want to be as best as I can be at the thing I love, and with acting, the wonderful thing about it is there's no limit to how good you can be, and hopefully the older you get, just the better you can get. You know, it's tricky with in comparison to saving athlete, you really pique at a certain aged level, and then as your physical self declines, your career unfortunately declines and you have to start a new chapter. But for acting, there really shouldn't be any endo it until you start.

Losing your faculties when you're really really old.

Losing your faculties when you're really really old.

But really otherwise you're just you know, it's understanding yourself, it's understanding the world around you. It's gaining more experience and more tools. So you should just ideally get better and better and better. And that's what I want to do. I'm so aware of how much better I could be. But we look at some of those, you know, women that we could name, like Dame Judy Dentt and like Meryl stre and you know, you just look at them and what they can do and what they can do and some respects when it's getting better, you know, like, well, I don't know it's fair to say, because there's been so many amazing roles in their careers, but you know, you can certainly see the maturity the wound there was though, that kind of almost a shelf life, you know for it, because you've tuned forty recently, right, Yeah, yeah, love a milestone, Yeah love miss love a mile stone. Just rab it because the alternative not reaching one is worse. So I always think celebrated absolutely. I love that you went out and seed you a forty two. Yeah, oh yeah, yeah, I know we don't do it sometimes sometimes. Yeah, people are still a bit funny, aren't they about someone out their age, particularly women? Maybe, Yeah, and you can understand why because it has been a very ageist industry and world. And yeah, probably still has twisted next, yeah it is, and and so in that context it has. Do you think it is changing? I mean you can see some great roles. I mean Robin talked about almost having to write her own yeah, you know, for after the party because you just sort of, you know, could see what was sort of happening there. Yes, yeah, I think unfortunately it is still really prevalent. I mean, after the party only came out last year. So the fact that Robin was saying she had to write her own role means that, yes, still even now it is it is really difficult. I definitely notice a huge reduction in the number of auditions that I get in comparison to when I was in my twenties, because if you just think about most TV shows, most movies that you watch, they're generally about people in their twenties or thirties.

But really otherwise you're just you know, it's understanding yourself, it's understanding the world around you. It's gaining more experience and more tools. So you should just ideally get better and better and better. And that's what I want to do. I'm so aware of how much better I could be. But we look at some of those, you know, women that we could name, like Dame Judy Dentt and like Meryl stre and you know, you just look at them and what they can do and what they can do and some respects when it's getting better, you know, like, well, I don't know it's fair to say, because there's been so many amazing roles in their careers, but you know, you can certainly see the maturity the wound there was though, that kind of almost a shelf life, you know for it, because you've tuned forty recently, right, Yeah, yeah, love a milestone, Yeah love miss love a mile stone. Just rab it because the alternative not reaching one is worse. So I always think celebrated absolutely. I love that you went out and seed you a forty two. Yeah, oh yeah, yeah, I know we don't do it sometimes sometimes. Yeah, people are still a bit funny, aren't they about someone out their age, particularly women? Maybe, Yeah, and you can understand why because it has been a very ageist industry and world. And yeah, probably still has twisted next, yeah it is, and and so in that context it has. Do you think it is changing? I mean you can see some great roles. I mean Robin talked about almost having to write her own yeah, you know, for after the party because you just sort of, you know, could see what was sort of happening there. Yes, yeah, I think unfortunately it is still really prevalent. I mean, after the party only came out last year. So the fact that Robin was saying she had to write her own role means that, yes, still even now it is it is really difficult. I definitely notice a huge reduction in the number of auditions that I get in comparison to when I was in my twenties, because if you just think about most TV shows, most movies that you watch, they're generally about people in their twenties or thirties.

Well, he can be fifty, he can be.

Well, he can be fifty, he can be.

Fifty, he can be twenty years older than his wife. Yeah, I mean it's it's still going on. I think it is changed, absolutely and it is less acceptable for a man to be twenty years older than his wife, but it's absolutely still happening. So we just have to keep campaigning for it and making our own shows. And because like, why is a woman in her forties or fifties or sixties or seventies or eighties any less interesting? I mean, they'd be more interesting. They've got a lot more to tell. And I think our viewing and we are an aging population as well, so you know, one of the.

Fifty, he can be twenty years older than his wife. Yeah, I mean it's it's still going on. I think it is changed, absolutely and it is less acceptable for a man to be twenty years older than his wife, but it's absolutely still happening. So we just have to keep campaigning for it and making our own shows. And because like, why is a woman in her forties or fifties or sixties or seventies or eighties any less interesting? I mean, they'd be more interesting. They've got a lot more to tell. And I think our viewing and we are an aging population as well, so you know, one of the.

It's not devastating.

It's not devastating.

That's such a dramatic expression I was going to use, but you know, I've ticked from the twenty five to fifty four age group. I now have to tick the other box. I don't count. I don't count because you know, we're not the biggest consumers, and we're not they're not interested in it, and they're in our ratings and they're not interested in our and it's just like I'm spending more money now than Yeah, I am in society more than I ever have. Funny though, there is that kind of tapping of aging. Yeah, there is.

That's such a dramatic expression I was going to use, but you know, I've ticked from the twenty five to fifty four age group. I now have to tick the other box. I don't count. I don't count because you know, we're not the biggest consumers, and we're not they're not interested in it, and they're in our ratings and they're not interested in our and it's just like I'm spending more money now than Yeah, I am in society more than I ever have. Funny though, there is that kind of tapping of aging. Yeah, there is.

I so do what you mean?

I so do what you mean?

Yeah, just turning forty. I recently checked the new box, like I think it was, like, you say, are thirty to thirty nine? I was like, oh no, I'm in.

Yeah, just turning forty. I recently checked the new box, like I think it was, like, you say, are thirty to thirty nine? I was like, oh no, I'm in.

A new category now.

A new category now.

So that's a lot someone who's categorized me.

So that's a lot someone who's categorized me.

And out of the mainstream.

And out of the mainstream.

Yeah, in this chunk now, that's how it goes. So then needs to talk about double packs? Your Madeline have been friends, yes for a long time. Yeah, yeah, And so the opportunity came up. And I mean, and it is about lesbian couple. But isn't it great that I mean it's mainstreamers. I don't but that's not the premise of the show. Absolutely, I totally agree, And I think that's why this show in its own way is sort of quietly revolutionary, because it was made specifically to be a to have broad appeal, to be entertaining on a main broadcast network. And the central couple is queer, but the fact that they are lesbians is not what the show is about, and their sexuality is never in question, Like we have had, you know, lead characters who are queer on TV before and the movie is, but a lot of the time, their sexuality is the thing that's being questioned, you know, are they act, are they actually queer? Are they having or are they going to have an affair or a straight person? But whereas with this their sexuality is a given, and it's also not what the show was about. It's about a relationship and how two people navigate brotherhood. Society really has changed, Yeah, I think it has. I still think there's a way to go though, but yeah, we're moving in the right direction for four. Yeah, yeah, I wonder I worry less about now the sexuality, if you like, and more the genders. Yes, absolutely, and how people navigate their way through that and we all get our heads around it into a respectful way that yes, treats everyone as as they should be treated.

Yeah, in this chunk now, that's how it goes. So then needs to talk about double packs? Your Madeline have been friends, yes for a long time. Yeah, yeah, And so the opportunity came up. And I mean, and it is about lesbian couple. But isn't it great that I mean it's mainstreamers. I don't but that's not the premise of the show. Absolutely, I totally agree, And I think that's why this show in its own way is sort of quietly revolutionary, because it was made specifically to be a to have broad appeal, to be entertaining on a main broadcast network. And the central couple is queer, but the fact that they are lesbians is not what the show is about, and their sexuality is never in question, Like we have had, you know, lead characters who are queer on TV before and the movie is, but a lot of the time, their sexuality is the thing that's being questioned, you know, are they act, are they actually queer? Are they having or are they going to have an affair or a straight person? But whereas with this their sexuality is a given, and it's also not what the show was about. It's about a relationship and how two people navigate brotherhood. Society really has changed, Yeah, I think it has. I still think there's a way to go though, but yeah, we're moving in the right direction for four. Yeah, yeah, I wonder I worry less about now the sexuality, if you like, and more the genders. Yes, absolutely, and how people navigate their way through that and we all get our heads around it into a respectful way that yes, treats everyone as as they should be treated.

Yes, absolutely, But.

Yes, absolutely, But.

I I mean I was on plane last night and you know, and I sort of had these you know guys my age really, so I shouldn't say older guys, but you know guys my age. And one of them went, hey, is this you? And you had my podcast? And I said yeah. I said what are you going to listen? Because download now before we go out. And I said, what are you gonna listen to? Her goes, I listen to Ryan Bridge. I said, cool, listen to Ryan. Yeah, it's a good one, you know. Anyway, about twenty five minutes in, he literally he laughs out loud and he takes his earphones out and you go and I said, what are you laughing at? And he goes, oh, you said to Ryan? Are you more conservative? And Ryan went, for God's sake, I sleep with men, you know, I think, so he was repeating it.

I I mean I was on plane last night and you know, and I sort of had these you know guys my age really, so I shouldn't say older guys, but you know guys my age. And one of them went, hey, is this you? And you had my podcast? And I said yeah. I said what are you going to listen? Because download now before we go out. And I said, what are you gonna listen to? Her goes, I listen to Ryan Bridge. I said, cool, listen to Ryan. Yeah, it's a good one, you know. Anyway, about twenty five minutes in, he literally he laughs out loud and he takes his earphones out and you go and I said, what are you laughing at? And he goes, oh, you said to Ryan? Are you more conservative? And Ryan went, for God's sake, I sleep with men, you know, I think, so he was repeating it.

Yeah.

Yeah.

The guy in the middle seat goes, oh, is Ryan gay? And then someone else went, I didn't know Ryan is gay? And then someone else went who cares?

The guy in the middle seat goes, oh, is Ryan gay? And then someone else went, I didn't know Ryan is gay? And then someone else went who cares?

And I care?

And I care?

But yeah, I just kind of loved this random conversation. Yes, yes, and so, which I guess shows that it is still a thing. You know that people are still like, oh oh oh is he gay? You know, it's still not completely normalized. Ye, but thankfully I think we are moving in the right Yeah. And the end that Ryan can talk publicly about it. Yeah, because remember in the past, so particularly with men leading men or a leading journalist, they could not have met their sexuality, which is just so it's awful, wasn't it. Yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean he would say that he almost feels privileged, but he shouldn't.

But yeah, I just kind of loved this random conversation. Yes, yes, and so, which I guess shows that it is still a thing. You know that people are still like, oh oh oh is he gay? You know, it's still not completely normalized. Ye, but thankfully I think we are moving in the right Yeah. And the end that Ryan can talk publicly about it. Yeah, because remember in the past, so particularly with men leading men or a leading journalist, they could not have met their sexuality, which is just so it's awful, wasn't it. Yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, I mean he would say that he almost feels privileged, but he shouldn't.

That hand in this time and this time.

That hand in this time and this time.

Yeah, when we look at the past and you know, some of that that heaven. Okay, so let's talk about not being typecast. Okay, of course you've done everything. Yeah, hey, like which is so fantastic and so do you think about that?

Yeah, when we look at the past and you know, some of that that heaven. Okay, so let's talk about not being typecast. Okay, of course you've done everything. Yeah, hey, like which is so fantastic and so do you think about that?

So this is comedy, This is quite different.

So this is comedy, This is quite different.

Yes, has been something that's kind of dramatic and intense, like we side or it's quite different than almost you know, your character grew considerably and outrageous, but it didn't start as a well you were a main character, don't get me wrong, but do you know what I mean, Like you became more prominent yes, throughout the seasons really yeah, so do you think about.

Yes, has been something that's kind of dramatic and intense, like we side or it's quite different than almost you know, your character grew considerably and outrageous, but it didn't start as a well you were a main character, don't get me wrong, but do you know what I mean, Like you became more prominent yes, throughout the seasons really yeah, so do you think about.

That diversification of not type casting.

That diversification of not type casting.

Yeah, I do, and I think I have been lucky to avoid it, because, particularly with outrageous Watune west Side, that was really against my type. You know, those two characters are really not really me, and it's not really how I come across, because often you are type cast by your kind of natural vibe and what you naturally look like, whereas I know that I don't come across like a wisty you know, like that. Those both those characters are quite different from my essence, I suppose, and so I think, because those are still the two characters that I'm kind of best known for, I think I'm not I haven't been type cast because I'm able to, I guess, show people the breadth of what I can do. And I also personally love the transformational process of playing a character that's to you.

Yeah, I do, and I think I have been lucky to avoid it, because, particularly with outrageous Watune west Side, that was really against my type. You know, those two characters are really not really me, and it's not really how I come across, because often you are type cast by your kind of natural vibe and what you naturally look like, whereas I know that I don't come across like a wisty you know, like that. Those both those characters are quite different from my essence, I suppose, and so I think, because those are still the two characters that I'm kind of best known for, I think I'm not I haven't been type cast because I'm able to, I guess, show people the breadth of what I can do. And I also personally love the transformational process of playing a character that's to you.

I love it. Yeah, I find it so.

I love it. Yeah, I find it so.

One of my favorite things about acting is figuring out the character. You know, who is this person? Why do they do what they do, how do they move, how do they talk. I'm with readA, for example. She was a real transformation for me, like me a while to find her, actually, but she really speaks differently to me. She holds her body differently, she moves through the world physically even quite different to me.

One of my favorite things about acting is figuring out the character. You know, who is this person? Why do they do what they do, how do they move, how do they talk. I'm with readA, for example. She was a real transformation for me, like me a while to find her, actually, but she really speaks differently to me. She holds her body differently, she moves through the world physically even quite different to me.

But I love that. I love that. Well, that's acting, isn't it.

But I love that. I love that. Well, that's acting, isn't it.

Yeah, it is. But some people sort of I think there's not not no one where is right or wrong, but some people kind of stick to their essence and they bring that and it's beautiful and it's authentic. Like Jack Nicholson is often the guy that people not like. He's in every movie. He's Jack Nicholson and he's absolutely brilliant. But then there are others you Grant, yeah, Hugh Grant exactly, and you would never say that's a negative against them because they're brilliant. But it's just kind of a different, different way of approaching things. But yeah, I personally love Yeah. Isn't it funny because you quite I hadn't thought of it until you were talking just then. But you know, there are some actors that would you walk into the pub and I would think, oh, there's there's Rita, you know, yes, but if you walked into the pub, I would think, oh, there's an Antonio. I wouldn't say you even though you.

Yeah, it is. But some people sort of I think there's not not no one where is right or wrong, but some people kind of stick to their essence and they bring that and it's beautiful and it's authentic. Like Jack Nicholson is often the guy that people not like. He's in every movie. He's Jack Nicholson and he's absolutely brilliant. But then there are others you Grant, yeah, Hugh Grant exactly, and you would never say that's a negative against them because they're brilliant. But it's just kind of a different, different way of approaching things. But yeah, I personally love Yeah. Isn't it funny because you quite I hadn't thought of it until you were talking just then. But you know, there are some actors that would you walk into the pub and I would think, oh, there's there's Rita, you know, yes, but if you walked into the pub, I would think, oh, there's an Antonio. I wouldn't say you even though you.

Completely were her. But yeah, I don't think.

Completely were her. But yeah, I don't think.

You are here.

You are here.

It totally makes sense.

It totally makes sense.

Yeah, there's there's a big difference between me and Rita, whereas, for example, my character in Double Parked is the most similar to me that I've ever played, And when I've got the audition brief, it literally felt like that was like has this been based on me? Like down to things like you know, her dad is a lawyer? My dad's a lawyer, and she knows she's a lawyer. I went to law school, but just everything about her. So I'm playing the closest to me that I ever have And yeah, yeah, which is great as well.

Yeah, there's there's a big difference between me and Rita, whereas, for example, my character in Double Parked is the most similar to me that I've ever played, And when I've got the audition brief, it literally felt like that was like has this been based on me? Like down to things like you know, her dad is a lawyer? My dad's a lawyer, and she knows she's a lawyer. I went to law school, but just everything about her. So I'm playing the closest to me that I ever have And yeah, yeah, which is great as well.

Yeah it would be.

Yeah it would be.

And working with a friend, right, yeah, yeah, not only as an actor, but being directed by a friend as well, because medal And directs the show as well.

And working with a friend, right, yeah, yeah, not only as an actor, but being directed by a friend as well, because medal And directs the show as well.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It's a dream, isn't it to get to a point where you can work with your friends. Yeah?

It's a dream, isn't it to get to a point where you can work with your friends. Yeah?

Exactly, absolutely.

Exactly, absolutely.

I mean we've talked about the industry changing, but I mean you're in your prime.

I mean we've talked about the industry changing, but I mean you're in your prime.

This is your prime. You won Best Actress at.

This is your prime. You won Best Actress at.

The NCTV Awards that I see for your role on Double park That must have been about it was. It was really special because often with comedies, they don't get recognized for awards so much like it's usually dramas that pick up the gongs and you can sort of understand why. So I wasn't really expecting it that it was. And you've all, I mean you talked about auditioning in Australia. Is overseas still an option? La, do you feel the pool? I sort of do a bit more and more as the kids get older, So yeah, Freddie's five and guses three, and up until this point in their lives, it's just felt like, oh my gosh, no, like that would be a nightmare. And there have been like a couple of opportunities that have come up overseas, but I've just been like, no, it's it's too hard, and you've got a way up professional development with your family commitments and you know what will work for all of you as a unit. But as they're getting older and things are a bit easier, Yeah, I am thinking about that again and Australia definitely, Yeah, and that feels Australia.