MELISSA TKAUTZ
SHE’S BEEN A POP PRINCESS, A SERIOUS ACTRESS, AND NOW SHE’S REAL HOUSEWIFE MELISSA TKAUTZ! INTERVIEW BY MARC ANDREWS.
DNA: You’re not just a working mum but a Real Housewife now. How do you cope? Melissa: With great difficulty [laughs]. It’s hard but you put your head down and just do it. I’m lucky to have an amazing mum to help me.
Did you ever think you might give up on showbiz? No, because I don’t know how to do anything else! I’ve been doing this since I was four years old. I was born to be in this industry. I never even considered doing anything else.
When you think back to your teen pop heyday, what do you remember?
There are so many highlights. It was a whirlwind and crazy but a wonderful time.
What does it feels like being back in the spotlight with Real Housewives?
I don’t think I’ve ever not been in the media. I’ve always had a steady career. It’s been propelled somewhat because Real Housewives is massive, but I’ve always been fortunate to be able to work in the industry I love.
You’re described as the most sane of the Housewives. Discuss.
I’ll take that title, thank you [laughs]. I’m just being myself. I didn’t have a hidden agenda. At the end of the day I knew I was being me.
How much is actually “real” on the show?
It’s all real! Certain situations are intensified because we film for long periods of time but what you see is what you get.
Does hair and make-up take more time than filming?
Oh, God, no. Hair and make-up takes about an hourand-a-half, whereas filming takes up to nine hours. What’s been the best part of being on the show?
I performed live on the show and they also filmed me in the studio. I’ve always loved the franchise; it’s a wonderful thing. I’ve met great people and made some incredible friends.
What do your kids think of you being on Real Housewives?
They don’t really understand. My daughter says, “Mummy, are you famous?”
Serious question: on men, speedos or boardshorts?
It depends on the man.
When terrible things happen, like the attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, how can musicians best respond?
What happened at that concert was so tragic and horrific. I feel for Ariana because that will play on her mind every time she gets on stage. [Gets visibly moved.] Just to have that… to know fans paid to come and died so tragically… for a young girl to take that on is a huge thing. As for musicians’ responses, what else can you do but try to encourage hope at such dark times.
To what do you attribute your staying power in showbiz?
A lot of hard work, will power, and a love for what I do. It’s the only way. You have to enjoy the craft more than you enjoy the fame. I also love to make people laugh.
Do you think you’ve surprised people by being more than just a disco dolly?
I can’t speak for other people, but I’ve always had confidence in myself. I wouldn’t have this longevity otherwise. You develop a thick skin in this industry. You’ve always been a huge LGBT+ supporter.
The gay community has supported my career through everything. They’ve stuck by me and I support them back. They support Australian talent and they don’t judge – that’s what I love. My five best friends are gay, to name but a few, and I’ve played hundreds of gay events. You know how to have fun. Thank you for your love, support and acceptance. It means more to me than you will ever know.