FAMILY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER BEFORE
The 67-year-old Aussie star talks about her new show, Every Family Has A Secret, and the hidden skeletons in her closet
What attracted you to this TV show?
I’ve always been drawn into projects where I think there’s a story worth telling. I believe in these divisive days it’s important that we look into things that suspend judgement and allow us to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. This is also what I call a “real” reality show. Not like the reality shows on today that exploit and manipulate everyone concerned.
What was the most startling thing you uncovered during the show?
None of us could have predicted how these stories were going to turn out, and while filming, things certainly turned up that we didn’t expect. I think one thing that is startling about the series is that you have a visceral response to it because these are real people on a real journey and we see them react naturally to what they’re learning... that’s quite rare on Australian television.
Is there a family secret that you’ve uncovered that has stayed with you in your life?
I think finally realising why my mum was the way she was. I didn’t realise the trauma she had experienced during g World War II. It was a good thing to know, but it also made me really sad that she had not been able to open up about that and share it. Also finding out my great grandfather was the world’s most famous aerial acrobat in the 19th century was extraordinary [laughs].
This is quite a trying time we’re all going through at the moment. Has it brought you closer to your family?
Well, I miss my children a lot. One’s in LA, and one’s in Melbourne, but I’ve tried to keep in touch with them a almost on a daily basis, but I think it has brought us c closer together funnily e enough. It’s different now w when you ask, “How are you g going?” because there’s a c common understanding that we’re all struggling and we need each other. I think people aren’t taking their family members for granted any more, and that’s a really powerful thing.
It’s also been a difficult time for the arts. Have any of your projects been affected?
Obviously theatre has taken a pummelling. My whole industry has suffered terribly. I think I’ve worked three days in total since March, but I’m always planning something exciting. I’m currently writing a book. I’m having another play written for me. I’ve got a movie sitting on the shelf, and a series, The End, which I hope Foxtel will screen soon. There’s a lot of exciting things that could happen but we’re just waiting to be given the green light. But it hasn’t deterred me – I’m always looking to the next thing. The next thing is the most exciting!
EVERY FAMILY HAS A SECRET premieres Tuesday, 7.30pm, SBS
‘It made me sad that she had not been able to open up’