ZOE VENTOURA Talks privacy
Home and Away’s newest cast member gets candid about the realities of life as an actor
People stop Zoë Ventoura in the street almost every day. It’s been six years since her beloved character Mel died on Packed to the Rafters, but the actor’s place in hearts around the nation has remained strong. However, when the 38-year-old is described as a “golden girl” of Aussie TV, she is shocked. “This is all very odd to me and very kind,” she tells WHO, flabbergasted. “I honestly don’t think that’s a thing!”
There are no airs and graces about the extremely private star, who married fellow actor Daniel MacPherson in 2015.
The couple have been based in the US for several years, but their relationship is now long-distance as Ventoura takes on the role of Dr Alex Neilson on Home and Away and MacPherson is currently based in Croatia filming the action-adventure series Strike Back.
Speaking candidly, the down-to-earth star opens up about her career, the often unspoken rigours of the industry and her new gig in Summer Bay.
What’s it really like to be an actor?
Every time you get another job, it’s a surprise. It’s like, ‘Oh good, I’m going to keep working’. I think that’s a misconception with anyone in the public eye, especially with actors. I think people forget that we’re just people trying to work and do our thing. It just happens to be that we work in a very public forum. I just feel grateful to keep working. You finish one gig and you think, ‘‘Oh God, will I work again? I dunno! Let’s see!’’. And then you do, and you think, ‘‘Oh thank God, one more!’’. I think a lot of actors feel like that. I’ve spoken to actors who have been in the industry twice as long, three times as long as I have, and they feel the same way. It’s funny that there’s a perception from the outside of who we should be and how we should be feeling. It’s just so different from the reality.
Is that why you’re so private?
Yeah, absolutely. I’ve always felt like that. My life is my life and my work is my life so I’m happy to be known for my work. But in terms of my privacy, it’s something I have been very protective about from the start. It’s just always felt like it needs to be protected as much as possible to keep a sense of normalcy. Is it easier that you and Dan are both actors when it comes to rejections?
Totally. People can understand to a point, but unless you’re actually living it, it’s hard to know. There’s certainly a deeper understanding of the ups and downs and the madness of our industry. I’m grateful I have a partner who does understand it.
What is it like auditioning in the US?
It’s different and the same. It’s a much bigger industry with much more opportunity but then of course the pool of talent they are pulling from is that much larger. In Australia, it’s a much smaller industry but with fewer opportunities. It’s certainly harder if you’re not known over there; if you don’t already have an established profile it’s harder to get seen.
What do you think the secret is to making it work in LA?
A lot of it has to do with the people you surround yourself with. If you find yourself living in a great area, surrounded by people that become your family and your support network, you’ll have a great time. It’s a cool city. There are great opportunities. It’s exciting. We’ve loved it and it certainly has felt like a second home to us, but it is really hard. You can’t deny that. How are you finding it being back in Australia?
It’s amazing! We’ve been based overseas for a while but we move around so much for work that I’m back here a lot. It feels like I’ve had an extended period of time here, which is always lovely because you get to see more of your family and friends.
What’s it like filming at Palm Beach?
Every single day there are bus-loads of fans who come and watch and take photos. It’s an odd thing to get used to because it’s not the way a normal set would work. It is an incredible reminder that people really love this show. They’re really invested in this show and really care about it, which is really incredible to be a part of. Home and Away airs Mon. to Thu., 7pm, on Channel Seven.