10 THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME
Kiwi Home And Away actor GEORGE MASON stars on The Gulf, 9pm Mondays on Three
1. I’M FROM INVERCARGILL
Despite his four-year stint as bad boy Martin “Ash” Ashford on the iconic Aussie soap, George calls New Zealand’s southern-most city home. “I’m still that Southland boy – it wouldn’t be possible to be anything else, but I’ve gone out and had a look around.”
2. I WAS DESTINED FOR STARDOM
George’s grandmother once shared, “He used to walk around telling people that he was going to be a famous actor!”
3. MY BIG BREAK WAS FABULOUS!
The actor’s first major role came at just 13, starring in the coming-of-age film 50 Ways Of Saying Fabulous.
4. I’M A SHORTY BOY
Of course, George has spent time in Ferndale, playing bad boy Regan Ames on Aotearoa’s long-running soap.
“I remember Shortland Street on my first day – I did 13 scenes in one day and I was pretty raw. I’d just come out of drama school.”
5. I CAN PLAY RUGBY!
Acting isn’t his only talent – George played for the Southland Boys’ High School 1st XV and is a keen debater.
6. I’M A MUSIC STAR
He was a big hit in local musical Daffodils, although George confesses he didn’t know many of the classic Kiwi tunes it showcases. “We weren’t around when some of this music came out – we heard it through our parents! ”
7. I HAD MY HOLLYWOOD MOMENT…
After wrapping Daffodils, George took the big leap and moved to Los Angeles to take his career to the next level. “It’s a big, scary place, but it’s a cool place to really focus on your acting.”
8. … AND IT PAID OFF!
George will soon feature in the upcoming movie The
Power Of The Dog, which was filmed in Otago, and also stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Kristen Dunst. It’ll be out later this year.
9. I’M OFF THE MARKET
In 2017, the star proposed to French model Manon Buchalet while away on a European holiday and it’s rumoured they’ve secretly tied the knot – but George is staying mum. He does, however, admit they’d like to settle down in Riverton, explaining, “I love the surfing.”
10. I WAS A NANNY!
As a struggling actor, he had a short stint in childcare, working for Wentworth star Danielle Cormack. “I ended up nannying for her for six months because I didn’t have work. I moved to Melbourne and looked after her child while she was busy shooting.”