Get to know: Rachael Blampied
How did you get your role on Shortland Street?
I had auditioned several times in recent years, but
Andrea (casting director) always seemed to think my look was a bit
similar to Beth Allen (Brooke Freeman). So, fifth time lucky,
my agent called with an offer to play Brooke's sister!
How long have you been acting and how did you get your
first big break?
I've been professionally acting since completing my
Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2006.
The 'big break' is a funny concept, especially in New
Zealand. I've had many guest roles in various film and TV
productions shot here in Auckland, but Shortland Street is probably
my biggest role to date.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen
character.
We are both a healthy size 12, we both are fascinated by
medical sciences and we both have a brightly coloured wardrobe.
What has been your best experience/scene on the show to
date?
Everything, to be honest! I absolutely love coming
to work (if you can call it that), all the cast and crew are just
such lovely, down-to-earth, extremely hard-working people. It
is an honour to be part of the team. I like the routine and
the family feel of it.
Which other character would you like to be and why?
I think Dr Gabrielle Jacobs is fascinating, complex and
inadvertently hilarious.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
So many to name! I'm a musical lass - a keen singer
and sometime pianist. I studied classically for many years
(both piano and singing) and although acting is the fore right now,
I'd love to do more music.
I'm an avid skier, and love nothing more than heading up the
mountain for a day above the clouds. I also speak French and
have a love affair with France and everything it has to
offer. I love to travel (who doesn't?) and I find cooking
very therapeutic.
I shouldn't really say this, but my secret shame is a few good
trashy women's mags and some terrible reality TV on a Friday night
- I should get out more. Family and friends are most
important to me though.
What do you do in your down time during the day when you're
not shooting?
Listen to music, read magazines (those trashy ones), chat
to other actors, learn lines, drink endless cups of tea.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and
overseas?
I've seen a fair bit of our beautiful country - if you
haven't, do it, it's an absolute must. As my mother always
says, don't leave home till you've seen the country.
In NZ, I really can't go past Mt Ruapehu in National Park. I
have a family connection to the mountain, and learnt to ski
there. She's absolutely majestic, and in our own
backyard.
I have been fortunate enough to do some overseas travel, and, true
to form, I'm going to have to go with France. It's beautiful
and interesting, with amazing little villages and vast sprawling
cities. All five of my senses were screaming with delight
every minute I was there!
How many brothers and sisters do you have, are they older
or younger?
I am an only child.
What is your date of birth and what star sign are
you?
My birthday is 29 January and I'm an Aquarian.
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat called Maddie, she's getting on now, she's a
grumpy old thing. When I was young, we had a dog named Greta,
she loved the beach and the water. I miss her and her
ever-wagging tail.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire
the most?
I'm a fan of Cate Blanchett, I think her work is
intelligent and delicate. She creates truly rounded, real and
flawed characters. Another favourite is Julia Roberts - she
can be the everywoman and that smile is just unbelieveable.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work
everyday?
As I say, absolutely everything. It really is just
a pleasure to be here.
What has been your favorite scene to film in your time at
Shortland Street?
Ooh, tough one. I've had some great scenes with
Beth and Pua, which have been enormous fun as they're such generous
actors and are heaps of fun to hang out with!
But the surgery scenes have been fascinating, the nurses who
explain everything to us are wonderful and I've learned a lot
already.
Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it
strange seeing yourself on television or are you used to it?
Yes I do, and have for quite a long time, so yes it will
be bizarre to see myself there in Ferndale.
What is your favourite food?
Seafood! It's a total luxury, but I can't go past a
good salt and pepper squid. Prawns are also a favourite, as
is anything with a good kick of chilli. Also a good
steak. And somehow peanut M&Ms seem to keep invading my
face&
What is your favourite television programme and/or film of
all time?
I am completely addicted to Downton Abbey, but I have a
major soft spot for anything made in New Zealand, particularly our
homegrown television shows. Our Australian friends have been
serving up some fantastic viewing too.
As far as films go, I'm a fan of directors - Steven Soderburgh and
Sam Mendes make amazing films. Sofia Coppola is brilliant
too, I love that she pushes limits and challenges
stereotypes. And Jean-Pierre Jeunet! He's a self-taught
director and incredible writer.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film
Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Auckland but moved to Kerikeri, in
Northland, at age 7 with my family. I came back to Auckland
when I was 17. So Kerikeri was a huge part of my
childhood. I credit it with my electric-fence skills (nil
apart from a couple of pretty good shocks), many a scar and a
broken arm, and my ability to change a car tyre (satisfactory but
not necessarily quick). I love the city and the country in
equal measure.
Which other actors/actresses do you like working with the
most and why?
Again, Beth and Pua make my job so much fun.
Michael Galvin is a master! I've been lucky enough to work
with Angela Bloomfield before working here. She is the
consummate professional and a real lady.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and
crew?
Hopefully everyone? I guess you'll have to ask
them&
What's the best experience you've had with a
fan/fans?
Nothing to do with Shortland Street, but - I once had a
letter from a man in Germany, complete with return stamped
addressed envelope, asking for a signed photograph of me, having
seen my guest role in Legend of the Seeker. The letter was
typed on a typewriter, in perfect English, and was extremely polite
and complimentary. I was astounded. And yes, I obliged,
but have never been sure if he received it.
What's the strangest experience you've had with a
fan/fans?
None to date!
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what
was it like?
I was nervous, as you'd expect, but everyone was so
welcoming and supportive. I know I sound like a cracked
record because I keep saying that, but it's absolutely true!
