Introducing Natalie Medlock
Meet Natalie Medlock - she joins the cast as nurse Jill Kingsbury.
How did you get your role on the show?
By auditioning. Same as always. Sorry, there were no
bribes.
How long have you been acting and how did you get your
first big break?
I did a little at high school, but I really only started when I
went to drama school in 2005.
I graduated from NZ's national Drama school, Toi Whakaari in
2007.
Mmm, my big break? I'm not sure if I believe in such a
phenomenon.
Opportunities arise as a result of a multitude of things. Work
creates work, no matter how big or small.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen
character.
- Determination.
- Loves to laugh.
- Speaks her mind.
Which other character would you like to be and
why?
Chris Warner. No explanation, I just start playing Chris Warner.
It's just me in a bad wig.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of Shorty Street?
Music, singing, and I play the piano a little. But I suppose my other work is writing and creating comedy. I live for that.
What do you do in your down time during the day when
you're not shooting?
Write.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and
overseas?
Overseas : first that comes to mind is Rio. But then the south of France. I have eaten some very good food there.
NZ: not so easy. I need to travel more of NZ. I have a notion
that I would love central Otago and that one day I will build a big
stone house there.
But I have seen very little of it and really I'm basing this on
pictures I have seen.
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
15th October - I'm a Libra.
Do you have any pets?
I have just gotten a dog. She is called Patsy.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire
the most?
I can not answer because there are too many. But to give an
indication: I saw 'A Single Man' last year and there is a scene
with Julianne Moore laughing and laughing.
She is so unguarded, so bravely open. It's a beautiful, beautiful
performance.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work everyday?
The people and the routine.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and crew?
No they all hate me. Joking. Yes, many, many dear friends.
Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it strange seeing yourself on television or are you used to it?
A little. I haven't seen myself yet but it will be extremely bizarre and a little difficult.
What is your favourite food?
Impossible to answer. I love food, I love eating and the occasion of it all.
What is your favourite television programme and/or film of
all time?
Currently True Blood. Oh my god!
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I grew up in England and then moved to a farm not far from Te
Puke, where I went to high school.
I've lived in Auckland for 3 years now.
What's the strangest experience you've had with a fan/fans?
Well, I guess she was a fan but not of Shorty. I did a comedy
show once and in it I threw a poo made from a snickers
bar.
Go with it, the explanation is too long. Anyway, it smashed an
audience member's glass.
After the show the woman, (about sixty and very conservatively
dressed) came up to me and said that it was her glass and
that I should feel how wet her skirt was, and that she had kept the
poo.
She produced the poo and then made me take a bite.
But then when I did she panicked and said 'no, no, spit it out, I
want to keep all of it'. So I spat it back into her hand and off
she went with her souveneir poo.
Weird but I thought it was gold!
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what
was it like?
Yes. Extremely nerve wrecking. Everyone was so nice but I think
I did the worst acting of my career!
Catch Natalie as Jill Kingsbury, weeknights 7pm,
TV2.
