exclusive Archives - Kate Waterhouse

DATE WITH KATE: ORLANDO BLOOM

31st May, 2013

At the Park Hyatt with Orlando Bloom.

Actor Orlando Bloom touched down in Sydney on Wednesday morning to attend a lunchtime reception at the Park Hyatt to celebrate the launch of the British Airways Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that now operates the Sydney to London route. It was a short trip for the British-born actor who flew out that same afternoon. I had a quick chat with Bloom for a so-called “speed” Date with Kate!

Welcome to Sydney!

Thanks, I’m very happy to be here, I just did a long leg from Nice to be here today. I’m very happy to a new friend to BA [British Airways] and starting this relationship. I had breakfast in the Concorde Room in London [airport] which is one of my favourite places to have breakfast in the world, especially because you don’t have to pull your wallet out at the end of the day! I’ve flown with BA since I was a little child so it feels quite special to have gone from family holidays flying around Europe to becoming a Gold Card member and being spoilt – more times than not – in first class and there isn’t a better first class in my mind than British Airways.

How was your flight?

It was great but due to the fog this morning, we got diverted to Melbourne but happy to be here now.

What have you been up to?

I arrived into Sydney this morning as a special guest of BA following a busy week in Cannes where the movie I filmed with Forest Whitaker, ZULU, closed the film festival.

What’s next in the pipeline for you?

I will be in New Zealand for about a month to finish filming The Hobbit. Then I will be in New York for over six months playing ‘Romeo’ in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Where is your favourite international holiday destination?

As a family, we also love to come to Sydney.

Do you have a favourite Australian restaurant?

[My wife] Miranda [Kerr] and I love the seafood in Sydney!

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Park Hyatt, The Rocks.

WE ATE Canapes.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water.

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: JODI ANASTA

28th April, 2013

Jodi Anasta takes me on a training session in Centennial Park.

Actor Jodi Anasta (nee Gordon) recently returned from a working trip in Los Angeles where she landed an acting gig she is keeping under wraps but that will air in the US. The former Underbelly: Badness star and wife of West Tigers rugby league player Braith Anasta is keeping herself busy as ambassador for the Nike She Runs 10km, a women’s-only event being held in Centennial Park on May 4. The 28-year-old takes Kate Waterhouse on a training session and discusses everything from her fitness regime and career to her baking skills.

What are you up to at the moment?

I’ve been training my butt off for the Nike She Runs 10km run. Even my friends said to me, “Babe, you are taking this really seriously, just calm down a bit.” But I just have a [finish] time in my head and when I’ve got something in my head, I need to hit it. I’m really hoping I can run the 10 kilometres under 45 minutes – that is my goal.

What is your training regime like?

I’ve been training five days a week … I’ve never pushed myself this hard, I’ve never felt so sick after I’ve done sprint training. But I feel good. It’s pretty incredible that when you start to push your body that hard you start to feel results.

Do you ever train with Braith?

No. When we first started dating we would go for walks but we never really train together. If we are on holidays we might go to the gym but we don’t sweat it out together [laughs].

How is married life treating you?

It’s beautiful. I didn’t think it would be that different because we have lived together for so long, but it has really cemented our relationship and it’s a really beautiful feeling.

Do you watch all his NRL games?

Yes! Their last game in Melbourne was the first game I missed because I had to work but every other game I’ve gone to. I even travel to New Zealand when he plays there. I love it. I love seeing him play; I love seeing him go well. And Kim [Braith’s mother] comes as well, so we go together.

What are you up to work wise?

I went to LA at the start of the year and did the pilot season and had some auditions and meetings … and I came back and I got a job last week that I was shooting for the US.

Can you tell me about the job?

No. It’s weird: it’s exciting when you get a job but you can’t say anything about it except that it will be airing soon in the US, so that’s exciting.

Will you go back to the US to continue auditioning?

I’m in a place now that if opportunities come up I will go to where the work is and Braith is always 100 per cent supportive of me doing that as well … As long as you have a manager and an agent over there, you can kind of make it work.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

We have barbecues; we have two Siberian huskies, so I take the dogs out running; I cook a lot for the husband and the family; we go to the movies; just normal stuff.

Are you a good cook?

I’m a really good baker! My thing are cakes. I’m better at baking but then [Braith] can do all the other stuff. I thought I was the queen of the kitchen but he is really good, it surprised me. He cooks the best roasts.

What is your signature dish?

I would say a cheesecake or a humming bird with cream-cheese frosting. The cheesecake is my mum’s recipe.

Do you always have freshly baked cakes at home?

When Braith and I first started dating I did, I was portraying Betty Crocker! [Laughs] I was feeding him so much cake and he couldn’t say no because he thought I would get upset. But not so much any more; we have found a balance. My thing is if you can eat healthy food and have a pretty good diet, then you can have a piece of cake every night.

Do you have any plans on starting a family?

Yes. You know what, one minute I’m saying “no”, the next minute I’m saying “yes”, so I think at the end of the day Braith and I really do want to have a family, but it’s just a timing thing … But it is definitely [on the cards]. You have to, that is what life is all about.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Park, Centennial Park.

WE ATE Chicken and panzanella salad and a pear and onion tart.

WE DRANK Mocktails, C Coconut water and San Pellegrino Sparking Water.

JODI WORE Nike Sportswear.

smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: RACHAEL FINCH

21st April, 2013

Dining with Rachael Finch.

TV host Rachael Finch splits her time between her Channel Seven commitments and modelling as the brand ambassador for Speedo. Also a newlywed, Finch and her husband Michael Miziner found out they were expecting while on their honeymoon in Thailand, just days after they walked down the aisle in January. But the baby news is not stopping the mum-to-be, who is as busy as ever. Kate Waterhouse caught up with the 24-year-old to chat about expecting her first child and her plans to get back in a bikini three months after she gives birth.

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m carrying a baby, so that is at the forefront of my mind, that’s consuming all my thoughts. But we are already planning Speedo’s 2014 range … I give birth in mid-September and at the end of December I’ll be shooting [the campaign], so it’s a quick turnaround.

Are you shooting in your bikini so quickly after giving birth?

Yes, I hope to be bikini-ready in three months. I think it’s possible, providing everything goes according to plan. I’ll gauge how I feel and if there are no complications, that is my goal. The Spring Racing Carnival and Brownlow are part of my Channel Seven commitments and they are soon after I give birth.

Is there pressure for you to get back to work?

No, not at all, it’s totally cruisy. All my employers, including Channel Seven and Speedo, are just like, ”Congratulations, enjoy every moment, anything that you need, just let us know,” … so it’s really nice to have that support.

How will you juggle motherhood and all your different work commitments?

A lot of people are asking what I’m going to do, even my mum, because in mum’s day it was that you stay home and you look after the children … I don’t have anything against that lifestyle but I’m such a work-oriented person, so for me career is a big thing, so it’s all about gauging how I feel. My health is always No. 1. If I don’t feel like I’m healthy enough to give Michael and our child that attention then I’ll juggle it to make sure it fits.

Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?

No, I think that is the most important thing to leave secret because to me that is the most exciting part.

What are you currently working on?

I just finished Fashion Week, where I was a friend of Barbie [Doll] while she was in Australia. I took her around and showed her the sights of Australia … One of the most embarrassing moments was at Fashion Week: I had to have Barbie on my lap and for the show I was miked up and I was going, ”Look Barbie, do you like that dress?”

Why did you agree to befriend a doll?

Everyone asked ”Why would you do that?” but in this industry you get to meet so many people, go to so many amazing places that most people wouldn’t do in a lifetime, so I take these opportunities. I was going to do that diving show, Celebrity Splash, but then we found out we were pregnant so I thought it might not be a safe option, so that got sidelined. Those opportunities are fun and exciting and that is why I did MasterChef and Dancing with the Stars, because I love learning about new things. Next year, after we give birth, I will compete in a professional dance competition with Mish [Michael].

How is married life treating you?

Awesome, it still feels like we have been together for five minutes. He still opens the door for me, we still have those special moments, the text messages, and I think it’s really important. Some days are difficult – you are tired or you may get frustrated at something, but putting that work in to maintain that relationship is really important.

What do you do for fun together?

We love to go out for dinner. We love Toko, Spice Temple and … this place on Botany Road [in Alexandria] called Zion Sushi.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

We are really enjoying the property side of things. That, to us, is really interesting and stimulating because it’s projects we get to work on together. I would still love to be travelling around the world, working on television. I would also love to do my own swimwear and gym wear and a couple of other products.

WE WENT TO The Grounds of Alexandria.
WE ATE Spring chicken salad with poached chicken breast, pickled celery and tender stem broccoli with radicchio and dukkah dressing.
WE DRANK Freshly squeezed summer juices.
RACHAEL WORE Camilla and Marc top and skirt.

smh.com.au

Beauty, Fashion

FIVE MINUTES WITH- GEORGIA MAY JAGGER

19th April, 2013

Camilla Franks & Georgia May Jagger

Last week “Kaftan Queen” Camilla Franks showcased her Pachamama SS13/14 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. The show was inspired by Frank’s recent trip to South America and took place in a stunning garden setting, under a giant tepee in Centennial Park. Model and London “it girl”, Georgia May Jagger was flown to Australia to walk exclusively for the show and lead 30 models down the runway. I caught up with the 21-year-old to see what she got up to on her trip to Sydney and find out a few of her favourite fashion and beauty items.

What was the first thing you did when you landed in Sydney?

I went straight to my fitting at Camilla HQ and then off to Ms G’s in Potts Point for dinner & drinks. It was my first time there and I loved it!

What is your favourite restaurant in Sydney?

I went back to Mr Wong because I went there last time and it was so fab. We all left in a complete food coma! I also really like Porteno.

What are your wardrobe essentials?

A leather jacket, Hudson jeans and biker boots and now have to include a Camilla jumpsuit and gypsy dress of course!

What are your travel essentials?

Sunglasses (usually Ray-Ban’s but I do occasionally get tempted away). I do confess to owning quite a lot especially now with my Sunglass Hut photo diary! I also take a cashmere blanket, REN products to keep my skin replenished, iPod, leather jacket, a Camilla bikini and colourful kaftan too as it is so easy to pack!

What are you listening to right now?

The Clash, Prince, Turbogeist.

What are your favourite beauty products?

I really like REN, Tracie Martyn and Crème de la Mer.

What is your ice cream flavour of choice?

Hmmm, a yum Italian gelato is the best!

What was your next destination after Sydney?

Of course I visited Qualia in QLD before Sydney, then Melbourne for a few days and then back to London. All three states in just two weeks but I am coming back!

Images: Leather jacket, Qualia Resort, The Clash album cover, La Mer moisturiser, Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO

24th March, 2013

Trackside at the F1 with Alessandro Del Piero.

Alessandro Del Piero ranks fourth among Italy’s top scorers in football, and last year took up a $4 million contract to join Sydney FC, making him the highest-profile player to join the A-League. The 38-year-old and I caught up last weekend at the formula one Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne to talk about his move to Australia, how he spends his downtime in Sydney and how the cooking by his wife Sonia Amoruso makes home the best restaurant in town.

Do you enjoy living in Australia?

Yes, I’m really enjoying it and really like spending time in Sydney and around Australia. I don’t get to travel and see the sights too much because we play every week, every Sunday, but Sydney is a wonderful city and I’ve enjoyed visiting Melbourne also. I love to spend time in new places and to get to know more about Australia, so I’ve been lucky enough to play in Perth and Brisbane as well.

What is the biggest difference between playing in Australia compared with Italy?

Everything is completely different. After 19 years in the same place, now everything has changed, from a new country, a new city, different weather, jet lag, different teammates … Absolutely everything is different, but it’s a new challenge and I’m really enjoying it.

Do you feel as though Australia has welcomed you with open arms?

Yes, it’s been amazing. From the very first day everyone has shown so much love for me. The first game, we sold out the whole stadium and that had never happened before. Everything has been so good and everyone has had such a big heart for me.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?

I just spend time with my family because I have three children under the age of six, so that is why we like to spend a lot time with them. It’s great because Sydney has so much to offer – there are a lots of parks, beaches, the zoo – that are all great places where you can go with the family.

Do you have a favourite restaurant in Sydney?

No, I don’t really go back to the same restaurant. I love to try different places and change restaurants every week. But most of the time I eat at home because my wife cooks everything. The best restaurant is at home!

How does Sydney’s Italian food compare with Italy’s?

We have found many good places that make excellent pasta and Italian food. There is a lot of great Italian products in Australia and it is very good quality. It is just like what we get at home.

What are you up to at the moment?

The end of the season is coming up and everyone is excited. We have the last games before the playoffs and at the moment that is the most important thing for me. That is all I am thinking about.

What has been your biggest career highlight?

I’m proud of all parts of my career but I have also made plenty of mistakes. But I think when you make a mistake or lose a game, from every experience whether good or bad, you can learn something. But for sure it’s better when you win!

What is the best part about your job?

The best part is that it is my passion and it is what I love to do, so that is why everything about my job is good.

What is the worst part?

The worst is that there is not too much. I put 100 per cent of my heart and passion into it, so that is why maybe if I lose a game, or I don’t play well, I get angry at myself. But it’s all part of your work.

Do you think your children will follow in your footsteps?

I really don’t know. I don’t want to push them to play soccer; their destiny might be different to mine. As they grow older, they may or may not be interested, but they have to choose what they want.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I really don’t know. Maybe I will still be here, I don’t know. Or maybe I’ll spend some time travelling. But either way I will come back here again because I am having such a great time here.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Red Bull marquee at the Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne.

WE ATE A selection of canapes, including seared scallops, gourmet pies and mini burritos.

WE DRANK Red Bull cocktails and sparkling mineral water.

ALESSANDRO WORE Louis Vuitton top, Prada pants and Converse All Stars sneakers.

smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: JENNIFER HAWKINS

10th March, 2013

Dining with Jennifer Hawkins.

Model Jennifer Hawkins already has a busy schedule as the face of Myer department stores and designing her Cozi swimwear and JLH shoe range. Now she’s taken on another role, as host of the coming season of Australia’s Next Top Model on Foxtel. The 29-year-old and I spoke about the challenge of filling Sarah Murdoch’s shoes in one of the most coveted gigs on entertainment television, her wedding this June to long-time partner Jake Wall and their baby plans.

Do you feel pressure as the new host of Australia’s Next Top Model?

No, I think the best thing to do is give yourself goals on what you want to achieve throughout the series, and if you achieve those goals, that is all you can do. Because some people will really like [the change], but some will really hate it and that’s cool.

Have there been any fights on the show?

There will definitely be some TV drama. It’s nice that [fellow judges Alex Perry and Charlotte Dawson] have an open and honest opinion. It has made me do that as well – maybe not as aggressive [laughs], but I’m definitely honest.

You’re seen as Australia’s golden girl. Is it hard to maintain that image?

No I’m not and I don’t try to be! I’m not perfect all the time and I don’t try to portray that, either. I’m just living life.

What is the best part of your job?

That it’s always different. I’m never bored with it.

What is the worst?

The hours. Sometimes I’m like, ”Come on”, and then I think, ”I’m in a good position. Just suck it up.”

Is it frustrating when people pry into your personal life?

It’s not frustrating. I think the thing you have to keep telling yourself is that you have put yourself in this position. I remember my dad saying, ”You’re either in it or you are out of it,” and it’s so true, so you can’t whinge.

Can you reveal any details about the wedding?

We are trying to keep it as private as possible, just because you want to spend that time with family and friends and not have the craziness [of media] around … It’s definitely glamorous but it’s intimate. Deciding the guest list was the hardest thing; it took us weeks. I was like, ”I’m going to cry, I want everyone to come!”

Is Jake involved in the preparations?

We go to the [planning] meetings together. Obviously, he is not really into all the decorating and stuff but he has an input, and acts like he is interested, so that’s good [laughs].

What’s happening for your hens’ night?

I don’t know yet. We are tossing between things, but I really want it to be crazy. I don’t want it to be tame at all, I want to let loose.

Any honeymoon plans?

We are going overseas, to Europe, and then we will go to an island somewhere. I’ve never had three weeks off. I might go insane but I’m very excited. The most important part of our honeymoon is the island, where we will have seven days of sipping cocktails and doing nothing. I’ll probably come back and people will say, ”Wow, Jen’s pregnant,” because I would have put on weight [laughs] but I don’t care.

Do you plan to have children in the near future?

It’s pretty much down the track. We are not looking at that at all … I’m not ready yet, it’s just a busy time. I think there will be a time when you go, ”Yep, I’m ready.”

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would you do?

I love designing my shoe and Cozi range so much, I would do it even if they didn’t have the price tag. Otherwise, I would want to be a personal trainer and work out all the time. That would make me do it!

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Sake Restaurant & Bar, Southbank, Melbourne.

WE ATE Edamame; kingfish sashimi; sashimi tacos; and a selection of sushi.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water and sake.

smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: ZARA PHILLIPS

13th January, 2013

Dining with Zara Phillips

Zara Phillips, British Olympic equestrian team silver medallist and the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, was on Queensland’s Gold Coast as ambassador of the Magic Millions Racing Women initiative.I caught up with the 31-year-old to chat about her upbringing, dealing with the paparazzi, and starting a family.

What was it like growing up in a royal family?

When I do interviews, I hate talking about my family a lot because they are my family and that’s all I can say. It’s the same as it was for anyone else – obviously, people don’t quite believe me. Yes, we were in the public eye but we are still a family and growing up is the same. We were very lucky in the way that we had great places to go and great opportunities and hopefully all of us have used them and learnt from them, but then again, it’s just family.

Do you have to deal with paparazzi everywhere you go in Britain?

No, I live in the country with the horses so I can get around at home, unless I’m going somewhere public or I’m with the family in London or doing stuff for sponsors – then there is media. But otherwise I’m lucky, I get left alone.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever read about yourself?

One of them was last time I was here, they said ”your royal thongness”, and everyone was like, ”Oh my God, she is wearing thongs!”, and I was like, ”Why is that so weird that I’m wearing thongs?” There have been loads [of strange things written] but most of the time it’s when people misquote you, it’s frustrating … The worst thing is, you know how people say ”today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish-and-chip paper”? It isn’t true any more, because it’s all on the web so it always comes back up.

Do people sometimes not recognise you and treat you differently once they realise who you are?

Sometimes. This week I went through customs and I had my riding boots with me, so I had to go through the system and they had to clean my boots and the lady looked at me and said, ”Oh I just realised who you are.” It’s quite nice when people don’t recognise you, and obviously it’s a good thing for me because then they are relaxed.

What made you agree to be involved in the Magic Millions?

It’s close to me; I love horses and I love racing. Plus, being in a hot country like Australia, it wasn’t hard to twist my arm!

Is your husband involved in horse racing?

Funny you should say that. My husband [rugby player Mike Tindall] and two other rugby boys and their trainer own this horse together. The reason is, we were all at the sales at Cheltenham races and they were at the table, drinking away, with horses coming and the last lot comes in – and he swears that he didn’t have too much alcohol in him – but it was the end of the night and he starts bidding for this horse and I was like, ”What is he doing?!” so now the four of them are involved. It’s a funny story, but that’s why I’m not taking him to the sales again, he’s dangerous!

What is an average day for you?

I get up and I’ve got seven eventers to ride and then I’ve got three pointers. I ride every day until they are done, doing fitness, jumping or dressage, so every day is different.

What was it like winning silver at the Olympics?

It was the best experience of my life … We would have loved to have taken the gold home, and we were really close. When the first result came out I was disappointed … but then when you get [the medal] around your neck, you think, ”This isn’t so bad!” You stop moaning and shut up [laughs].

Given Will and Kate are having a baby, are you planning on starting a family any time soon?

Yes, hopefully. I’m trying to see if we can plan it in … but the trouble is I have really good horses at the moment. It would be easier if I didn’t have any good ones, so you could kind of go, ”OK, flag this year.” We will see what happens.

What do you do for fun?

I watch my husband play rugby and I play hockey sometimes. Otherwise, I just stay at home and chill out, nothing special really. We are active all the time so when we are at home, we like to chill and be lazy.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Hopefully I will have done another Olympics. That is what I’ll aim for.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Surfers Paradise foreshore, Gold Coast.

WE ATE Mini friands; Bircher muesli; smoked salmon roulade.

WE DRANK English Breakfast tea.

ZARA WORE R.M. Williams shirt, Country Road jeans and Calleija jewellery.

smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: PHOEBE TONKIN

2nd December, 2012

Lunch with Pheobe Tonkin.

Los Angeles-based Australian actor Phoebe Tonkin stars in the hit US supernatural TV series The Vampire Diaries, and was on ambassador duties in Sydney last week for jewellery label Jan Logan. Kate Waterhouse spoke with the 23-year-old about getting her big break, living in LA and her love life.

Did you always want to be an actor?

Not really. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but someone told me to just get involved with everything at school which I did, from Japanese club, to drama club to choir. I just fell in love with acting and I started doing acting classes at ATYP [Australian Theatre for Young People] and I really enjoyed it. Then I auditioned for a couple of things and [the Australian TV series] H2O: Just Add Water came from that. From there it became less of a hobby and more of a job. It’s great to be working in something that you love doing.

What was your big break overseas?

I had a series of auditions with Kevin Williamson, who was the producer [of The Secret Circle], and after that he called to say I had got the job and I literally flew out straight away to Canada to start filming.

When did you get your big break with The Vampire Diaries?

That came from The Secret Circle because Kevin Williamson produces both of them. After The Secret Circle was discontinued, I expressed how much I loved working for Warner Bros and [TV network] the CW, and would love to find a place in one of their shows. It was just kind of by chance there was a role in The Vampire Diaries that seemed suitable.

What’s it like to be part of The Vampire Diaries phenomenon?

It’s such a crazy thing. It has a huge fan base that is so invested in those characters and that show. It’s exciting to be a part of it and witness it … the fans are what drive that show.

What do you do for fun?

One of my best friends, [actor] Teresa Palmer, and I are very passionate about healthy living and a natural lifestyle, so we started this website called yourzenlife.com. We only just launched it last week, so when I’m not working I am busy tapping away on the computer.

What is the website all about?

It is a scrapbook of different ideas, tips and tricks. We touch on everything from healthy living and exercise to spirituality. We also talk about eating organically on a budget and finding fresh local things without spending a fortune; just things that we personally like to learn and talk about.

How did you become friends with Teresa?

We were going to [the music festival] Coachella and we ended up in the same car for a few hours and we got talking and realised that we had very similar life goals and shared the same passions, and from then on we grew very close.

Do all the expat Aussie actors stick together in LA?

Yes, there is a bit of an Aussie situation. I know it’s terrible I go over and just hang with Australians – I could be in Bondi. [But] it’s nice to be around people who are in the same sort of situation.

Will you stay based in LA?

At this stage, yes, but with this kind of job, you don’t know where you’ll end up.

Do you have a boyfriend?

That was subtle! [Laughs] umm, no.

What do you look for in a guy?

At the moment, a non-actor guy and, I guess, [someone who’s] smart, nice and funny.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I’d love to still be working, whether it’s here or overseas. I’m old-fashioned, so I guess I would also love to be getting closer to starting a family and getting married and all those things.

If you could play any character, who would it be?

I loved Gwyneth Paltrow in the The Royal Tenenbaums and Reese Witherspoon in Election. I love quirky films and characters like that.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Hugos Bar Pizza, Potts Point.

WE ATE Quinoa and brown rice salad; grilled baby eggplant and sun-dried tomato with olive oil; shaved fennel, blood orange and pecorino salad.

WE DRANK Blood orange, strawberry, lime, apple juice and fresh-mint mocktails.

PHOEBE WORE Ellery jacket and top, Joe’s jeans, Alexander Wang shoes, Jan Logan jewellery and Tan & Brown bag.

To see video footage of the interview see smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: NAOMI WATTS

18th November, 2012

Naomi Watts at the Shangri La hotel.

Actress Naomi Watts was in Sydney as part of National Donate Your Hair Week. The New York resident and Pantene ambassador was promoting the inaugural Beautiful Lengths program to inspire women to grow, cut and donate their hair to be turned into real-hair wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Kate Waterhouse chats to the 44-year-old about her career, being in the spotlight and her upcoming biopic, Diana, which focuses on the last two years of Princess Diana’s life.

What is a typical day?

A normal day is waking up and doing the school run, and then I like to exercise, if I can fit that in. I like to cook. The kids are much better behaved at home rather than in a restaurant. An abnormal day is rushing all over town doing interviews and stuff like that. It’s lots of travel and not enough sleep, but you try to get used to it.

Do you leave your acting at work or do you and your husband [actor Liev Schreiber] come home in character?

You have to [leave it at work]. It’s fair to say with the Diana movie, that I just finished, that was more consuming than anything I’ve done, but for the most time, you have to switch off. I know there are some actors who don’t do that, but I find that too exhausting, [especially] being the mother of two small ones. I know Daniel Day-Lewis does that [stays in character] and you think, ”Oh, I must be so lazy”, but he does less films. In 15 years, allegedly, he’s only made six. I think I would go a bit crazy if I was walking around with the character all the time.

What was the best part about playing Princess Diana?

It was discovering her … We all feel we know a lot from those everyday articles coming out through tabloids … but there was so much more to learn about her. She was a fascinating woman who achieved a lot in far too short a lifetime and I think I just thought, ”This is a woman I’d like to know, this is a woman I’d like in my life”.

What was the worst thing?

The pressure is the hardest part, everyone saying, ”Oh, but you don’t look like her and you’re not tall, you don’t have the same nose” – that is such an annoyance. I’m trying to make an interpretation, I’m not trying to mimic [her] in any way. I’m an actor, I’m just trying to be a part of the storytelling. We are not making a documentary. Obviously we wanted to get as close to her look as possible, but you can only do so much. Getting the voice was something I worked very hard on and I worked with a dialogue coach every day for six weeks. [I was] walking around with the iPod, listening to that [Martin] Bashir interview, that was probably the most candidly she ever spoke, that was recorded.

What have you been doing with your time in Sydney?

I saw my nan yesterday, who is still going strong at 87.

Will you be back in Australia for Christmas?

I hope so but I will be promoting a movie that I’m very proud of called The Impossible, about the 2004 tsunami, and it’s coming out at Christmas, so there is a lot of work and travel involved in that.

You’re a big Hollywood actress but you seem to stay out of the spotlight. Is that intentional?

Nothing scandalous happens in our lives, so yeah. I mean, there are photographers that sometimes camp outside our house or school and wait for a picture but they are the same [photos]: us on bikes with the kids, walking home, hailing a cab. We try to be as unfussy as possible; we both grew up like that, so why should we suddenly become the people who have security guards and major entourages. We keep it simple.

Will you be donating your hair?

[No], unfortunately my hair has been chemically treated. [Coloured and treated hair cannot be donated].

You’ve always been open about talking about your Aussie acting roots, but actor Melissa George has caused a hoo-ha over her Home And Away days. Does it ever get annoying having to speak about the past?

Not for me, [but] I feel bad for her. Personally, it doesn’t bother me, we all start somewhere, we all have skeletons in our closets, we all have paid our dues. It doesn’t matter, it’s work that gets work, that has always been my philosophy on it.

Do you ever look back and think, ”That’s so embarrassing”?

Of course, that’s just part of it. I think everyone, in any career, would feel that … most of us have had to start at some point and had to climb the ladder.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks.

WE HAD High tea.

WE DRANK English breakfast tea.

NAOMI WORE Collette Dinnigan dress.

For video footage see smh.com.au

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: KYLY CLARKE

28th October, 2012

Model and TV presenter Kyly Clarke, 31, is a cosmetics and fashion brand ambassador. She and her husband, Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, try to keep a low profile but Kate Waterhouse catches up with Kyly near their southern Sydney home to talk about cooking, cricket and how the couple met at school.

What are you up to at the moment?

I have an interior design business (Bold Interiors) and the latest project I’m working on is the Michael Clarke Cricket Academy. I’ll be designing that from scratch and working with architects and builders over the next 12 to 24 months. I’m also brand ambassador for Sheer Cover make-up and Boutique by Harris Scarfe. I really love the variety of things that I do; I like being able to have those different elements in my life.

How did you get into interior design?

I started as a beauty therapist and was modelling and presenting at the same time. I was getting older and I wanted a more mature trade I could enjoy for a very long time. Interior design was a passion, as it’s quite similar to fashion – it’s all about style, colour and composition – so it all just clicked for me.

You seem to have a very glamorous life. Is it?

It’s like everyone else’s: when you want to be glamorous, you put make-up on, do your hair and wear nice clothes; but when you are relaxed, you pop your hair in a ponytail and head to the gym … except my life is sometimes in pictures because the media follows me.

You seem to keep a low profile, is that intentional?

I’m just happy doing my job. I understand and appreciate the media side comes with that but, for me, that’s not where I am at.

Do you feel the pressure to monitor what you say on social media?

I always watch what I do and say, it’s just my nature. It’s how I’ve been brought up. As my dad would say, ”measure twice and cut once”. I don’t think it’s a bad thing … it is about being true to yourself.

Do you spend many nights at home cooking, in trackies?

Most definitely. One of my favourite things is to eat at our dining table, because you can be yourself. I really love cooking. Everyone is egging me on to do a simple cookbook but I’m not sure; I’m definitely no chef but it would probably be simple recipes.

What is your signature dish?

Spinach and feta pie. I also cook a lot of steak and veg, veal schnitzel and pasta bake. I enjoy experimenting.

As a child, what did you think you would be when you were older?

I started as a dancer; I remember moments when I wanted to be an interior designer or … a wedding planner! You (do) your modelling and presenting jobs wondering which is going to grab, and obviously they are quite fickle industries, so it’s hard to know when one is going to take off. You definitely have those moments and think, ”If this doesn’t work, what else would I really love doing?” So thanks, J-Lo, for that Wedding Planner movie!

Were you a cricket fan when you were younger?

I knew about the Boxing Day Test because I would catch a glimpse of it on TV.

How did you grow to love it?

You enjoy something when you have a valid interest in it. I’ve always loved sport, so it wasn’t very hard to enjoy cricket. Once you know the rules of a sport, you can figure out if you are going to love it or not. For me, I did do a little research, I’m not going to lie (laughs), to figure out how many balls in an over, et cetera. But once you start paying attention and listening to the commentators, that really helped me understand things.

Did you know who Michael was before you met?

We went to school together, so we knew each other from then.

You both have busy schedules. How do you maintain family life?

It just comes down to making sure your schedules fit together and … if someone is away then obviously you try to not spend too much time apart.

Are you planning on starting a family any time soon?

Kate … ! (Laughs) Time will tell.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I know what you probably want me to say, but I just hope that my Bold Interiors is still successful and the brands-and-modelling career continues for a very long time.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Flowercino Florist Cafe, Caringbah.

WE ATE Home-made granola with seasonal fruit and yoghurt.

WE DRANK Soy latte and skim cappuccino.

KYLY WORE Boutique by Harris Scarfe.

For video footage see smh.com.au

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