Who is Belinda Giblin?
My mother told me my eyes were wide open at birth “looking for action”! I haven’t changed much. I have a rather robust curiosity about things which leads to my being a bit “driven” and dare I say, obsessive at times. With that comes an immense optimism which carries me through the ups and downs of life rather well. I am a mother, grandmother, actor, corporate trainer, speech writer, public speaker, cryptic crossword fanatic and animal lover. I could never be close to someone who doesn’t love animals or children!
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing much. Although I turned down a brilliant acting job once, early on in my career, to stay with the man I loved! I would never do that now!
Who inspires you and why?
My children and grandchildren. Animal activists all over the world. People who work for the passion of it, not the money. Actors in independent co-ops. Good directors. Friendly, optimistic people. Rather naïve I know but I tend to walk away from anyone who takes away from my joy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I am outraged by any form of animal cruelty, so given that I can’t use a magic wand to prevent it altogether, I am involved with many animal welfare groups, both financially and actively, to improve the future of animals all over the world. I am not remotely religious but I am in extreme awe of the natural world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Paris. Sooo sexy on every level. A bit of history there!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
CBD first, including Opera House, The Rocks and Botanical Gardens. I am in love with this city! Northern beaches drive right up to the peninsular and fish and chips on the beach. Vaucluse and Watsons Bay for a bit of bling and the Gap. They may want to jump by the end of the tour! Whatever is good at the theatre, a play and/or a musical. Norton St, Leichhardt for the cinema, the bookshops and the restaurants.
What are you currently reading?
Stella by Peter Wyden. Newspapers on line.
What are you currently listening to?
The sound of two noisy currawongs on the deck. A plane overhead, first flies of summer and… aaaah….silence!
Happiness is?
I remember riding my bike to school in Tamworth, suddenly stopping, and thinking “I am really happy right now! I must remember this! I have those moments still… a lot. My children and grandchildren. A green smoothie. A good book. My dog greeting me at the front door. A completed crossword! (smugness!)
What does the future hold for you?
I am about to open in Daylight Saving at the Eternity Playhouse, directed by the gorgeous Adam Cook. Aside from that, the fact that I don’t know for sure is pretty exciting! Corporate gigs dotted throughout the year. Oh, I have been offered a one-woman show in the latter half of next year which is thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Can’t talk about it much yet except to say that it will be quite provocative, I think. Watch this space.
Belinda Giblin began her career in the risqué 1970s soap opera The Box followed by the popular 1980s melodrama Sons and Daughters. Since then, she’s appeared in several series including Heartbreak High, Home and Away, A Country Practice and, more recently, an international award winning internet series, The Horizon.
Recent theatre credits include Dark Voyager and Absurd Person Singular for Ensemble Theatre, Dinner for SBW Stables and two sell-out national tours of The Shoehorn Sonata with Maggie Kirkpatrick.
Belinda will be appearing in Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s production of Daylight Saving at the Eternity Playhouse: 31 October – 30 November. For more information, visit: www.darlinghursttheatre.com for details.
Image: Belinda Giblin