On the Couch with Gus Murray

Gus Murray AAR On the CouchWho is Gus Murray?
A Sydney-born actor and producer whose top skills are reverse parking, playing backgammon, and digging perfect holes for beach umbrellas. My agent is constantly encouraging me to develop more employable skills.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would stop eating peanut butter from the jar with a spoon like it’s ice cream. If I wasn’t an actor, I might have taken my university psychology studies further and got into that field.

Who inspires you and why?
I have always admired Jim Henson as a genuinely innovative creator whose work explored joy and darkness in equal measure. Lately I have been so impressed by Margot Robbie who gives incredible performances and is also producing her own projects.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would try to be the type of person who helps the people around me do their best work and live their fullest lives. I would also ban leaf blowers.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
At risk of sounding like Prue and Trude, I love Noosa. My family used to drive there every year as a kid. So many good memories, except the time that I vomited salami sandwiches all over dad’s new Commodore half way through the journey.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to Bondi Beach on a weekday in summer so they can meet all my actor mates. Then a schnitzel at Una’s in Darlinghurst.

What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Defying Hitler by Sebastian Haffner – an incredible memoir, as research for The Man In The Attic.

What are you currently listening to?
I am always listening to Joni Mitchell because I’m obsessed. I’m also listening to Sam Harris’ Waking Up podcast and Hedley Thomas’ The Teacher’s Pet podcast.

Happiness is?
Sitting around a table in the sun with your closest people drinking wine, talking, arguing, remembering, and laughing.

What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully lots of questions 6 and 9. And I’m really looking forward to opening The Man In Yhe Attic at the Eternity Playhouse. It’s an incredible true story and a lovely bunch of people who’ve come together to make it happen.

Gus stars in the Australian premiere of The Man In The Attic by one of Australia’s most internationally-produced playwrights, Timothy Daly, at the Eternity Playhouse: 5 – 22 July 2018. For more information, visit: www.shalom.edu.au for details.

Image: Gus Murray (supplied)