Who is Mark Hill?
Full time actor, part time surfer, Queenslander.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d really love to write something, but every time I sit down in an attempt to do, so I end up eating, and not writing, so, yeah. (I ate three times throughout writing this short interview).
Who inspires you and why?
My big brother, Timmy, is an incredible inspiration. He’s a creative type also, a director, and yet he seems to maintain this rare and beautiful balance of talent and humility, passion and ease. He’ll literally go to an opening night of a play he’s directed, then stay up till 4.00am to watch Arsenal play in the Premier League.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Replace judgment with empathy. One of the unique disciplines you learn as an actor is the ability to dig below the surface of a character, fiction or otherwise in the hope of uncovering the genesis of their behavior. In my very limited experience I’ve found nearly all behaviour can be traced back to some childhood pain or suffering. This brings perspective from which I can empathise.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tugun – a beach on the south end of the Gold Coast. My family has a little beach shack there that my great grandad built, literally. I’ve spent basically every summer of my life there!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Although currently undergoing a makeover, I would usually take friends to Sydney Theatre Company on the Wharf. It still bemuses and amazes me that there’s a world class theatre company floating on Sydney Harbour. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Jordan B Peterson’s 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m a bit of a musical theatre tragic.
Happiness is?
Any time I spend with the LOML (love of my life), Sam.
What does the future hold for you?
Roles that inspire, challenge and most importantly; help me understand the world a little better.
Mark stars as Riff in Opera Australia’s production of West Side Story on Sydney Harbour – which runs 22 March – 21 April 2019. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Mark Hill (supplied)