Who is Ilai Swindells?
Hey my name is Ilai Swindells. I’m a film and television actor known for Open Slather, Redfern Now, Retrograde, Safe Home, and the titular character in the insanely popular animation feature and series, 100% Wolf. I can be currently seen in the ABC drama, Bay of Fires, and the upcoming Amazon Prime feature, Five Blind Dates.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Save and invest all the money I ever made super early on ha! Drop toxic people sooner and work on forgiveness more.
Who inspires you and why?
Whoopi Goldberg because she always speaks her mind and she’s done it all. Robin Williams because he was a genius / angel to me and Mrs. Doubtfire is my favourite film. Eddie Murphy because he’s one of five stand-ups in existence that’s made me literally roll around on the floor and laugh. Jim Carey because he always went big and absurd had the most fun. Janet Jackson because she perseveres like no other and has always lead with love which I admire. All of the above I’ve grown up watching and loving throughout my life.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Maybe move into politics ha! – why not and just work on taxing big corporations more so the Joe blow taxpayer isn’t always without. I also plan to do something big and noteworthy for the Leukaemia Foundation one day and I would love to give back to artists and performers, help strengthen them, because this country pays less and less attention everyday.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
New York hands down. Went there late last year again. I always felt like it’s where I belong. Although it’s so fuckin’ cool – most people would think that.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
College Lawn. Best pub in the south.
What are you currently reading?
Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo.
What are you currently listening to?
I usually rotate between four playlists on my Spotify daily – but my ‘On Repeat’ playlist right now is a mixture of Dom Fike, Little Simz, Diana Ross, Lucky Daye, Hozier, King Princess, Swamp Dogg, Brockhampton, Janet, Labrinth & the whole ANTI album stuck on repeat…
Happiness is?
Being on set or stage.
What does the future hold for you?
Diabetes prolly… who knows, most likely more global boiling like everyone else though…
Ilai can currently be seen as Sammi in the ABC drama, Bay of Fires; and Mason Ledua in the upcoming Amazon Prime feature, Five Blind Dates.
Image: Ilai Swindells – photo by Sarah Fountain