Who is Vanessa Buckley?
I’m Vanessa Buckley – an actor, writer, producer and professional over-thinker and over-sharer. I’m also a chip enthusiast, clearly.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Probably stress less about what people think, and say yes faster. I can spend days analysing a single choice… when often the magic comes from just leaping.
Who inspires you and why?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She took her mess, her humour, her vulnerability and turned it into theatre that blew open TV. That kind of alchemy. Pain turned into something hilarious and human is everything I aspire to. And Larry David for proving awkward oversharing can actually be a career.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Tell stories that make people feel less alone or understand someone else a little better. I don’t think I’ll fix climate change, but I can get up on stage, admit I’ve eaten my feelings at 2am and made some questionable decisions and hopefully someone out there goes, “Oh thank god, me too.”
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Italy. There’s something about the way Italians live – food, laughter, family arguments over pasta – it’s chaotic but deeply connective. Plus, gelato.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Bondi to Coogee walk followed by a dip in the ocean pool at Bronte. Ocean air fixes everything. And the chip shop after.
What are you currently reading?
Apart from the final draft of Chip on Her Shoulder… Nature’s Last Dance by Natalie Kyriacou. It’s clever, raw, and full of hope – one of those books that feels both urgent and uplifting. Honestly, I think everyone should read it!
What are you currently listening to?
I’m a sucker for the oldies radio.. Solomon Burke, Nina Simone – soul that just cuts straight through. And always a sprinkle of Taylor Swift in there too, because obviously.
Happiness is?
A home-cooked meal (which features potato) with my big, loud family. Nothing fills the cup like that.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully more shows, more stories, more risks. I’m learning to stop waiting for permission and just make the things I want to see in the world.
Vanessa can be seen in Jen McAuliffe’s Chip On Her Shoulder – which plays at the Explosives Factory, St Kilda from 7 – 11 October, as part of the 2025 Melbourne Fringe Festival. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Vanessa Buckley – photo by Adrian Price