Play School's Noni Hazlehurst — Australia's TV mum
Oct 4, 2024
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Noni Hazlehurst, a beloved Australian actor known for her extensive work on stage and screen, reflects on her colorful journey in the entertainment industry. She shares humorous insights about childhood influences and the unexpected delights of live filming. Delving into her theatrical roots, Noni humorously recounts a mishap during a performance, while navigating the balance of motherhood with a demanding career. She also discusses the impact of 'Monkey Grip' and the importance of authenticity in both life and storytelling.
Noni Hazlehurst's upbringing in a family of entertainers instilled in her a strong work ethic and versatility in performance.
Her sheltered childhood, influenced by her mother's traumatic war experiences, nurtured her vivid imagination and passion for storytelling.
Despite facing skepticism in transitioning roles, Noni demonstrated resilience and a commitment to portraying strong, complex female characters.
Deep dives
A Legacy of Entertainment
Noni Hazelhurst comes from a rich lineage of entertainers, which significantly influenced her career path. Growing up, she was steeped in a culture of performance, with a father who was a talented singer and comedian and a mother who pursued pantomime and acrobatics. Their experiences shaped Noni’s understanding of versatility and the importance of hard work in the show business. This background laid a strong foundation for her own impressive career, from hosting Play School to winning multiple AFI awards.
Childhood Influences and Imagination
Noni's childhood, described as quite sheltered, revolved around solitary activities inspired by her mother's love for literature, rather than physical adventures. Her mother's traumatic experiences during World War II influenced their closeted lifestyle, resulting in Noni developing a vibrant imagination. She created her own world through storytelling, reenacting her beloved Mickey Mouse Club performances and fostering creativity through books about large families and pets. This imaginative upbringing played a crucial role in cultivating Noni's passion for acting and her ability to connect with audiences later in her career.
Navigating Personal Challenges
Noni shared the challenges posed by her family's complex history, particularly the impact of her mother's traumatic experiences during the war. While her father found some joy in his war role as a producer for an entertainment unit, her mother endured significant hardship. Noni's journey into acting inevitably carried the weight of her family dynamics, as she grappled with her own identity in light of these inherited familial difficulties. Understanding her parents' histories shaped Noni’s perspectives and informed her approach to her roles in theater and television.
The Challenges of Fame and Recognition
Despite her notable roles and recognition in the entertainment industry, Noni encountered skepticism regarding her transition between children's programming and more serious acting roles. Her work on Play School connected her with younger audiences while simultaneously broadening her appeal to their parents and grandparents. However, she faced significant challenges, including outdated perceptions of age and authority when auditioning for serious roles. Noni's resilience shone through as she navigated these obstacles, ultimately confirming her dedication to portraying strong, complex female characters.
Reflections on Creativity and Responsibility
In her career, Noni has championed the importance of connecting with children and acknowledging their unique perspectives during formative years. Through her role in Play School, she became an advocate for children’s rights, emphasizing their need for guidance in a complicated world. Noni believes that her work can deeply impact young audiences, imbuing them with a sense of safety and understanding. This belief underscores her performances, reinforcing her commitment to portraying characters that resonate with kindness and clarity, ultimately enriching the lives of children.
Beloved Australian actor, Noni Hazlehurst looks back on her life on stage and screen.
Noni Hazlehurst has been on Australian TV screens and theatres for nearly 50 years.
She comes from a long line of performers.
Noni's parents met while they were part of a touring Variety act in the UK, and her great grandfather was a famous child trapeze artist.
Keeping children company on Playschool was one of her best known roles, which she had for 24 years.
In Noni’s day, Playschool was recorded in one take, unless one of the presenters swore or was bitten by a rabbit.
This episode focuses on motherhood, acting, stage, screen, actors, Playschool, Better Homes and Gardens, vocation, life calling, trapeze, variety act, family, the Blue Mountains, characters, pretend, make-believe.
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