The Women Who Made Me Claudia Karvan

The esteemed actor celebrates the women who encouraged her to live a creative and curious life

- Courtney Thompson

JUDY DAVIS

I was 14 when I got cast in the film High Tide, which starred Judy Davis as my mother. I was just a normal teenager who was, sadly, not watching a lot of Australian productions; I hadn’t seen My Brilliant Career, so I was completely ignorant to who Judy was and what sort of reputation she came with. I just took her at face value. During the entire filming process, I was so enthralled by her I found it painful to be away from her. I just relished her company so much: her stories, her sense of humor. She would confide in me, and she’s really quite addictive to be around. All-day on set was just utter pleasure for me, but it was work for her. I remember a moment when they called “Wrap!” and she yelled, “Woo hoo!” and went dancing across the paddock, skipping offset. I just looked at her, horrified, and thought, “How can she be so happy to leave?!” I couldn’t fathom it because I felt so miserable any time I had to part ways with her.