Educating Essie I'M A FIGHTER LIKE BUNNY
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|August 2, 2021
Beloved as the super-stylish slevth phryne. the actress sees another side of life playing a Kiwi batter trying to keep her kids
Slevth phryne
Educating Essie I'M A FIGHTER LIKE BUNNY

As the glamorous private detective Phryne Fisher, actress Essie Davis has captured hearts all over Aotearoa. Now, she’s set to break them.

The Australian star plays the lead role in the new Kiwi movie The Justice of Bunny King, about a down-and-out jailbird battling the system for the right to raise her kids – and for the actress, the fight felt intensely personal.

“The story is funny, dangerous, and powerful,” shares the mum-of-two. “And so many people who were involved in the movie felt it was their story. The extras would be in the wardrobe bus going, ‘Oh, my God, that happened to me.’ So many people whose stories aren’t told are being told in this.

“Bunny is a woman who is full of life and full of fury, who will never give up on her children.”

Family is close to the actress’ heart. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1970, Essie – short for Esther – was the youngest of seven children. The Davis clan “didn’t have much money”, but her artist father George inspired his brood with his passion for the local landscape, and her mother Mary made the most of the family’s orchard and veg garden.

Even from a young age, Essie knew she was headed for a career in show business.

“I watched tons of black-and-white movies because we only had three television stations and an old black-and-white TV,” she recalls. “We used to go to the drive-in, where I remember watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I knew then that I wanted to be an actor and I had no doubt that I would do it.”

Denne historien er fra August 2, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2, 2021-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYSe alt
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024