ROSE BYRNE has to be one of our favourite funny girls, even though just a few years ago she found herself being pigeonholed in serious, melancholic roles. She was in legal thriller series Damages for several years and took on many dramatic roles, slotting her neatly into the ‘dramatic actress’ category. After consciously looking for lighter roles, Rose was cast in 2010s Get Him to the Greek, which set her career on a new trajectory. ‘I realised, “Hold on, I don’t want to be taken that seriously anymore. I want to be able to be taken seriously doing something funny.” I think it freed me up more,’ she said. After that came Bridesmaids, Spy and Neighbors 1 and 2, and she was finally able to show her full range as an actress.
Despite her ability to put on flawless American and British accents, which is partly what has allowed her to snag the roles she has, Rose is actually Australian. Born in Sydney, she was the youngest of four children, which brought out her fighting spirit. ‘It was competitive just eating dinner, like, “Everyone, get what you want from the chicken.” Plus competing for your parents’ attention!’
Perhaps it was a good thing, as a bit of ambition is essential in the film business. ‘I have drive, for sure. You have to. It’s a tough business; there are a lot of actresses and not a lot of great roles,’ she said. But she cautions against becoming too competitive, especially in the age of Instagram where not all is as it seems.
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Fairlady.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
