Enlarge photo

You Might Like

All Saints

Beauty and the Geek

Home and Away

Related Links

Behind the scenes

Go an exclusive tour with the Packed to the Rafter's cast

Meet Ben Rafter

We chat to the cheeky Hugh Sheridan

From a young age Jessica Marais has always dreamed of being an actress, putting on plays in her backyard and performing in school productions. But it wasn’t until her final year of acting school she landed the role as Rachel Rafter in the hit family drama ‘Packed to the Rafters.’

Did you ever imagine Packed to the Rafters would be such a success? We had a great feeling about the show but you never want to second guess the Australian public. You don’t want to get your hopes up, but the ratings have been almost too good to be true.

When did you hear about the role of Rachel? What attracted you to the role? My primary objective was just to graduate NIDA and get a job. I was in third year and we got told about the audition and I treated it like a learning experience. They said it was for a TV pilot. I read the scenes and identified with the writing. I thought even if I don’t get the role, I’ve really enjoyed the auditioning experience. When I got the call back, I thought, wow they’re considering me seriously. I was drawn to Rachel – her courage, strength and humour – it wasn’t a big question for me. Work is work, regardless of whether it’s film, television or theatre. It’s the stories, what I’m doing with the work that is most important. The creative team was so fantastic so I decided to get on board.

Is this your first major acting role? Before I began worked on Packed to the Rafters, I completed work on the feature film Two Fists One Heart.

Did you always want to be an actress? I was brought up in a family that was really nurturing of the arts. My dad used to adore music and film. So I was brought up with a lot of theatre, stories, film and television around me and an appreciation for it. That infused me with a hunger for it.

When did you first start performing? At school? NIDA? I remember putting on plays in the backyard and performing shows at dinner parties as a child. I completed drama and speech classes in primary school before playing the role of Wendy in a Year 7 production of Peter Pan. Every time I watched a film or saw a great piece of theatre, I yearned to be involved in it.

What similarities do you and Rachel have? What defines Rachel is her spirit and courage. She’s able to deal with everything that comes her way and get on with her life. I like to think I’m the same in that way.

Rachel has been through some testing times - abortion, drug use, domestic violence. What did you find most difficult about filming these controversial scenes? As an actor you are looking for a role that allows you to suck the marrow out of life and put it on the screen and Rafters has given me a perfect opportunity to do just that. She’s a nice, juicy character. She certainly unravels and there are quirks and contradictions and a well of emotional problems and depths to Rachel.

Rachel seems to be a lot happier in this series. Do you think that has something to do with Rob? After all her emotional upheavals with Daniel, it’s nice to see her with a nice, mature man.

Why do you think Rob is a good match for her? Will her relationship with Rob last? He connects with her on an intellectual level, which is refreshing after the emotional roller-coaster she’s been on in her love-life. Will it last? Time will tell.

What have you learnt from the older, more experienced actors on Packed to the Rafters? [Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson and Michael Caton] Are they good role models? They are such talented actors so it really is an apprenticeship for us younger ones. It makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

What’s it like having Rebecca Gibney as mum? She’s just so lovely. She really is the mother hen for all of us. We’ll finish a take and she’ll say, ‘Are you eating? Are you cold? Can I get you a blanket?’ She is always there to give me advice or a cuddle or just maternal guidance, whatever I need. On top of that she is a really good friend. I trust her with all my heart and respect her so much.

Who are you closest too on set? Hugh and I have known each other the longest. We were both in the same year at NIDA. We just connected and have been great friends ever since. Throughout NIDA we were inseparable. We were always in trouble for laughing in class and mucking about. To be working as brother and sister is hysterical. We couldn’t be happier. It’s a job that can become all consuming so to be able to share it with a friend is great. It can be a little isolating at times so its’ comforting to have him there. He is a brother in my life.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline? I’ve been in New Zealand filming the US fantasy series Legend of the Seeker.

You’ve been compared to Cate Blanchett are you flattered? Would you like to follow in her footsteps? It’s incredibly flattering but completely unfounded. I think she’s extraordinary. I would love to have a career like hers. It would be my dream to be able to play the roles she’s had. I wouldn’t mind a few Oscar nominations and a couple of films – that would be nice.

Which actors/actresses do you most admire? I admire so many actresses. Mary Louise Parker. She’s done some amazing work and kept theatre up as well. Obviously Judy Davis and Cate Blanchett. I wouldn’t mind any of their careers!

What would be your dream gig? To star in a Tennesse Williams or Arthur Miller play on Broadway.

Any plans to move to LA? Not at the moment.

Have you had time to sit back and take it all in? What do you do in your free time? How do you relax? I do love music. I have a huge appreciation for playing it, going to see, anything to do with it. I also love art. I like to draw but I’m no Picasso. I’m also into Yoga, dancing and shopping is fun. I love op shopping. I love finding myself little trinkets and bargains.

Read all about Jess' movie Two Fists, One Heart

Jessica Marais selects her all-time favourite love stories for marie claire magazine: Books I love