Talented Home and Away actress Kestie Morassi knew she’d ‘hit the jackpot’ the moment she was introduced to rising stars Sophie Dillman and Anna Cocquerel, who for the past two years have played her on-screen daughters, Ziggy and Coco.
As Kestie says: “As soon as we all met each other in the audition room, we knew we adored each other.”
Q: Kestie, what do you enjoy most about playing a mum on the show?
You know what? I feel like I’m a natural nurturer – it’s so lovely to be able to have a couple of girls to look after.
Not being an actual mum myself, it’s nice to be able to step into that role. It’s also opened my eyes and helped me really appreciate how difficult the role of mum is! You have so many things to navigate and so many difference roles to play within the mother role.
You can be the counsellor, the friend, the fashion adviser and the chef and much more. It seems to be a nonstop juggling act.
Q: Do you think Maggie pulls it off well?
I absolutely do. Maggie’s family is her life. And I think the wonderful thing about Maggie is that she represents a lot of women out there who actually are doing it all – who have a career, are running a household and also being a parent.
Q: Tell us about working with Sophie and Anna.
Oh, gosh! They do feel like my babies! I’m just “Mum” now – wherever we go, whatever we’re doing. [Laughs] We actually hang out outside of work – we adore each other’s company. I go to them for advice. They come to me for advice. They’ve become true friends and also I feel very protective of them in real life.
Q: Will you always be in each other’s lives?
One hundred percent.
Q: What’s the best advice your own mother has ever given you?
The wonderful thing about my mum Sandi – and as I get older, I’m realising this more and more – is that she’s always allowed me to be myself.
She’s supported every decision I have made. Anything I’ve wanted to do with my life, she has been there to support and gently guide me, but she has never really told me what to do or how to do it.
She’s just trusted me, and when I haven’t made the right decision – which is inevitable at times – she’s also there to support me.
She’s led by example – she’s very strong, warm and such a generous soul. All the best bits about me are from my mum.
Q: Sophie and Anna, what does Mother’s Day mean to each of you?
Sophie: It’s a celebration of women who have inspired me to get as far as I have in life.
My mum Karen has always given me so much great advice. She’s very down-to-earth and practical,
so if I’ve ever gone to her when I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, she’s very good
at breaking it down and also telling me to stress less.
Anna: My mum Georgia is such an amazing woman, and I know she does so much for me throughout the year – so Mother’s Day is really just to spoil her and make her feel good and appreciated.
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