Actress Kahli Williams Shares Her Thoughts with Us

We recently caught up with beautiful and talented Aussie actress Kahli Williams who was happy to share some of her thoughts and inspirations in the acting world –as well as some of her favorite roles and projects coming up. Here is what she had to say:

Hi Kahli, lovely to meet you. Please give us a little insight into your background and how you first got into acting:

I’m an actress hailing from the land down under – Australia. Art and acting is in my DNA, I have always lived for dressing up and storytelling; I truly believe that art has the power to change the world. I took acting classes through high school, where I was lucky enough to tour the world with a theatre show. When I focused my attention on film and TV, I booked some great independent films, which went on to become international titles. Then Neighbours came along, and here I am!

Who or what were some of your influences growing up?

I remember my first obsession was Disney’s Fantasia – I got lost in the fantasy and the music! I still have that sense of wonder about it all; Gone with the Wind remains my favorite film and book of all time -the richness if Scarlett O’Hara is so enduring. On the complete flip side, when I watched Pulp Fiction at around 15 (too young?) I was drawn to playing real people in desperate and messy situations, so I’ve always been attracted to the grit and the dirt as well.

What kind of training have you had, if any?

I started in theatre with Children’s Performing Company of Australia, all throughout high school. Then I stupidly detoured to getting a marketing degree at university, which is now redundant thanks to social media’s saturation right as I finished. So I made the return to my first love, acting -with TAFTA’s full time program, and still continue my studies constantly through short courses with specific directors and teachers I want to work with. Melbourne Actors Lab has also been a huge influence on me -I return to study there, whenever I’m back in Melbourne between projects.

As an actor, what has been your favorite project to work on so far?

My favorite gig has been Neighbours, truly because of the complex character I got to play, Simone Bader. I was so lucky to be entrusted with the story arc – it ended up being really sensitive material, playing the victim of abuse at the hands of the church. But I did have some serious fun playing someone whose desperation led her to such manipulation and even violence – I got to throw a spanner at Olympia Valance’s head, which is the last thing I’d want to do in real life!

What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?

The biggest highlights and achievements are always the hardest roles and working with independent filmmakers who passionately hustle to make their film happen every day. It’s so much harder than anyone can ever know, unless you’re in it. Seeing Blood Hunt hit the international market was such a high – it was a bloody hard shoot, but the comradery to band together and make something great was unreal.

If you had a chance to work alongside anybody who would that be?

Kate Winslet – she’s such a ballsy and gutsy actress in all her performances! I love the roles and projects she chooses and to play opposite someone with such spirit and fight is an actors dream!

What have you learned most about this business?

It is all about the work, and there is no substitution for the work. You really have to be driven by a passionate need to immerse yourself in storytelling, and you have to have it bubbling up within you -to the point where it just becomes you. It’s so important to look after yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally, or it can really take you down when the going gets tough.

What projects do you have coming up?

The Siege of Robin Hood is due for release in 2019 – I’m so excited for you to see this film! It is being made by the most passionate team of local filmmakers, who put everything they have into it -and have been able to achieve something far more epic than we ever thought possible. Every performer is at the absolute top of their game, and there are unknown actors who deserve to be household names based on their sheer talent. Medieval costumes, a crazy fight scene with amazing stunt artists and some brilliant performances by talented actors. I know it’s going to take the world by storm!

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists?

Become the master of your own career. No one can do it for you. Create your own content, fill yourself up with art and great writing and music, so you can give back. The industry belongs to the creators, so tell your own stories =know what you have to contribute, then collaborate. Be kind and make sure you always come from and are surrounded by love.