Nathalie Morris: ‘I just want to tell really entertaining and powerful stories’
Sydney actor Nathalie Morris is one of Australia’s rising stars and couldn’t be more proud – particularly of her role in Bump.
Entertainment
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Sydney actor Nathalie Morris was just 11 when she decided that she wanted a life on screen and stage – and the self-confessed introvert has discovered a lot about herself in the 16 years since.
“I’ve learned that I’m a bit of an introvert, and while I love to play and be really open at work, I need to come back to myself and regroup often,” the Bump star, who was named one of the Casting Guild of Australia’s ‘Rising Stars’ in November, tells Insider.
“I’m learning how important it is for me to stay true to myself, and what I like, and the kind of person I want to be in this industry.
“I definitely didn’t know any of that when I first started working and I found myself in situations where I didn’t really recognise myself, because I was just saying yes to everything and copying people around me.
“That still happens sometimes, but I’m slowly getting a better sense of myself and how I like to present and work.”
Turning 27 today, Morris already has a large body of work under her belt. Bump – of which the fourth season dropped on Boxing Day, delighting audiences since the Aussie drama created by co-star Claudia Karvan first premiered in 2021 – is her proudest moment to date.
“I put a lot of myself into that first season especially and really trusted my own instincts,” she explains.
“I think we created something that wasn’t necessarily what was envisioned at the outset, and the process was such a collaborative and enjoyable one.
“For it to be received in the way it was, was so rewarding. I also know how much my family love the show, and how proud they are of me, and that’s really, really cool.”
And while her ambitions were always to tell great Aussie stories, a lot has led Morris to the moment enabling her to do just that.
“I was 11 and I watched a theatre production of High School Musical – the cast looked so happy and together during the bows, I just wanted to be part of a team like that,” she says.
“I joined the Canberra Youth Theatre and fell in love with the theatre-making process – reading scripts, talking about really deep and interesting topics, problem solving, and playing with an audience.
“It was the greatest feeling.
“I don’t think there was a moment when I decided to do it as a career – over the years, acting just became part of who I was.
“I worked as a youth development worker in the Northern Territory for a couple years to pay for drama school, and as a swim teacher to pay my rent through my studies.
“I had some incredible experiences and gained a lot of strength in those jobs, so I’m glad I had to do them.”
She’s had a few ‘pinch me’ moments along the way so far, one being at the Marrakesh Film Festival in 2022 with a film she did, Petrol.
“I walked the same red carpet as Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard and Ruben Ostland, ate cake with Julia Ducournau, and listened to Asghar Farhadi talk about his films,” she says.
“That probably wasn’t the first (‘pinch me’ moment), but it was mind-boggling.
“I love being inside a scene when it’s really working.
“When everyone is listening and playing off each other from a truthful place, and you can feel the energy of the crew or the audience change.
“It’s amazing.
“I just want to tell really entertaining and powerful stories, on stage and on screen.
“I’ve always wanted to play a role like Saga Norén from the Swedish/Danish show The Bridge, or carry a theatre show like Prima Facie.
“One day I’d love to make my own films or be part of a company that makes films together.
“I’m really inspired when I see great films and theatre – the feeling I get when a story or performance moves me, it just makes me want to express in the same way.
“I’m inspired by directors like Ruben Ostland, acting teachers like Uta Hagen, and books by Anne Bogart, Rick Rubin, and David Mamet.
“I also get inspired by people and moments in my life – conversations that I have or hear, relationship dynamics, a person’s psychology.
“I want to explore them and share them.”
And while she refines her craft by seeing and talking about films and theatre, reading scripts and plays, listening to podcasts with actors and directors – the Film at Lincoln Centre podcast is a favourite – she is also inspired by people.
“When I have conversations with people about their lives, or just watch people on the street,” she says.
“People laugh at me because I often just sit, frozen, staring at someone for a long time.
“I love to go for walks, swim in the ocean, and do physical training.
“I’m a homebody and I love preparing food and just hanging out with my partner, and family and friends.
“Recently I’ve been really enjoying writing and it’s been giving me a great sense of purpose.
“(Being named a ‘Rising Star’) does make me feel like I could have a real future in this industry, which is exciting,” she says.
“It’s a confidence boost for sure.” she says of the prestigious accolade.
“A nudge to keep going.”
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