Tessa James focused on being a serious actress after beating cancer: ‘I don’t need to be known’

THIS is the renaissance of Tessa James, who has kicked cancer’s butt and now is on the road to being a serious actor.

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THIS is the renaissance of Tessa James, who has kicked cancer’s butt and now is on the road to being a serious actor.

Film and television star James is back working after her fight with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, taking to the stage at the Seymour Centre for her latest role in the confronting stage play Blackrock.

Insiders say the young actor moulds herself off fellow Aussies such as Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Debicki and Rachel Griffiths who take on intense, challenging female roles.

Tessa James is has revived her acting career. Picture: John Appleyard

James is starring as Rachel in the new production of Blackrock at the Seymour Centre. Picture: John Appleyard

“That is definitely the goal for me to do roles that challenge you as an actor,” she said.

James said she is loving her challenging role in the play, centred around the rape of a young girl in a small town.

It is based on the real life murder of 14-year-old Leigh Leigh in 1989.

“I am so exited to go on stage every night and tell the story,” she said.

“In a creative side it is amazing to play Rachel, I feel extremely challenged.

“It is a heavy subject, but these are subjects that need to be spooked about.”

Her husband Nate Myles, who plays for the Manly Sea Eagles has been one of her biggest supports. Picture: Instagram

For James, the experience of acting out the dark tale has gotten under her skin.

“It’s struck a chord with me emotionally,” she said.

For now, James wants to “focus on working with talented people and good writing” — which there is no lack of in the production.

“I’m just really happy to be doing what I love,” she said.

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The former Home and Away actress is excited to get on stage. Picture: John Appleyard

This is James’ first role since she reunited with her former Home And Away star Lincoln Lewis for Aussie film Spin Out.

After cancer, James said last year that she no longer felt the need to be famous.

“I don’t really feel the need to be known,” she said at the time.

“I would just love to have consistent work.”

Blackrock continues at the Seymour Centre until March 25.