Sun and surf beckons young actor Marny Kennedy to Sydney

BUSY actor Marny Kennedy feels just like one of the locals in her adopted city of Sydney.

Actor Marny Kennedy feels just like one of the locals in her adopted city. Pictures: Daniel Aarons

• Who: Actor Marny Kennedy, who plays a young Noelene Hogan in Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story

• Where: A two-beroom apartment in Bondi with former cast mate Kate Boladian, and Kate’s boyfriend Dan.

• Favourite thing: I live in a two-bedroom apartment a couple of blocks back from the beach. It’s old, but renovated with lots of natural light. We keep the space super minimal with a few sentimental pieces but it doesn’t matter what you have, it’s the people who come through it that make it a home.

• Home is: It doesn’t matter where I go, home for me will always be with my family in Melbourne.

WHEN Melburnian Marny Kennedy made the trip to Sydney for a short acting course early last year, her family assumed she would soon return.

Instead, the actress, who is set to star in HOGES: The Paul Hogan story as a young Noelene, decided living by the beach was a better option, setting up a new home in Bondi.

Having moved in with fellow actor Kate Boladian, who co-starred in ABC hit-show Mortified with Marny more than a decade ago, the duo are relishing their reunion.

“I was 12 when we filmed Mortified and we’ve picked up where we left off,” she says. “The kids next door just figured out we were from Mortified. When the penny dropped they lost their minds, which was super sweet.”

Marnywas only meant to be in Sydney for four weeks, but she called her mum to tell her she was staying put.

AT HOME WITH JADE OAKLEY

“I called and said, ‘mum, I’m not coming home’, and she said, ‘yeah, I know’,” she says. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Marny says Melbourne will always be for family, but for now, “Sydney feels like home”.

“I lived in LA for a while, but I always felt I was in survival mode,” she says. “Here is so close to Melbourne, I can just relax.”

Marny says landing the role of a young Noelene Hogan was an exciting opportunity.

“I had an awareness of who Paul Hogan was, but I didn’t really know how huge they were as a couple back in the ’80s.

“To play her when they were just two kids in love trying to make it work really did give me an insight into their humble beginnings.”

More: Part I of HOGES: The Paul Hogan Story airs tomorrow on Channel 7 at 8.30pm and concludes on Sunday, February 19 at 8.30pm

Ray Ban sunglasses: This is my new favourite purchase. I had another pair of Ray Bans for 10 years that made it to Europe and India and I feel like I got my money’s worth. It was time for a new pair.

GWS beanie: My cousin Adam (Kennedy) plays for GWS Giants. Since moving here his friends have become my little family and I enjoy going to the footy to see him play every other week. It’s such a comfort for a Melbourne girl — it reminds me of home.

Stella perfume: I’ve worn this since I was 15, and I feel naked without it. I’d be so upset if they discontinued it.

Mason jar: jug I love this mug and I love my tea, it’s my ultimate comfort. My friends and family know that if I haven’t had my tea, you don’t want to be around me. My favourite tea is English Breakfast with almond milk.

Crystals: Mum taught me about energy, and especially in this industry with all types of different people, I use them to protect myself. I always have them in my bag and mum put them in my car. I was unpacking boxes recently and one fell out of the box. Thanks mum.

Copper lamp: This definitely reflects my copper obsession. My parents brought it for my birthday last year and I had it in my bedroom back home. They drove it up to Sydney when they realised I was staying here.

To Kill A Mockingbird: I studied the book and in Year 10, and I go back and re-read it all the time. This book is my old faithful; I simply love Harper Lee’s writing.

Leather journals: I have been keeping journals since I was 15 years old and working in Sydney. They are the first things I would save in a fire. Writing is my therapy, and it’s great to re-visit parts of your life.

Vintage map: It was a gift from my sister Tarryn, and it is my pride and joy. It’s an old school map showing trade routes from the ‘50s. When that’s on the wall, I’m home.