Emma Hamilton actress: ‘Why I left Hollywood for country Australia’

Big and small screen star Emma Hamilton reveals why she left Hollywood and London’s West End behind to savour life in regional Australia.

She famously portrayed Australian Princess Mary on the small screen and her film credits include working with Bruce Willis and Henry Cavill on the blockbuster, The Cold Light of Day.

Yet, it’s Emma Hamilton’s newest role as a senior medical officer on Channel 7’s RFDS that she’s most excited about.

“I hope it encourages people to visit regional Australia and support the phenomenal work the real-life RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) heroes do everyday.”

After years of working abroad, Emma is happy to be a part of a local production, affording her the opportunity to settle in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula with son Oliver, 1.

Emma Hamilton at her Mornington Peninsula home. Picture: Eugene Hyland

“We’ve only lived here a year but it feels like home. I’m originally from the Peninsula and after moving back from the UK I wanted to be near family and friends. The house belonged to a painter and I fell in love with it immediately. It has a magical mature garden and is a few minutes walk from the beach,” says Emma.

“My backyard is a suntrap and I relish my morning coffee out there watching the sunrise before the day kicks off.”

Emma spent most of 2020 repainting and refreshing, but there’s plenty more work to do.

“I like gathering materials from recycling centres or online marketplaces where I can, otherwise you can find us most weekends at the hardware shop with our sausages in bread.”

AT HOME WITH ACTRESS EMMA HAMILTON

Who: Actor Emma Hamilton.

Where: Detached unit on the Mornington Peninsula with one-year-old son, Oliver.

Favourite thing: I come from a family of green thumbs and we’re big on homegrown fruit and veg. Although it’s a work-in-progress and there’s still a lot I’d like to do, I treasure my garden and am always trying to find more time to get stuck in.

Inspiration: Aiming for beachy/Hamptons. With a toddler-on-the-loose twist.

Home is: Being close to those I love.

EMMA HAMILTON’S FAVOURITE THINGS

Worn out flares. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Mum’s 1970s flares

There is a slide of my Mum wearing these on the back of a motorcycle in the ’70s. They’re starting to fall apart, I’ve worn them so much over the years

Mulberry handbag

My first ever proper grown-up fancy bag. I had a powder compact explode in it once so now I reserve it for special occasions … and I am more careful.

‘A proper grown up, fancy bag.” Picture: Eugene Hyland

Playbills and posters

These are mementos signed by the cast and crew of wonderful theatre productions I am fortunate to have been a part of. They bring back fond memories of my years in the UK.

Memories. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Vinyl collection

When I was a teenager I would comb the local second-hand record stores looking for rare Black Sabbath albums and the collection is still going strong. All-time favourites include Bowie and Van Halen.

Vinyl album covers also look the best. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Acoustic Fender guitar

As a teen I worked a whole summer at McDonald’s to save up for my first guitar. I still can’t play but continue to hang on to wildly optimistic hopes of shredding one day.

‘Do you want French Fries with that?’ Picture: Eugene Hyland

Upcycled kitchen table

When I moved into my house I wanted a table that meant something to me so I upcycled an old second-hand one. It was originally stained dark brown but I sanded back the oak veneer top by hand and painted the base.

Oliver’s knits

I’m very grateful that my Mum and her sister are both superb, prolific knitters. Oliver’s lovingly handmade jumpers, cardis and blankets keep him toasty in the Melbourne winter.

Keeping warm this winter. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Easiyo yoghurt maker

My toddler lives for yoghurt and I love making it for him from scratch.

Who doesn’t like yoghurt. Picture: Eugene Hyland

I’ve got another model but I’ve had this one for 15 years and it’s still going strong.