"I’d say I was an average stalker factor of five outta five," says Camille O'Sullivan who once had - and indeed still has - a serious crush on David Bowie. Paddy Kehoe hears ten things from the popular chanteuse and actress.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
Small glimpses around two years old: red crocheted poncho I wore, beautiful mother's arms outstretched to me at grandmother's in France; sister sitting me amongst Barbie dolls and action men teaching (forcing!) me to learn Irish; shouting first word 'knickers,’ at Cork ballet show while embarrassed but laughing. Dad carried me out over his shoulder, I said it a few more times as I realised it was getting good reaction!
Who was your first pin-up?
Ernie from Sesame Street and Judge from Wanderly Wagon took pride of place before they were replaced by my first crush - on David Bowie which seems to still burn strong. I remember his face was plastered over one wall. I’d say I was an average stalker factor of five outta five. John Lennon was also adored.
Which of your peers do you most admire, and why?
Don’t know if I have the honour/gall to call them my peers, but musicians Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Tom Waits and actors Mark Rylance, Robert Lepage, Thierry Chaplin, – wildy talented, provocative, thoughtful, incredible performers - and I hear they’re pretty nice in person too which is good to hear. From home, John Spillane, Villagers, Lisa Hannigan, Jack L, Mick Flannery, Cathy Davey, David O’Doherty and Simple Kid.
What would you be doing with your life if you hadn’t chosen this career path?
Funny you should ask! I had a mad little route getting here. I did portrait painting, qualified and worked as an architect, lectured in university then went off with a circus show before singing and acting… my parents were exhausted! I love what I do now, find it both terrifying and wonderful to sing and perform. But if I had a choice to try other things I’d like to add tango dancing, own and run a spiegeltent, support charities and mind animals.
Can you reveal one of your guilty pleasures?
Love dark chocolate, red wine and adore/addicted to playing pool to unwind after gigs, most pleasure if done all at same time; dancing around the kitchen with radio on high and laughing until it hurts with friends - possibly after they've seen the out of control dance I've just done.
Who would like to see cast in the movie of your life?
Eek Can’t take myself seriously enough to think someone would do such a film. Hmm, someone who is eccentric, retro, and with quirky humour. Can’t think of one off-hand, could be an unusual puppet reinterpretation - then I’d say Miss Piggy or Fifi the Skunk cartoon or Bobo the Clown. But like all girls I’d course I’d wish it was a glamourous gorgeous female starlet like Evan Rachel Wood - dream on Camille.
Who are you following on Twitter?
Eekk I don’t actually do Twitter, not sure if I like updating what I’ve just been up to - or if anybody would want to hear it. But someone set up an account for me and taught me how to follow. So I followed one person John Cleese, I’m a big fan of Monty Python and met him a few years back, he was an adorable and funny, witty gent.
What’s the first thing you’ll buy when you win the Lottery?
Lots of lovely treats for my parents and friends, after that’s done, a flat in favourite cities New York, Paris, Melbourne. Love to cycle so new bike, get a declutter and life coach to sort me out for once and all - that would take a lot of money methinks. Also blow it all on producers and recording music; then a masseur for life, happy days!
What would you pack for your desert island?
My parents, friends and cat, sketch book... and seeing Tom Hanks Castaway, a hammer for the cocunuts and lots of matches for the timber fires couldn’t do that glass, sun, sticks things
What’s at the top of your Things to do Before I Die List?
Laugh more, eat, drink and dance more, hug friends. Be kinder to self and others, stop procastinating, get fit, live in the moment and sing with Nick Cave and of course my teenage pin up David Bowie and win that lottery so I can do that list above too!
Camille O’Sullivan plays The Olympia Theatre, Dublin, February 25
Latest CD & Info www.camilleosullivan.com
