Australian actress Rose Byrne started out her career early, with acting classes aged eight before landing her first film role at just twelve.
After appearances in a variety of films and TV series such as 'Heartbreak High' and 'Echo Point', she decided to emigrate to America to further her acting career.
She currently stars alongside Glenn Close in the critically acclaimed television series 'Damages' and is on the big screen with Nicolas Cage in 'Knowing'.
We caught up with the stylish actress to talk to her about her career and interest in fashion.
Sarah McIntyre: You moved from Australia when you were eighteen to pursue a career in acting, a very brave step. Did you find it difficult to break into the industry?
Rose Byrne: It is very daunting when you first arrive. But thankfully when you are 18 you believe truly you are invincible and this allowed me to coast through those first few years. Now I would not have that arrogance!
SMI: You have had a very successful career to date, having starred in acclaimed TV series ‘Damages’ and film ‘Sunshine’. Do you find life in the public eye a strain, or do you tend to keep a low profile?
RB: I keep a low profile mostly- but I do love a bit of fashion and living and working in New York for 2 years has introduced me to that world which I have long admired and been intrigued by.
SMI: You have worked with Danny Boyle on ’28 Weeks Later’ and ‘Sunshine’, you must be delighted with his recent Oscar success! What is he like to work with?
RB: Danny is the best. Endless enthusiasm, infectious passion and formidable drive. He is also incredibly down to earth and has a great dry sense of humour- which as an Australian I appreciated very much!
Your new film ‘Knowing’ in which you star alongside Nicolas Cage will be out in cinemas soon. What attracted you to the script and did you enjoy making the film?
RB: The chance to work with the director (Alex Proyas) was a huge draw. Also the fact that it’s a very intimate story between these four characters in this larger-than-life situation makes it very attractive to me as a performer.
As an actress you get to experiment with many different styles in the various roles you play. Does this have an impact on how you dress or are the two totally separate?
RB: I can be influenced by my characters clothes and it is one of my favourite parts of creating a character- particularly with Damages where this season Ellen wore very high end designers like Narciso Rodrugiuez, Thakoon and Bottega Venneta.
So for me it was very educational as I shop mostly at second hand stores or Topshop, but when I finish work I want to wear the opposite to what my character is wearing!
It is almost like rebelling. Damages is very conservative and corporate so I usually walk around New York in my down time in a vintage floral dress and sandals.
SMI: Do you enjoy attending fashion shows and are there any designers that you in particular admire?
RB: I do - they are chaotic and fanciful and terribly fun. I admire so many designers - at the moment I am obsessed with Rag and Bone, Rodarte, Marc Jacobs, Smythe, APC, Philip Lim, Christian Cota and many Australian designers too... I could rant forever....!
SMI: How do you decide what to wear to premieres or other functions, and do you ever use the help of a stylist?
RB: I work closely with my publicist!
