Australian actress Mallory Jansen is one of the hardest working and determined actors in the Australian film and television industry at the moment. Having recently shot and starred in numerous television series such as ‘Howzat, Kerry Packers War’, ‘Mr and Mrs Murder’ and ‘twentysomething’ she is a young actress on the rise, and a face to watch!
Jansen was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. She came from a humble upbringing in a small family with her parents and older brother living in the outer skirts of suburban Melbourne. At the age of fifteen she was discovered as a model and thrown into the fashion industry, jet setting all around the world and living in city’s such as Paris, Milan, London and New York for most of her late teen- early adult life. ” Modelling was a great way for me to see the world, It gave me the independence that I needed to truly discover who I was as a person and who I wanted to be”
Where you born to be an actor?
If you ask my parents they would say I was always the theatrical sort. Growing up I adored theatre and film, I would always watch old Joan Crawford movies with my parents and perform little monologues to friends and family. I would skip any party with my friends just to be able to go and see the latest musical or play that came to Melbourne. I remember I was obsessed with ‘Phantom of the Opera’ at the age of about nine, I knew all the the songs word for word and would always be in tears when I listened to ‘Wishing you were somehow here again’, pretty dramatic for a nine year old!
How did you get your break into acting?
I always thought that someday I would like to study acting full time, I was just never in the one city for long enough to really make a career out of it. It wasn’t until I was working in New York that all of a sudden I decided to follow my instinct and really get serious about it. I then auditioned for some of the best drama schools in New York and was accepted into Stella Adler and T.Schreiber, so I studied there intensely for one year and that’s where the real love affair with acting began!
My first job was for an Australian mini series called ‘Howzat, Kerry Packers War’, which aired on Channel 9. I had so much fun filming the role of Sharon. It was quite daunting on the first day as the majority of the cast was very well accomplished and talented, but the experience was one I will never forget, I enjoyed every minute of it. I was surprised to find out that the series ended up being one of the highest rating dramas in Australian history.
What has been you favourite and/or most memorable job?
I would have to say it was working alongside Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart in ‘Mr and Mrs Murder’. It was such a challenging role, and there was just so much creative energy on set with these two iconic Australian actors.
What actors inspire you?
I am a huge fan of Cate Blanchett. She constantly challenges herself with a wide variety of roles, her versatility is simply astonishing. Michelle Williams really caught my attention in ‘Take this Waltz’ and ‘Blue Valentine’ with such honesty and emotional depth.
What is the most gruelling aspect of your work?
Well its true when they say ‘when you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life’. I don’t find any aspect of the job gruelling. I find it a constant challenge, inspiring and fulfilling. When you choose to be an actor you know that it comes with longs days, so I accept it the way it is.
What has working as a actor taught you about yourself?
It sounds cheesy, but It has taught me to be a better person. Studying acting is almost like studying psychology, you learn so much about the human condition. It has really taught me to care for others and learn more about myself and why I am the way I am.
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