Celebrity

EXCLUSIVE: Home and Away favourite Lynne McGranger reveals why her memoir was “terrifying” to write

''I didn't want to sugar-coat anything.''
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While most Australians know her face from the TV, there’s a lot more to Lynne McGranger than her famous Home and Away counterpart.

In her debut biography, Acting Up, the actress reflects on how her formative years, where love, learnings and a yearning to please were prevalent, became a theme she carried throughout her adult life and career.

“Had the things that happened in my life never occurred, I may not have ended up in the entertainment business at all!”

(TV WEEK)

Lynne explains that while she wasn’t initially sure there was much about her life worthy of a book, the stories came back easier than she thought.

“It’s been terrifying to write and I didn’t think I’d remember anything – I had way too good of a time in the 70s and 80s! But the pieces came together and I found my voice in it,” Lynne tells TV WEEK.

“And maybe some people may not like it – but it’s my memoirs and stories. They led me to who I am today.”

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While the novel is thick with good humour and wit, Lynne also reveals the impacts of an eating disorder, heartache and grief.

“I didn’t want to sugar-coat anything and while there are things that we may have reigned in, I just wanted it to be real. I don’t live a life of regret,” she says. “We all have trials and tribulations in life.”

In her debut biography, Acting Up, Lynne reflects on her formative years, where love, learnings and a yearning to please were prevalent.

(Allen & Unwin)

Of course, the story wouldn’t be complete without Lynne detailing her journey to Summer Bay where she has played the role of Irene Roberts for nearly 30 years. And while fans may know enough about the Aussie battler, the stories behind the character are just as enticing.

“The role of Irene within the Bay has a purpose and I’m so happy with who she is and has been,” Lynne explains.

“But had the things that happened in my life never occurred, I may not have ended up in the entertainment business at all!”

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