TV

When it comes to Aussie TV drama, Jacqueline McKenzie says the best is yet to come

‘There are exciting times ahead’
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Jacqueline McKenzie was 29 when she won a TV WEEK Silver Logie in 1995 for Most Outstanding Actress for the television drama series Halifax F.P.

Now, 23 years on, and with more than 30 films, plays and dramas to her name, the star has again been recognised.

At this year’s Logies, she won the award Most Outstanding Supporting Actress for her part in Stan’s adaptation of the explosive cult classic Romper Stomper.

It may be long overdue, but Jacqueline is still honoured by the nomination.

“It’s amazing and humbling, especially when you consider the calibre of nominees in the category,” Jacqueline, 50, tells TV WEEK. “All these women are fabulous and deserving.”

Jacqueline McKenzie in Romper Stomper.

In the six-part series revival of Romper Stomper, Jacqueline reprises her character, Gabrielle “Gabe” Jordan. She first played the drug-addicted young woman in 1992 alongside Russell Crowe, who portrayed her violent neo-Nazi boyfriend Hando.

Jacqueline says the decision to work with a streaming service such as Stan was a no-brainer.

“After seeing what happened with Netflix, I really wanted to support Stan,” she explains. “And they’ve been wonderful to work with.”

Jacqueline McKenzie in Romper Stomper.

Jacqueline believes it’s more important than ever for actors and directors to get behind local streaming services as a way to get their work seen and appreciated.

“It’s so great to see Stan championing great Aussie dramas,” she says. “When I started out all those years ago, it wasn’t common to cross over from commercial networks – and there certainly wasn’t anything like Stan around.

“But in this day and age, we need to adjust, because it’s the way of the future. I just know there are exciting things ahead.”

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