The discussion of the relationship between America and other countries is a constant source of dialogue in the media. Trade relations with China, immigration with Latin America and the Middle East, and a slew of others finds itself at the forefront of discussion. Our connection with Australia is somehow left out of these, perhaps due to its positive nature. One need look no further than the movies that populate theaters and our TV to be instantly aware of the US public’s embrace of Australia’s numerous talented artists. Names like Hemsworth, Jackman, Crowe, Kidman, Blanchett, Rebel Wilson, Rose Byrne, Margot Robbie, it goes on and on. The talented actors from Down Under is obvious but there’s likely something more to this as well. There’s an almost intangible yet inherent quality to what Australian’s possess that resonates so profoundly with US audiences. Maybe it’s the fact that both countries are relatively young in age compared to most of the civilizations in the world. Perhaps it’s the shared history of building a new country after being “kicked out” or forced to seek a new way of life elsewhere. Surely there is something in our shared DNA that includes the fearless frontier ethic. Australian actress Brooke Chamberlain, like the Australian actors previously mentioned, has this coding in her aura and her work. She is fearless on camera whether the role calls for deep emoting or exhausting physicality. Like the award-winning films in which she has appeared, this actress is receiving praise and attention from her homeland, Hollywood, and many entertainment communities across the planet. While she humbly refutes the numerous comments about her as the latest “It Girl”, Brooke notes that if being “It” means continued interesting roles that offer her growth as an actress, then she will concede.
So what are the undertones which American audience are drawn to in Chamberlain and other Australian actresses? The talent is obvious but there is a sense of some indescribable DNA. Perhaps it’s the frontier spirit shared by both countries. Brooke grew up in Alstonville, NSW, Australia in a small town twenty minutes from Byron Bay. A tomboy who attempted anything her brothers would do, she actively participates in surfing, snowboarding, Mixed Martial arts, and even sword-fighting. This lifestyle made her a natural for the role of Hayley Green in the short film Rogue Roy. Playing a superhero in this film gave her the opportunity to put her physical lifestyle to the test with the film’s fight scenes. The actress notes, “I really loved Hayley as a character, she was strong fierce woman who felt sexy and oozed confidence which as a woman is so rewarding to really feel in control of your sexuality and truly love yourself for who you are. I feel like playing that role taught me a lot in life about confidence and reassuring me that we are capable of anything we put out mind to.”
Since her earliest professional days, Chamberlain has had a connection to American actors. Her first film role was in Lionsgate’s Daybreakers, shot in Australia and starring (4 time Oscar nominee) Ethan Hawke, (3-time Golden Globe nominee) Sam Neil, (3 time Oscar nominee) Willem Dafoe and (Astra Award-winner) Claudia Karvan. It’s an occurrence repeated with Brooke’s work on the Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales starring Johnny Depp and Javier Bardem (WW Gross of three quarters of a Billion dollars). Witnessing firsthand the collaboration of talent from these two film communities working together confirmed to the actress that acting is a global endeavor.
Chamberlain’s international acclaim has continued to ascend in recent years. She credits an unexpected but very enjoyable production for some of this. Fashion News Live (streaming on Amazon Prime) contacted Brooke to host the show at the world’s most prestigious fashion events. While she is most commonly appearing as someone other than herself on camera, Fashion News Live afforded this actress the chance to be herself and share her love of fashion by interviewing icons of the industry. In Paris, Milan, and Tel Aviv, Chamberlain spoke on camera with legendary designer John Richmond, Victoria Secret Model Sara Sampaio, actress Abby Cornish (SAG Award winner for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri), and a number of fashion Guru’s from around the world. Her ease and comfortability in differing productions and different locations is a trait to which many of us aspire. Chamberlain seems to be at home everywhere yet never forgets what her homeland has done for her.