Actress: Bridie McKim
Bridie McKim. Bridie graduated from NIDA in 2018 and proceeded to become the first actor with disability to play a lead role on Australian television.
Her television credits include playing the role of ‘Sabine’ in two seasons of The Heights; Stan’s original Series Bump; Hulu’s Joe. Vs Carole, and; Netflix’s Dive Club. In 2022, Bridie appeared in Peacock and Netflix’s new show Irreverent and starred in Stan’s new original film Christmas Ransom...
What made you want to be an actor?
I wanted to become an actor because I was so inspired by the actors I watched in TV and Films. I loved how they could share a story and bring joy to so many people. I wanted to be a part of creating that feeling you get where a fantastic film or show ends and you are so excited, comforted or uplifted by what you watched. I knew I would be lucky to have a life where I got to do just that.
You are the first actor with disability to play a lead role on Australian television, tell us more about that?
It is a privilege to be the first actor with disability to have a lead role on Australian TV. When I got the role of Sabine on The Heights, I was so excited that my first role on TV would allow me to represent my community. I got to work with some of the most incredible cast and crew. It was a joy to go to work each day.
I want to ensure that I am by no means the last actor with disability to get a role like that. Actors with disability should have the opportunity to pursue a career in film and tv, just like everyone else.
What are some of the challenges of being a young actor in television?
The biggest challenge of being a young actor is the unreliability of the work. You could be the best actor in the world and still not have consistent work. There can be a lot of downtime. It is important to keep yourself busy and inspired during these periods - and find a way to pay the rent!
Between jobs, I work for companies to support them with their disability inclusion practices. I have a great friend who is an outstanding actor and an amazing yoga teacher between acting gigs. There are so many ways you can fill your cup.
You studied at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) – what was that like?
It was an incredible opportunity to study at NIDA and learn from the best in the biz. I definitely felt home sick at the start, being an 18-year-old Brisbane girl away from her family.
The schedule could be very demanding, we were in class Monday to Friday (from 9am – 6pm), but you are energised by being surround by so many great actors. I learnt skills that will serve me for the rest of life and made lifelong friends.
What advice would you give to other young actors who are interested in pursuing a career in acting?
I would tell young actors to do their research and get involved however you can. There are so many places to start. When I was still at school, I developed my passion and skills by being a part of the Youth Ensemble at Queensland Theatre. There are many similar groups that you can be a part of.
I always tell aspiring actors to research their favourite actors and see how they got their foot in the door. When I was a teenager, I discovered that all the actors I looked up to studied at NIDA, so I knew that I wanted to study there too.
What are two things all young actors should master?
The first thing that a young actor should master is simply being a good team player. As an actor you are a very small cog in a very big wheel. There are countless people on set who are part of the crew, the production office, different departments, writers, postproduction, and other actors who are all there to get the job done. You need to always have the basics down pat. Always get to work on time. Always know your lines before you walk on set. Finally, always be respectful of those you work with.
The second, and I know it sounds really daggy, but you need to be kind to yourself and always back yourself. As an actor you face a lot of rejection. You will constantly be auditioning, and you will also constantly be rejected. There is no way you are going to get every role you audition for, even the greatest actors don’t. It’s important to always remember that some things are out of your control. The next role is always around the corner.
What is your dream role?
I grew up watching crime shows with my mum. They are my favourite shows to switch off too. One day I would love to play a detective on one of those shows. Or maybe even the villain…
What are some of your hobbies outside of acting?
As someone with cerebral palsy, I have to work really hard to look after my body. I spend a lot of time at the gym doing my physio exercises and zoning out to a mix of Lizzo and podcasts.
My other passion is food. I LOVE food. I am not the best cook, but boy do I love to eat. On the weekends, I am always looking for new hidden gem restaurants that I can try.
What is one thing that you have learned about yourself since becoming an actor?
The biggest thing I have learnt is that I am lucky for the opportunities I have had. I am proud of my career, and I continue to work to grow it every single day. But to me, all of it is meaningless if I don’t bring other people with disability up with me and ensure people in my community get similar opportunities.
But in saying that, some of the of the best moments are hearing from people who watched your work share that they really enjoyed it, it was a great comfort for them, or it simply put a smile on their dial.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
To be honest, I am proud to be working. It can be tough to have a career as an actor, especially in Australia. There as so few jobs and so many people are desperate to get those jobs. It is not any easy career to have, but when the work comes through and you get to work alongside people you have looked up to since you were a kid, to me that is the most exciting thing.
Franc’s Fast Five
Books or movies? Movies
What is your favourite food? Hot Chips
Secret skill (that is now no longer a secret?) I have masted cooking the perfect fried egg.
Favourite time of year? Christmas because I am always with my family.
What do you wish you’d learnt sooner? Sometimes you need to stop overthinking and be present in the moment. That’s when everything will fall into place.