Tottie Goldsmith Interview

Nobody told Tottie Goldsmith she couldn't have her cake and eat it too, and even if they had, I get the feeling she wouldn't listen! This glowing 37 year old has not lost an iota of the sparkle that has kept her in the public eye for nearly two decades. Looking as sensational as ever, her infectious smile radiates as she talks of six year old daughter Layla and her continuing career path..

Sitting at 'The Candy Bar' in Prahran (Tottie Goldsmith's choice venue) and taking in all the colour and culture that makes this part of Melbourne so unique, I can't help but wonder if I already have an insight into Tottie Goldsmith's world - hip but not pretentious, imaginative, stylish, and never dull!

FM: Your career has stemmed over two decades now, and for most Australian's you are a household name. My first recollection of your work was in the early eighties, you played a zany, hairdresser in the program "Starting Out". Was this your first T.V appearance?

Tottie Goldsmith: "Oh my god" that's right (surprised reaction). Those were interesting times because I hadn't really played that type of role before. I had fun choosing the wardrobe - pointy toed High heels, mini skirts, painted hair, this kind of started a fad of me landing those really colourful roles.

Tottie Goldsmith: My first television appearance was on 'The Young Doctors', and then I landed a role on 'Prisoner'. I believe that you attract roles, which are relevant to the age you are at the time. I tended to get light comedy 'Goldie Hawnish' type of roles. Then I went through a stage - as you do in your adolescence, where I wanted to be taken more seriously, at the time it seemed like a big issue for me. I landed a role in the series 'Fire', after that I joined 'The Chantoozies'.

FM: You had the luxury of being both a talented singer and actor. Tell me about your experience with successful 80's all girl band 'The Chantoozie's' which also featured Ally Fowler (Sons and Daughters). - Biggest Hit's, 'Witchqueen' and 'Wanna Be Up'.

Tottie Goldsmith: All the girls were great in the band and we are all still very close. We started out as friends, finished up that way. I think that's true of a lot of things in life whether it be work or boyfriends. The band lasted five years and saw a few line up changes, and I had an absolute ball at the time.

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Continuing as a house-hold name in the entertainment industry, Tottie has recently turned her attention to the wellness industry. From an abnormal upbringing and the high pressure, rollercoaster of the entertainment industry, Tottie ended up with the over-achievers illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1997. Three years with this lonely illness, she had to get herself well and stay on track, and she did this through meditation. With the need to find wellness and balance in her own life, Tottie is now passionate about helping others through corporate speaking appearances and her wellness CD's.

The corporate market has embraced Tottie and she has addressed audiences for companies including RetireInvest, McDonald's and Holden. She has hosted numerous charity events including Clown Doctors, RVIB Ball, Starry Starry Nights, TLC for Kids and the annual Mothers Day Comedy Debate for Melbourne University.

Tottie Goldsmith CDs Collection:
www.femail.com.au/unwind-your-mind-tottie-goldsmith.htm
www.femail.com.au/falling-asleep-tottie-goldsmith.htm
www.femail.com.au/sleep-story-tottie-goldsmith.htm

Tottie Goldsmith Profile & Talent Bookings:
www.femail.com.au/tottie-goldsmith.htm

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FM: What does Chantoozie mean?

Tottie Goldsmith: It's actually French for female singer.

FM: You were also on Melbourne's TTFM Breakfast radio show, would you do breakfast radio again?

Tottie Goldsmith: Never! Getting up at 5.00am again (joking). I never say never but those early mornings! Generally speaking though I would definitely consider a job in radio again.

FM: Your father Brian Goldsmith was 'King of the Nightclub' industry in the eighties. You were regularly spotted around town in his various Clubs (Redheads etc). To an outsider you were in an enviable position, playing the 'Club Diva'. Did you really enjoy this time in your life?

Tottie Goldsmith: I had so much fun, but sure there were those times when I wanted more stability, my friends thought it was great that we could eat out every night at Dad's restaurants and hang out at his Clubs. The downside was my parents going through a divorce and sometimes I just wanted Mum there so we could eat at home or go shopping together.

I come from a family of eight brothers and sisters and I guess we all pulled together and handled things the best way we knew how. I also think I gained a lot of street wise sense from my situation. In comparison to my friends it appeared to take them lot longer to acquire street-smart behaviour. There also comes a time where you question people, it's like are they just here cashing in on the 'free drinks'? Overall though, I had a lot of good times.

FM: 'Layla' is your six and a half year old daughter. How has she improved your life and what affect has motherhood had on your career?

Tottie Goldsmith: It is cliché to say but being a Mum really enriches your life in so many ways, you hear people talk about their kids, and it's like an exclusive club.
Layla and I actually share the same birthday too!

When she was a baby, she used to come everywhere with me, it was probably easier to juggle my career then, than it is now that she's older. I wouldn't have it any other way though. You deal with your circumstances at the time and accomplish what you can within your lifestyle's limitations.

FM: Recently you appeared on 'Today Tonight' talking on the topic of 'rumours' alongside Lillian Frank. Would you say rumours or media innuendo has had a negative effect on your life?

Tottie Goldsmith: Not particularly, it's the way human beings communicate when they don't know each other. It's a conversational thing. I can only recall a couple of things bothering me; unfortunately it's part of the territory and the job. When it's outside of work and people I know say inappropriate things, (pauses thoughtfully) if it's jealously, that's really horrible because I've been jealous before and it can eat at you - I pity them. By nature I am a sweet person and I'm not bossy or bitchy so this behaviour used to hurt me.

FM: What are you working on at the moment?

Tottie Goldsmith: I am currently in the process of putting together and raising, the funding for a six part documentary, which I am aiming to finish by July. I'm also working in a play - a comedy called 'Don't Dress For Dinner'. It features, John English, and some actors from 'The Rocky Horror Show' cast. This play will be showing around the country and is coming to Melbourne's Crown Casino. I expect to learn a lot from the Play it will be great for me, to be a part of such a happy and positive environment.

FM: And finally what advice would you give to somebody trying to get a break in the Australian television industry?

Tottie Goldsmith: This industry is - 80% attitude and 20% art. I learn something from every experience. For example, if I don't land a role I'm auditioning for, I still walk away better because of it. You must be thick-skinned, sincere in your approach and remain pure to yourself.

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Continuing as a house-hold name in the entertainment industry, Tottie has recently turned her attention to the wellness industry. From an abnormal upbringing and the high pressure, rollercoaster of the entertainment industry, Tottie ended up with the over-achievers illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1997. Three years with this lonely illness, she had to get herself well and stay on track, and she did this through meditation. With the need to find wellness and balance in her own life, Tottie is now passionate about helping others through corporate speaking appearances and her wellness CD's.

The corporate market has embraced Tottie and she has addressed audiences for companies including RetireInvest, McDonald's and Holden. She has hosted numerous charity events including Clown Doctors, RVIB Ball, Starry Starry Nights, TLC for Kids and the annual Mothers Day Comedy Debate for Melbourne University.

Tottie Goldsmith CDs Collection:
www.femail.com.au/unwind-your-mind-tottie-goldsmith.htm
www.femail.com.au/falling-asleep-tottie-goldsmith.htm
www.femail.com.au/sleep-story-tottie-goldsmith.htm

Tottie Goldsmith Profile & Talent Bookings:
www.femail.com.au/tottie-goldsmith.htm