Australian film, TV and stage actress Lieschen Pogue revels in her new role in the highly anticipated Underbelly: The Golden Mile television series. The stunning Sydney based actress plays ‘Galina’ and features in a number of episodes on the hit series.
Lieschen took some time out from her busy schedule to chat to Beauty and Lace:
B&L: Tell us about the character, Galina, who you play in Australian television series Underbelly: The Golden Mile…
Lieschen: Galina is based on a real character, the privileged daughter of a Russian family, who was a sex worker on the streets of Kings Cross. She was known for her spectacular looks and sexual appetite, which often scared away other women. So her friendship with Kim Hollingsworth takes her somewhat by surprise.
In Kim she has found that rare quality – an opposite who is also a kindred spirit. Together they become an unstoppable duo – a pair of up-for-anything working girls, who take the Cross by storm.
B&L: How did you prepare for the role?
Lieschen: Well, I was given information about the person that my character was based on from production and then you just build from there. She was best friends with the real Kim Hollingsworth – so Kim shared a great deal.
B&L: What kind of reaction have you had from friends and family?
Lieschen: They find my 80’s hairdo in the first couple of episodes hilarious! Galina will say when she has been unfairly treated and defend her friends – so she can be seen as hard at times, but my family and friends are proud of my work, as Underbelly is such a highly rated, well respected national television show. Not to mention the challenge a role like this can bring.
B&L: Have you always wanted to be an actress?
Lieschen: Yes, since I was about 15 years old. I was quite academic as a child and through high-school, so I did have aspirations for being a doctor or a lawyer at one time.
Although my mother did tell me the other day that when I was a little girl I had declared that I had wanted to be a judge because you got to wear one of those wigs – perhaps I had always liked the idea of dressing up!
B&L: Is it hard getting jobs in the Australian entertainment industry?
Lieschen: As in every profession, competition for high profile jobs is fierce. We don’t have as large an industry as in overseas– although I guess in places like LA there are a lot more actors. I guess the amount of work to actors wanting it is always less – in most large cities.
B&L: What kind of acting background do you have?
Lieschen: I like to work across all areas, Australian film, TV and stage. I trained at The Actors Centre in Sydney and at the Ivana Chubbuck Studios in Los Angeles. I also completed a Bachelor in Theatre and Film through the University of NSW.
B&L: What is your new mini series Tough Nuts all about?
Lieschen: It is an 8 episode series focusing on Australia’s toughest criminals. The first episode follows the life of Christopher Dale Flannery and I play his wife, Kathleen Flannery.
B&L: Where do you get your inspiration?
Lieschen: Mostly from fellow actors. Some of the most amazing work I have ever seen has been in a room – rehearsing or in class with other actors.
B&L: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Lieschen: Well, as long as you don’t mind me dreaming ridiculously BIG! Haha… I would like to be making amazing, interesting dynamic films in Australia and in the USA. Also performing on Broadway and West end would be amazing too.
B&L: How do you like to spend your days off?
Lieschen: Relaxing with friends, cafes, walking, going to the gym, reading, and watching theatre.
B&L: Do you have any advice for young women with a passion for acting?
Lieschen: I have often spoken to fellow actors about this and I guess within my circle there has been a consensus that you don’t choose acting that it will in a way, choose you.
If you have this quality then like me, you just won’t be able to do anything else without some part of you dying inside. So stay positive, be proactive and never give up.
B&L: What is one thing fans wouldn’t know about you?
Lieschen: I love chicken soup!
B&L: What’s next for Lieschen Pogue?
Lieschen: I am currently shooting in Auckland and then flying back as I am planning on attending the Dungog film festival. I would love my next job to be a great Australian film.
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!