Jessica Chapnik plays Sam
Via: E-mail

Jessica Chapnik who plays Sam the physio at the hospital but also got into a relationship with Jack Holden, answered some questions exclusively for Home and Away Central.

DOB?
28 th December. It’s a tricky time of year…

You’re not just an actor, but also a musician. Are you from an acting or musical background?
Both really. Ive done both at different times. I was writing songs and in a band as a teenager. But acting was my very earliest passion.

At the moment are you focussing on acting or music?
I am focusing on acting right now. In fact, I have just finished playing with a band I was with (OLD MAN RIVER) to do just that. But music always comes somehow, and is always welcome.

You recently toured nationally and internationally with singer Sarah Blasko who is also your best friend, was that a good experience?
It was an amazing experience. Of course working and traveling with your best friend is pretty cool, but touring is also very hard work. Behind the scenes, there is so much involved in making a show special, and with not a lot of sleep!I love how immediate music is for an audience. It’s instant and it can change everything in a split second. There’s a magic about it. Like a spell. Watching that happen before my eyes in all these different towns all over the place was such a thrill and such a true thing to observe and be a part of.

Have you had any previous acting training?
I trained at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School in New York City for a couple years.

Other than Home and away, have you had any other acting roles?
Mainly theatre and short films.

You worked closely with Paul O’Brien (Jack Holden) on Home and Away. Was it easy to fit in working with the cast of Home and Away?
The cast and crew of Home and Away are really so lovely and welcoming. It was easy to feel at home. It makes you grateful. I did work most with Paul. He is a sweet guy and has a way with words that often had me in stitches!

You have finished working on Home and away, so what are you currently up to?
I recently got back from travelling overseas, and I’m now getting stuck into some writing projects that I’ve been meaning to get to for years.

Which actors do you look up to?
Oh so many to name. Where do I begin? Off the top of my head: Emily Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Dianne Keaton, Mia Farrow, Brenda Blethyn, Audrey Hepburn, Dudley Moore, Meryl Streep, Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Jack Lemon, Sidney Poitier, and that is just for starters…I really got carried away with this one, didn’t I?

Describe yourself in 3 words
Shy. Curious. Stubborn.

Do you think we will ever see Sam back in Summer Bay?
Goodness, who knows? Just about anything can happen in Summer Bay.

Do you have a message to aspiring actors out there?
Be true. By that I mean bring honesty to your projects. If you’re confused and insecure like most of us, don’t push that away, use that. I think that’s all anyone wants to see, the truth.