Jacqueline McKenzie | |
---|---|
Born |
Sydney, Australia |
24 October 1967
Other names | Jacqui McKenzie |
Citizenship | Australian |
Alma mater | National Institute of Dramatic Art |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 1987–present |
Children | 1 |
Jacqueline Susan McKenzie (born 24 October 1967) is a classically trained Australian actress of stage and screen.
Born in Sydney, Australia, McKenzie attended Wenona School in North Sydney until 1983 then moved to Pymble Ladies' College, where she graduated in 1985 with her Higher School Certificate. Known at school for her fine singing voice, McKenzie was cast as Nancy in Oliver! then in Godspell (both a co-productions with Shore School) and later in Brigadoon (a co-production with Knox Grammar School), sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman, who was a student at Knox at the time.
McKenzie studied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Whilst at university, she began modeling. Represented by Cameron's Management, she worked in both print and television media. She also took regular singing lessons with prominent Australian vocal coach Bob Tasman-Smith. In 1987, McKenzie was cast as the lead in the pilot of television series All The Way alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Robert Mammone, Rowena Wallace and Martin Sacks. During this time, she came to the attention of the premier casting agent in Australia, Liz Mullinar, who had cast Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career and Nicole Kidman in Dead Calm. Following advice from Mullinar, McKenzie auditioned for the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and was accepted. Opting out of both her arts degree and All The Way, McKenzie attended NIDA in 1988. She graduated in December 1990.