Interview with Maria Angelico by Freya Bennett // photographs by Em Jenson
Maria Angelico is an Australian actor known for her sharp wit and standout roles across comedy, drama, and voice work. From Sisters to Strife, she brings heart and humour to every project. We chatted to her about her bohemian childhood (including some unforgettable crocodile meat lunches), her acting journey, and what brings her joy both on and off screen.
Hi Maria! How are you, and what’s been bringing you joy lately?
I can be like a puppy sometimes — a lot of simple little things bring me joy! Lately, it’s been voice notes from my friends. I’ve been traveling quite a bit, and listening to long, detailed — even mundane — voice notes from my close friends, and replying in the same way, brings me so much joy. I love hearing what my friends are having for dinner or what they were pondering in the shower that morning while I’m out on my morning walk. It’s like listening to a podcast, but way better haha.
You grew up with your mum and sisters in a pretty unique and creative household. What was it like growing up with a bohemian performer mum, eating leftovers from fancy French restaurants, and being surrounded by that kind of unconventional magic?
My single mum played piano at a French restaurant on the weekends and would bring us home leftovers for our lunch boxes. Now, the thought of French hors d’oeuvres like crocodile meat vol-au-vents is exciting — but at the time, all I wanted was a Vegemite sandwich like the other kids haha. Now, as a grown woman, I can really appreciate how unique my childhood was.
I think at the time I took a lot of it for granted because it was all I knew. Creativity was all around us — whether it was my mum composing songs to accompany me and my sisters playing, writing plays after school, or painting the walls of our bedrooms with our friends. I think it gave me an innate creative freedom and a way of navigating the world through art, and I’m so grateful for that. On the flip side — along with the crocodile meat — boundaries and structure were things I had to learn the hard way later in life haha. So I guess there are always two sides to everything!
Your new film Birthright premiered at Tribeca and will next be seen at MIFF and Cinefest Oz. What drew you to the project, and how did it challenge or expand your perspective as an actor?
Birthright is such an exciting film — both in genre and style — and it’s also very funny. I remember being so excited when I first read the script for my audition. It was clever, dark, and relevant — it felt like a modern-day fable. It’s rare to read scripts like that in Australia that actually get made. It’s bold and brave.
I also loved the journey my character Jasmine gets to go on. As an actor, it’s a dream to have such a wide scope in a performance — I had so much to work with. I was also really excited by writer-director Zoe Pepper’s approach, especially given her background as a playwright. I knew I wanted to work with her.
You’re also known for your brilliant work on Strife. What was it like stepping into the role of Christine?
I absolutely love playing Christine in Strife. She’s direct, competitive, and competent — unlike a lot of the characters I’ve played before. I often joke with my co-star and best friend Rhys Mitchell, who plays Paul, that with Christine, it’s like I’m playing a real grown-up haha.
I also love what writer Sarah Scheller has done with all the characters — giving them real layers and depth. It’s such a joy to step into the shoes of someone so strong, while also exploring her vulnerabilities.
As someone with a rich cultural background, how has your heritage shaped your voice as a performer and storyteller?
Even though I was raised by just my mother, both of my parents were performers — so I guess it’s in my blood. When I was younger, I was interested in other things like fashion and dance (which I still love!), but being a performer was something I always knew I’d do. I never really questioned it.
I’ve recently been back in Italy, and every time I’m there, I feel really connected to my lineage — especially to the rich history of storytelling and clowning haha. This time, I traveled to an island right between Sicily and Africa. My grandfather is Sicilian and my grandmother is Egyptian, and being in a place I knew she had passed through felt extra special — even validating, in a way.
It’s amazing to think of all the people who came before us, and that we exist because of them. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by how many stories are contained in all our histories — and I get excited by the idea of exploring them, reimagining them, or retelling them.
You’ve moved between comedy, drama, and voice work with such ease — what do you look for in a role or project these days?
I’m so grateful for the variety in my career. I love both comedy and tragedy — especially when they’re intertwined. I’m a very physical person — I love dancing, adventure, and being active — so maybe some kind of action film would be really cool! I’d love to fight people (on screen!) and do cool stunts and fly or save the day… or be a villain!
When you’re not on set or behind the mic, where do you feel most like yourself?
In water! I always joke that I’m part mermaid. I absolutely love the beach, a lake, a river — even a bath. Bobbing around in a body of water feels like home to me.
Looking ahead, what’s a dream project or personal goal you’re excited to pursue next?
I really enjoyed working on Birthright with its heightened themes and genre. I think it would be fun to play more in that space. I’d also love to shoot something in a cool, remote location — like the mountains in Hungary or a tropical island… maybe I just need to be in an upcoming season of the white lotus!
