If you’ve spent any time in Nelson’s creative scene, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Donna — or at least heard her laugh echoing from a film set (or dog park). She’s an actor with boundless enthusiasm, a heart full of dog hair, and an uncanny ability to turn even the smallest moment into a celebration.
At the weekend you’ll find me... Ideally, on set! Nelson has an incredible community of passionate creatives, especially through the Top of the South Filmmakers, and I’m also lucky to be part of a fantastic crew called Moose Ninja Studios. While acting is my main focus, I honestly enjoy being involved in any part of the filmmaking process. And if I’m not on set, you’ll definitely find me hanging out with dogs; I couldn’t imagine life without them.
I will never shut up about... Dogs. Give me ten seconds of silence and I will steer the conversation back to them. I’m the person who’ll stop mid-sentence to point one out on the street, and yes, I will absolutely show you pictures of my dog and the ones I work with at doggy daycare. Zero shame.
My most useless skill is... Knowing the lyrics to every pop song I’ve heard, even ones I actively dislike. My brain can’t remember where I left my phone or the name of someone I just met, but a song with a catchy chorus? Remembered forever. I’m also very good at telling dad jokes; Please ask me why you never see elephants hiding in trees.*
The world would be a better place with more... Celebrations. Celebrate the little things, celebrate the big things! Celebrate your friends and their successes, celebrate your successes, celebrate birthdays and occasions and anniversaries. It doesn’t always have to be a big lavish party, it can be telling a friend about it, a quiet dinner, a flower from your garden.
A random fact I love is... A dog’s nose can detect the equivalent of a 1/2 a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. They can smell up to 100,000 times better than a human!
The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is... Agreeing to work on set for three weeks on a feature film, taking on jobs I’d never done before and really throwing myself in the deep end. I was terrified, but it turned out to be an incredible experience. I had the best time and met some truly amazing people. Plus, I got a small extra role in the film, which was a huge bonus!
The person who knows me best is... Without a doubt my family, but especially my parents. My parents are both my biggest supporters, sounding boards and the ones who have seen me at my absolute worst and best. I am incredibly blessed to have them in my corner.
I am most passionate about... If it wasn’t obvious already, it’s definitely between acting and dogs. My dream job would be to act on set with dogs – or any animal! I know they say to never work with animals but a day with animals always beats a day without.
*Because they’re very good at it.
