South Australian actor Chris Asimos has a decorated career on the screen and stage, but he chats about one of his most memorable roles – that of the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.
Describe the best day of your life.
I’ve had so many amazing experiences that have shaped me professionally and personally. I will never forget my first theatre performance at high school in The Wizard of Oz where I played the role of the scarecrow. This was such a definitive moment and even to this date I can still recall hearing the applause as the curtain closed on the final bow. I haven’t looked back since and I’ve enjoyed many memorable days on theatre stages in Australia and abroad, including more recently performing on the Vegas strip.
If had to pick one day it would in my personal life, when my daughter Aveline was born, and I became a father. This day was life changing.
Describe your best purchase
My Seaflo kayak which has invigorated my passion in outdoor sports. My fitness is incredibly important to me and the opportunity to combine my passion for fitness, sport and nature is a dream. My favourite spot to kayak in South Australia is the dolphin sanctuary mangrove forest. There is so much incredible nature in the state I take any opportunity I can in my schedule to explore. It’s all such a source of inspiration to me.
What is the best photograph you have?
The photo of my daughter Aveline sleeping on my chest as a newborn is one of my personal favourites. This was taken when she was only a few days old, such a precious time and moment. Many of my favourite photographs involve my daughter. There is such power in capturing time, memories and travels.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Follow your dreams but take the opportunities that come your way. You never know how life is going to unfold, but it’s important to trust the process and live in the moment. You also never know where an opportunity may take you.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
The best meal I’ve ever had was last year in the Athenian Riviera in Greece. We landed in Athens and discovered the most iconic taverna overlooking the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea: Sardelaki me Thea. The whole experience was incredible and is embedded in my memory. The marinated anchovies were divine and the Sardelaki salad, the fresh bread and the calamari! It was all wonderful and I can’t wait to return.
My favourite food memory in South Australia, purely on the experience was eating Flinders Feral Food at the Prairie Hotel, Parachilna.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
Once again, I’ll probably have to say my daughter is my favourite person.
And her top qualities are definitely:
Kindness – For a nine-year-old she treats others with incredible empathy and kindness.
Confidence – She knows who she is and doesn’t try to be anyone else. Already treading the boards, herself.
Generosity – She gives her time freely to friends and those that need her help.
Honesty – She’s truthful and authentic even when it’s hard.
Humour – She always cracks me up.
Best five songs on your playlist?
I’m going through a musical theatre stage at the moment, my taste in music is eclectic (I hope).
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Top 5 (right now):
Puppeteer – Jorge Rivera-Herrans (EPIC the Musical)
Athina Mou – Konstantinos Argiros
Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Rocky Raccoon – The Beatles
Great Adventure – Kimberly Akimbo The Musical
Chris Asimos performs in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Holden Street Theatres from August 5 to 16.
