Ever dreamt of singing and dancing on Broadway? Starring in a hit reality TV show? Running your own production company? Mingling with the best in showbiz? Or jet-setting to luxurious locales all over the world? We chat to the woman who’s done it all–the fabulous Ms Bonnie Lythgoe–on the secret to her stellar career success… By Katie Martlew
We fell in love with Lythgoe after she graced our screens as a judge on the hit reality TV series So You Think You Can Dance Australia–yet the buoyant Brit has in fact enjoyed a spectacular career spanning more than 30 years; encompassing dancing, choreography, directing, TV presenting, TV producing and Broadway producing.
The ultimate entertainment industry success story–Bonnie’s worked with the best in the business, including the likes of Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis Junior, Victoria Beckham, Sidney Poitier, Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, and shows no sign of slowing down.
The lovely Ms Lythgoe shares her expert advice on how to make it in the entertainment industry, the key to her success, as well as her favourite luxury holiday destinations and must-have travel items to look fresh and fabulous on a long-haul flight…
RESCU: You’ve had a stellar career encompassing dancing, choreography, TV presenting, TV producing and Broadway producing–what’s been your proudest professional accomplishment thus far?
Bonnie Lythgoe: This is totally the truth, coming to Australia and judging ‘So you think you can Dance’ was by far the most rewarding accomplishment and life changing experience for me. Maybe because it was new, different and exciting or it was being out there on my own in your beautiful country, not sure, but it stands out as one of the best!
RESCU: How did you get your big break in the entertainment industry?
Bonnie Lythgoe: I was at Performing Arts College and a film director came along and told the acting Course he was making a film called ‘To Sir With Love ‘and looking for Actors. It was my first term at College and he auditioned me and although naive, I was full of enthusiasm and I got the Job. I didn’t know Sidney Poitier was the Star until the first day of filming.
RESCU: What do you believe has been the key to your incredibly successful career?
Bonnie Lythgoe: My truthfulness and belief in my career. My love and understanding of what I do, listening to people, watching dancers and never thinking I know it all, I don’t!
RESCU: What key advice do you have for anyone else who wants to make it in this industry?
Bonnie Lythgoe: If you have a dream follow it, but be ready for the knock backs and be prepared to pick yourself up and try again. You will get there, if you believe in yourself.
RESCU: Your career takes you all over the world, from London to LA, Australia and Portugal–what are your must-have ultimate travel essentials you can’t live without?
Bonnie Lythgoe: I need my tweezers, my round hairbrush and my great hairdryer, my Jimmy Choo shoes, and my Yorkshire Tea Bags!
RESCU: What are your tips for looking fresh and fabulous, post a long-haul-flight?
Bonnie Lythgoe: Lots and lots of moisturising cream, glasses of water, a light meal, a good film, and as much sleep as possible.
RESCU: What’s your ultimate luxury travel destination, and why?
Bonnie Lythgoe: Thailand – the people are beautiful and they believe in everything they do, and it is the land of smiles! Somehow you put work behind you, your spirits lift to the sky and everything is wonderful. Watching the sunrise, the sunset, and seeing the Temples, Amazing!
RESCU: What’s next for Bonnie Lythgoe?
Bonnie Lythgoe: Coming to Australia to do some reality, and then back to LA to Direct Snow White in Hollywood LA.
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