Peta Wilson burst onto the scene and into our living rooms as the captivating and lethal Nikita in La Femme Nikita. This Australian actress quickly became a household name, synonymous with fierce independence and on-screen prowess. But beyond the tough exterior and action-packed roles, Wilson possesses a delightful sense of humor and a down-to-earth personality that sets her apart. Let’s delve into a candid conversation that reveals the woman behind the action icon, exploring her quirks, her past, and her unique perspective on life in the spotlight.
YOUR SHOW IS BASED ON CHARACTERS FROM THE 1990 FRENCH FILM. ANY THOUGHTS ON WHY FRENCH PEOPLE CAN BE SO RUDE?
Well, for a long time, they really thought they were top dog, didn’t they? And now that they’re maybe not running the show quite so much, I reckon they might be a bit grumpy about it. Or, who knows, maybe it’s all that rich food they eat! Perhaps too much cheese and butter can affect your disposition.
HOW DOES ONE ”KICK ASS”?
The secret to truly “kicking ass”? Underestimate yourself! Seriously, appear harmless. Maybe even pretend to be a bit clumsy. Or, master the art of distraction. My go-to move? Walk right up to someone, point at their chin and ask, “Hey, what’s that on your chin?” Works every time. When they glance down, bam! Sock ‘em and make a run for it. It’s all about the element of surprise.
WHAT’S YOUR WORST ON-THE-JOB INJURY?
Oh, I’ve had a few bumps and bruises, that’s for sure. But the worst? I think it was when I got a concussion during a stunt. Picture this: I was supposed to be thrown against a tree. Now, the director, bless his heart, wanted me to really connect with the tree, to truly feel it. The stunt guy was being super helpful, maybe a little too helpful, and well, let’s just say I met that tree at a solid 10 miles an hour. I powered through the rest of the day’s filming, but let’s just say a CAT scan was in order afterwards.
ANYTHING IN YOUR CHILDHOOD THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THIS WHOLE TOUGH-CHICK THING?
Ironically, for someone who plays a tough spy, I was a total scaredy-cat as a kid! Terrified of the dark. Oh my gosh, I would do absolutely anything to avoid sleeping alone. My bed? It was a fortress of dolls and teddy bears. And don’t even get me started on An American Werewolf in London. Saw that movie way too young, and it haunted my dreams for years – like, a solid six years of werewolf-induced nightmares.
IF YOU WERE A STREET SIGN, WHAT WOULD YOU READ?
“Hazardous materials ahead. Drive slowly.” Definitely. That pretty much sums me up. Proceed with caution!
BEING FROM AUSTRALIA, HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A KANGAROO BURGER?
Kangaroo burger? Absolutely not! Never! That’s where I draw the line. But adventurous eating? Oh yeah. I’ve definitely tried a crocodile burger and even snake. But the weirdest thing? Okay, brace yourself. When I was about three years old, I ate a dead owl. Out of a men’s urinal. Lovely, right? My poor mother found me in the bathroom, bits of feather still hanging out of my mouth. Toddler logic at its finest.
ANY OTHER STRANGE HANK-ERINGS YOU’D LIKE TO CONFESS?
Condensed milk cravings. Seriously, I get intense cravings for tins of condensed milk. And not just straight from the tin, although I’ve been known to do that. I used to make condensed milk sandwiches. Mmmmmm. Especially good with a few slices of banana. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
IF THERE WAS A TALKING PETA WILSON DOLL, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?
“Rooooooooger!!!!” Without a doubt. That’s my hairdresser’s name, Roger. He’s a legend.
IS FOSTER’S REALLY AUSTRALIAN FOR BEER, MATE?
Foster’s? Australian for beer? Please! That’s a tourist trap! VB – Victoria Bitter – that’s Australian for beer. Foster’s just spends a fortune on those cheesy commercials. Trust me, VB is a much smoother, more authentic Aussie beer experience. Don’t fall for the Foster’s hype.
IF YOU COULD GUEST-STAR ON ANY SHOW, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
NYPD Blue. Absolutely NYPD Blue. And I would play Dennis Franz’s naughty long-lost daughter. The one who’s always causing trouble, stealing candy, and swiping high heels. I just adore him. Seriously, I think Dennis Franz is sexier than hell. That would be my dream role.
