Angela Bloomfield has made her return to Shortland Street. Photo / Babiche Martens, NZ Woman's Weekly
As she makes her TV return, the actor reveals life off screen is just as hectic.
She grew up in the spotlight as Shortland Street’s Rachel McKenna, but life has thrown Angela Bloomfield so many adventures that she may even write a book about them all.
“I’ve long fantasised about writing a book about what I’ve learned from life,” she says. “But when would I find the time?”
From actor to director to real estate agent, she has appeared on Celebrity Treasure Island and Dancing with the Stars, which fortified her with determination and resilience. She has a host of unique experiences to pull from.
She even starred opposite Michael J. Fox in Sir Peter Jackson’s 1996 movie The Frighteners. As for becoming a single parent in 2012 when her marriage ended, Angela needed to dig deep to navigate that bump in her road.
“I know from experience that life is not as black and white as some people make out,” Angela reflects. “There’s plenty of grey out there and we should go easy on ourselves as we navigate all that life throws at us.
“We’re all different and what works for me might not work for you. Another thing I’ve learned is not to be too critical of myself or others, and it’s better to lead with kindness and grace.”
Angela also endeavours to remain in the moment as much as it’s possible.
She explains, “Stay in the day is something I say because yesterday is done, tomorrow’s not here yet, so all we’ve got is now, which I know sounds cliché, but it’s true.”
And now Angela, 53, is turning full circle, returning to the beloved soap and Rachel McKenna.
“The offer to come back came via email from my agent, but before I said yes, I needed to know a bit more,” Angela admits. “And because I grew up in the ’70s, I’m used to people ringing me to ask big questions, so Ollie Driver, the producer, and I ended up having a good long chat, where he shared his vision.”
Deciding that the moment was right, the move has thrilled her fans. Since learning of Angela’s return to Ferndale, the internet has lit up with speculation as to what her complex character might do.
Having already handled a range of sensitive storylines, from battling bulimia to alcoholism, as well as a string of ill-fated romances, one thing fans can be sure of, there’s bound to be plenty of drama.
“I can’t give away too much, but there’s definitely a power struggle between Rachel and Chris,” says Angela of the clinic power dynamic. “He’s been the CEO a lot of the time, while I’ve been working in hospitals in America, and Peter Elliott, who plays Dr David Kearney, is back too, and he’ll want to take charge. Plus, there’ll be messy love stories!”
On the subject of love, Angela takes the opportunity to confide that even though she is flat out busy, she’d still be up for a little romance of her own.
“There’s no one on the scene right now, even though I give it a good nudge,” Angela laughs. “And while I don’t say this to strangers, if people in my world want to set me up on a blind date, they are welcome to.”
Proof that she means it, Angela recently allowed her co-star Fleur Saville, 41, to have a go at playing matchmaker.
“Fleur is also back on the show, playing Libby Jeffries, and she knows I’m very much open to meeting someone,” Angela says. “Although maybe I’m just not good at relationships.”
The star ponders if fame makes courtship more complicated.
“I know I can hold a conversation, being the person I am and the work that I do. I’m good at meeting strangers and getting to know people, but there still has to be a connection. And just because you have a good conversation, it doesn’t mean you have to have a relationship. It’s such a minefield.”
On the positive side, the mother of two delightful twenty-somethings is well aware that looking for love in one’s fifties has many positives.
“I’m not looking to have any more children – that’s all sorted,” Angela says. “And I’m self-sufficient, so I don’t need another person for that. It’s more about, ‘Are you someone I want to hang out with,’ because I don’t require a partner for money or procreation. It’s still very nuanced. Besides, being single is absolutely fine and should never be frowned upon.”
Angela’s more than happy that her two children, Max, 21, and Maya, 20, are still living at home.
“Thank goodness I’m not an empty-nester yet,” she exclaims. “Maya and Max are both studying, and I’ve made our home as picturesque and sweet as can be, hoping to keep them under one roof for as long as we can all cope!
“Max is studying law and Maya is doing criminology and sociology, which are both very heady degrees,” says the proud mum. “And because I didn’t go to university, it all seems incredible to me.”
It’s possible there’s also a hint of relief that her kids haven’t followed in her thespian footsteps.
“They both did a little acting when they were younger, but they have seen me struggle over the years,” Angela admits. “But in spite of the tough times, acting is still the thing I love best in the world.
“If there’s a script in the vicinity, that’s my happy place. Being on set and working with talented actors gets me so jazzed, and even though I’ve not acted for a while, it’s just like riding a bike.”
Viewers can also look forward to seeing her on an episode of TVNZ’s new beachy crime drama Blue Murder Motel.
“I loved playing Sheree on that show,” she enthuses. “She’s wonderfully different to the characters I’ve played before – low status and comedic, which made it so much fun. Because the industry likes to put actors in boxes, I get a lot of auditions for strong, assertive women, so I enjoyed breaking out of that mould. ”
Not only is Angela relishing flexing her acting muscles again, but returning to Ferndale has brought an unexpected perk – the gift of friendship with Fleur.
“One win I didn’t consider when saying yes to going back to Shorty was finding Fleur,” she tells. “We sort of knew each other from when we were on the show 15 or so years ago, but this time we’re like magnets, completely drawn to each other.
“We love hanging out, talking and laughing. Plus she’s been juggling her regular job as well, and we’ve become fast friends, which is awesome.”
When asked if she worries that fans won’t ever be able to accept her as anyone but Rachel, the talented actor looks wistful.
“I like to think I’m an okay actor, but I have wondered if I’ve booked less work because of her,” Angela says. “But I try not to overthink it as it doesn’t do me any good because what will be will be.”
After completely charming the Weekly with her upbeat and philosophical musings, Angela is off to enjoy that rare thing of a day off, which she plans to spend part of having lunch with her cherished daughter, for a brief moment of respite from her wonderfully busy life.