Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Andrea is an Australian actress with Nigerian and Congolese heritage. Andrea was most recently seen in the main cast role of Juno in the Stan original series Prosper, alongside Richard Roxburgh and Rebecca Gibney. The show premiered in 2024 and garnered much positive attention for Andrea. She will next be seen in the role of Queen Inari in the highly anticipated Time Bandits (Taika Waititi for Apple TV+). Previous screen credits include the Amazon Prime series Class of ’07, alongside Emily Browning and Caitlin Stasey, and TV Pilot Privileged, which went on to impress the director of comedy programming at HBO, taking out best comedy at SeriesFest. Andrea was the 2019 scholarship winner of the MEAA Equity Atlantic Award (New York) and was one of six finalists announced for the 2021 Heath Ledger Scholarship. Outside of acting Andrea trains in Muay Thai and Martial Arts.
Andrea welcome to OLC. Congratulations on winning the Heath Ledger Scholarship! What does this achievement mean to you, especially given the legacy of Australian actors who’ve received it?
Thank you so much! Heath truly was the benchmark for exceptional artistry in our industry and one of Australia’s most beloved and cherished icons. His legacy lends itself to the scholarship, which supports young Aussie artists striving to make a mark on the world stage. Being this year’s recipient is the biggest blessing—it honestly means the world to me. To have this opportunity under the influence of Heath’s impact on his community and the timeless characters he left behind is incredibly special. The past recipients have been a huge source of inspiration to me since I was a kid in high school.
In Time Bandits, you play both “Madame Queenie” and “Queen Inari,” two powerful women in vastly different historical contexts. How did you approach embodying these distinct characters, and what was it like working with Taika Waititi and Lisa Kudrow?
It was such a delight to be able to step into the shoes of two real-life powerful, historical figures in the same show. Originally cast as Madame Queenie, I was later asked to return and also portray Queen Inari. Taika, Iain Morris, and Jemaine Clement created such a rich, meta world that all I had to do was focus on my preparation and then step onto set and play. There was a lot of accent work and physical work applied to these characters, each with their own unique way of moving through the world. It was an incredible experience, and Lisa Kudrow was so warm and professional- I had a blast shooting with her!
Your role as Juno Adebayo in Prosper explores themes of power, faith, and manipulation. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare to portray someone caught in the grip of a megachurch?
We meet Juno at her lowest, after losing her mother, her job, and becoming homeless. Her vulnerability making her a prime target for an organisation like USTAR Church. What resonated with me about her was her inner strength, her ability to hold on to her wits despite everything unravelling around her. As a Christian myself, As a Christian, I felt it was crucial to portray the complexities of faith and the darker side of institutions like some Megachurches, which hadn’t yet been explored in Australian TV or film. In terms of preparation, I had some firsthand experience with powerful megachurches and used that to guide my approach. I also researched what I could online, spoke to friends about their experiences, and collaborated closely with our first block director Jennifer Leacey to fully understand and shape Juno’s journey.
As an actress of Nigerian and Congolese heritage, how have your cultural roots influenced your journey in the entertainment industry?
I’m incredibly proud of my heritage—it speaks for me before I even enter a room. Opportunities for actors are limited in this industry, and for someone like me, they’ve been even more scarce until recently. I’ve always leaned into my point of difference, bringing that into every character I audition for and portray. Embracing who I am and my heritage makes me feel confident and empowered.
Winning the Equity Atlantic Award in 2019 and being a finalist for the Heath Ledger Scholarship in 2021 were impressive achievements before your big win this year. How have these recognitions shaped your career?
To receive these industry nods from people who have shaped our industry and are held in such high regard has been confirmation that I’m on the right path. To be on the receiving end of such belief and encouragement has been life affirming. It’s opened the doors to countless opportunities that once lived inside my diaries as dreams and goals. I truly hope opportunities like these continue to be available for the next wave of talent and future generations.
Your portrayal of strong, complex women has been a recurring theme in your roles. What attracts you to these characters, and how do you find ways to bring their unique stories to life?
Growing up, these were the kinds of women I was surrounded and influenced by. Especially my mother, who immigrated to Australia, leaving behind her law degree and life in the DRC to give me a better future. I believe that strength and complexity are forged through the trials and challenges these women face, and there’s no single (or right) way to overcome them. That resilience is what resonates with me, and helps me connect to these characters.
Who are some of the artists, actors, or filmmakers that inspire you, and how have they influenced your approach to acting?
There are so many! Ava DuVernay, Jordan Peele, Barry Jenkins, Anne Fontaine, Christopher Nolan, Jane Campion, and Baz Luhrmann are just a few filmmakers that have inspired me. Each has their own visceral, visual way that makes you feel the story in your bones. Michaela Coel has also recently influenced me through her work on I May Destroy You and Chewing Gum. Her voice is unique, unapologetic, and brave—qualities that inspire me to stay authentic and avoid conforming to any mold in pursuing the career I want.
What was it like having industry icons like Sarah Snook and Melanie Lynskey as judges for the Heath Ledger Scholarship? Did their feedback offer any new perspectives on your craft?
Having Sarah Snook and Melanie Lynskey on the final judging panel was a real “pinch me” moment. I’ve admired their artistry and professionalism for years, so knowing they were watching my work with a keen eye was an exciting and humbling feeling. Their feedback is something I’ll always carry with me, especially as I embark on what feels like an entirely new chapter. I’m deeply grateful to all the final round judges for their time and insight.
From your experience working internationally, do you notice any differences between the Australian and American acting industries? What challenges and opportunities have you encountered moving between these worlds?
I’m fortunate that most of the international projects I’ve been a part of were shot in Australia (with the exception of Time Bandits). We have some of the hardest working crews in the world on home soil which I feel has made for a smooth integration on international productions where there’s a lengthier chain of command, more money involved and the stakes ultimately feel higher.
What are some of your dreams or goals for the future of your career? Are there particular genres, directors, or roles you hope to explore?
My dream is to build a diverse body of work that challenges conventional thought, sparks curiosity, uplifts, and inspires bravery. Working on a feature film is a top goal. Up next I’d love to sink my teeth into a dark, gothic, thriller about romance and survival. I’d also love to explore dark comedy, an action epic, a western and any kind of psychological thriller… there’s so much I want to explore. I’d also love to produce or write a film that sheds light on the conflict in the D.R.C., starting a conversation about what’s happening in my country. Ava DuVernay is at the top of my list of filmmakers that I want to work with, ‘When They See Us’ is essential viewing and told with such poignant depth.
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