RICHARD WILKINS - My AUSTRALIA
Channel 9 Entertainment Editor and Smooth FM Radio Host, Richard Wilkins, talks about his Australia.
What makes Australians so uniquely ‘Australian’ around the world?
When you’re on foreign soil, in some far flung place around the world, often the Aussies are easy to spot. Fortunately not as easily as some of the Americans!
Australians stand out in a crowd, though, because they’re just so full of life and energy. We really do travel like no other race on earth and we’re accustomed to spending hours on a plane to get where we’re going. And, as someone who, dare I say, is a bit recognisable at 6’3” with hair and heels, it’s always lovely when I arrive somewhere overseas and I hear a “Hey, Dickie!” screamed out in a loud Aussie accent across the terminal!
What’s your favourite Aussie you have interviewed and why?
It’s a question I get all the time and the first names that come to mind are always the most recent. It was a great pleasure to speak to Bryan Brown the other day who’s just written a book. You don’t get any more dinky-di than Bryan! I always love catching up with our great Aussie musicians and artists like John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Kylie and Delta. And the brilliant Barry Humphries was always so outrageously entertaining. But, I suppose, if I had to pick my favourite Aussie interview of all time it would be one of the many occasions that I sat down for a chat with Olivia Newton John. I loved Livvy. When I used to host the annual G’Day USA Gala events in Los Angeles, I would always introduce her as “The World’s Favourite Australian”. It would be lovely to think we’d get to speak again one day.
What’s the One thing that’s truly Australian that you couldn’t live without?
Our self-deprecating sense of humour and the ability to take the piss out of ourselves. Other than that, a Bunnings sausage sizzle is pretty good.
What’s Your hidden Aussie holiday and relaxation spot?
My favourite hidden holiday spot is probably my home! Over the years I’ve spent so much time jumping on planes travelling around the world to interview people, cover premieres and opening nights that, when it comes to a holiday these days, I do enjoy locking the front door and putting my feet up with a good book. So, when I do manage to have a week or two off, you’ll most likely find me on the chaise lounge by the swimming pool (which is probably 10 metres from my bedroom) with Fred, my Australian Cobberdog, by my side.
What’s Your perfect Aussie weekend?
Obviously ‘addressing the nation’ on Smooth FM every weekend between 10am – 1pm is an honour and a pleasure. I’m proud to say I’ve been working on the weekend for Smooth now for a dozen years and, alongside my Channel Nine commitments, it’s the perfect gig where I get to play some lovely music. When I’m home though, nothing beats watching my Swannies soar to glory on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and, of course, having my family – the kids and grandkids – over for some laughs, stories and a bite to eat is just the best.
