Pictures: Hagen Hopkins.
When Woman’s Day last caught up with former Go Girls star Bronwyn Turei, the dynamic actress was expecting her first child – a baby that just happened to be due around the same time Bronwyn’s partner Manny Solomon was turning 30.
“Tiakiwai turned up on Manny’s actual birthday, on December 19. He was so excited to have this wonderful thing to celebrate with her,” grins Bronwyn, 41.
“But Manny grew up having his birthday lumped in with Christmas. So now Tiakiwai is three, it’s really important for Manny that when we celebrate their birthdays, the fun is centred around Tiakiwai. Of course, our friends are also there for Manny.”
As for any concerns Bronwyn might have had about her acting work slowing down after becoming a mum, if anything, she’s more in demand – as is Manny, who’s an actor, as well as a choreographer and dancer.
“We regularly sit down with our schedules and figure out who’s doing this job or that tour. We tag in and out,” explains Bronwyn. “Our families have been really helpful too.”
Despite life being so hectic, Bronwyn says she’s never been happier. “Even though we were in a really lovely place before Tiakiwai, she has definitely brought us closer together. She’s intensified our respect, affection and empathy. We’re a really great team.
“Manny is such a beautiful soul, and seeing him care for Tiakiwai and watching their relationship bloom, there’s a whole new level of love.”
Producers these days are also more welcoming to children being around.
“I’ve taken Tiakiwai to work with me on three different shows when Manny has been overseas or on tour. She loves being in the rehearsal room, hanging out with a bunch of cool people. She’s such a social butterfly!”
Which is suits perfectly because acting roles continue to pour in, with Bronwyn cast in several ads and numerous plays. She received a coveted Actor of the Year accolade at the recent Wellington Theatre Awards.
There was also a commercial for New World when Bronwyn was still breastfeeding.
“Manny and Tiakiwai came along too, and I had to pump between set-ups, which was a bit tricky,” she recalls. “Then at the of the end of the day, when we were pushed for time, the makeup artist gently took me aside and told me my boobs were visibly much bigger than in the other shots, so I had to quickly pump for continuity!”
Even though it’s been 12 years since Go Girls wrapped, Bronwyn is grateful to her co-stars for all the support they still provide.
“Go Girls went for five series and it was such a brilliant time,” she enthuses. “I love those women and I love their children as if they were my own. Monique [Meredith], who played Kirby, was the first to have a bubba, and Quinny is now 13 and the most gorgeous young woman. She played [Alix Bushnell’s character] Britta’s baby Hero in season four. It was delightful to have her on set, although we complete much work!
“Now Monique’s youngest, Munro, has just turned six and Tiakiwai loves playing with Monique’s kids.
“Monique and her husband Blair were like, ‘We’re done with kids,’ so they gave us blankets, a shusher and a monitor.
“And Alix, who has nine-year-old George and four-year-old twins, sent over boxes of clothes, bibs, nappies and a front pack. Manny and I felt so blessed.”
Bronwyn also stays in touch with Anna Hutchison, who’s based in Los Angeles. “When Tiakiwai was born, Anna FaceTimed me, and she was so encouraging, gentle and kind. I feel super-connected to Anna and we catch up whenever she’s home. Her kids are delightful.”
Another co-star, Esther Stephens, lives just round the corner from Bronwyn with her two little boys.
“I’m so lucky we’ve all stayed close because when I’m with those women, I feel my soul settle. Like I’ve taken off my shoes and curled up on the couch.”
Viewers remember the show with deep affection and with all five seasons now available online on YouTube, it’s finding new fans around the world, one of whom Bronwyn has befriended.
“One fan, Regan, who lives in New York, reached out after bingeing Go Girls during lockdown and we’ve been friends ever since. I love how art helped connect us. She’s now learning te reo online and plans to visit next year!”
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