Irene Wood is one of New Zealand’s most cherished actors – her career having begun more than 60 years ago onstage in Wellington. Since then, as well as bringing up three talented children, she’s starred in everything from Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune and Brokenwood to blockbuster Lord of the Rings, and for five series of Go Girls, 80-year-old Irene was a fan favourite as garrulous Nan.
“I’ve got to the point where I am occasionally offered roles, but mostly I still have to audition,” Irene tells the Weekly from her home north of Wellington.
“Because when you’re an actor, you have to accept what comes along and be happy with it. I even have an audition tomorrow, although I don’t like the thought of learning lines in this hot weather, but I’ll do my best, and if I get it, I’ll open a bottle of chardonnay!”
Irene is currently on screen in TVNZ’s brutally funny show Educators.
A deliciously disgraceful role
“I play Christine, the mother of Robin, played by Jackie van Beek, and I got to play drunk at 12 in the afternoon,” Irene says of her colourful character.
“Christine is one of those disgracefully ignorant people who are unaware of the effect their words have on others, which was such fun! My main point of concentration on set was to make sure the crew laughed and happily, I pulled that off!”
Still in demand
Irene has been kept busy with various theatre roles, including the iconic Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest.
“And I loved being in the film The Rule of Jenny Pen, which was like a little holiday in Taupō.”
A project alongside acting luminaries Geoffrey Rush from The King’s Speech and Hollywood A-lister John Lithgow no less!
Home, family and quiet pride
Irene lives in a small house she designed herself on her daughter Jessica’s property in Kaitoke, at the foot of the Remutaka Ranges.
“My younger daughter Lucy is in Masterton and my son Jacob is in Melbourne.”
Irene is also immensely proud of her two grandchildren, including Jacob’s young daughter.
Next generation of achievers
“Henrietta is 10 and destined to become an actress-model-lawyer-mathematician, while Jessica’s son Uenuku is 27 and is a strapping lad of six foot three [1.92 metres),” says Irene.
“Uenuku means ‘rainbow in the sky’, and he and his mum have just done nine months total immersion in te reo Māori, which has given them such a strong sense of purpose and direction, to know where their heads and hearts lie.”
And let’s not forget Irene’s schnauzer Tilda, who is the best little friend on four legs.
“Tilda is such a little madam,” Irene chuckles.
“If she doesn’t like something, or she thinks I’m sitting down for too long, she walks up and hits me. As if to say, I’ve had enough – it’s time to go. And, of course, I indulge her.”
Irene says she is very grateful for the love and support of her family – “now I’m officially old” – with Lucy popping over most weekends.
Weekend rituals with Lucy
“She helps me with chores, like changing the bed and bringing in the firewood, and we spend quality time together,” explains Irene.
“Also, Lucy’s husband is writing his doctorate, and he loves the peace and quiet when she is with me, and I enjoy the company. “We’re like two little old ladies, sitting together, knitting blankets for our dogs, as she has two. We’re on to our fourth blanket now and the dogs don’t care if we drop a stitch – they just cuddle in, so that’s been successful!”
As for what lies ahead, beyond learning lines for her next audition, Irene is simply looking forward to a relaxing summer with her loved ones.
“We’ll stay home, swim in the river and take it easy,” she shares.
“We’ll barbecue and welcome visitors. And I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed every time I do an audition, because I consider myself lucky to still be working and able to remember my lines!”
Season four of Educators is screening on TVNZ+.
