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W
W
ilma's Story
After two days I called them again, and they said they were still trying to reach Brett. They would call me back, but again they didn't. I was starting to feel a little disappointed, as I only had one week in Melbourne. I had a tour starting a week later.
On a Thursday I went out for breakfast, and when I came back I called them for the last time. It was a huge surprise to hear they'd been trying to contact me while I had my breakfast. Brett would call me that same morning at 10.30. Just imagine how I was feeling by then. I couldn't believe it, and I was very tense. Brett calling me, oh boy!
I remember I was sitting there on my bed, trying to relax, and I was so scared that I didn't know what to say to him. The phone rang at 10.35 and I picked it up with my heart in my throat. “Room 105, Wilma speaking.” It was Brett, of course. “His, this is Brett Climo, you wanted an interview with me?” It was so strange to suddenly hear his voice, like Dr. David is talking to you. First thing he did after that was apologizing for calling a little too late.
Well, he told me he was in Melbourne at that time, but that he was very busy. He wanted to go out the next day and do some fishing, and he had no time to meet up with me. Maybe it was okay with me to do the interview over the phone. Of course I told him that was okay.
I had a lot of questions [see interview] I made when I was still in Holland. So, I started to ask him the first two. He told me he liked drawing and writing. I told him I liked to write as well. That made him laugh, telling me that didn't surprise him because I was a journalist. Of course I explained to him right away that I wasn't. That I was in fact just a big fan of him, and that my biggest wish was to meet him.
Because of that he suddenly seemed to change his mind. Telling me: “Okay, I think I have about an hour to meet up with you, are you alone?” I told him yes. So he asked me if it was okay to meet up with me at 3.15 that afternoon. Well, of course it was okay. It was more than okay. It made me speechless for a minute. He wanted to knock on my hotel room door, but I told him I would meet him downstairs in the lobby. (I didn't really know the man at that time, so) That was okay by him, and the last thing he told me on the phone was that he just been to the hairdresser, and he hoped I didn't mind. That was somehow very funny.
And again the waiting game began. I went out for some lunch and to buy some cards. I promised a friend of mine a signature of him and bought her a very nice card. Then I took a shower, checked my photo and video camera and went to the lobby at 3.10.
I had a good view in the lobby on the entrée door and large windows of the hotel. I waited, my hands of course all sweaty, and my heart going a mile a minute. At 3.15 I was still alone and was getting a little worried. Would he really come?
He came. At 3.20 the door opened and Brett walked in. He wore sunglasses, but I recognized him right away by the way he walked. (like Dr David does) I thought he would be taller, but he was just a little taller than I am. (I am 1.70) I really didn't mind his haircut. I thought he looked absolutely great.
I jumped to my feet, and he saw that and came my way. We shook hands. “Hi, I'm Wilma.”
“Hello, I'm Brett.” (not that I didn't know this already) He was apologizing for being late, and I told him that was okay and walked him up the stairs to a small alcove where there was a table and a couple of chairs. Still, it was very cold there, so I asked him if he would mind sitting in my hotel room. I also had a table and two chairs and it was much warmer. He didn't mind at all, whatever I wanted to do was fine with him.
We walked to my room, and we made some conversation. I was telling him I just bought myself a couple of new boots, Aussie style. He looked at them, and when I opened the door to my room he suddenly fell on his knees, and was looking at the label on the boots. Pulling at it he almost knocked me over. He told me that they wore that same kind of boot in the Flying Doctors. And of course I was very pleased to hear that. He kept on chatting and made me feel at ease because of that. It clicked in some way. It was weird, but nice.
We sat down and I got my interview questions at hand. He was still looking at my boots, telling me that he didn't want me to try and climb in them. I could slip. I promised him I wouldn't even dare.
At first we just talked a bit, and he put his signature in my little Brett book. He was amazed by all the pictures of him in that book. He was starting to look through it, and that really did embarrass me a lot. He asked if I made all those photos from tv. (some I did) I almost but ripped the little book from his hands. I so didn't want him to start reading in a book where
it says that he's a great person, or the things fans write. *cough*
I bought him a small gift and gave it to him. A small tin with windmills on it. A typical Dutch souvenir with candy in it. Butter candy drops. He opened the tin right away and started eating from the candy a minute later, asking if I wanted one too. He told me he likes everything with butter in it, so I was relieved I made a good choice.
I started my interview where I left when we talked on the phone. Well, it kind of started like an interview, but ended up in a nice conversation most of the time. I still wonder that I got all the answers on all the questions. Brett also talked about private things. I didn't write those down. He talked about his girlfriend, and that they just broke up. [he's married her in 1996]
We talked about clothes (yeah, clothes).. When I told him he looked great, he started to blush. He really started to blush. That was so sweet.
We talked about hobbies, work, travel, fan clubs, fans and life. I can't remember it all. It was a surprise to me though that we seemed to have the same interests and the same look on life. There is more to life than just working. That sort of stuff. I guess we are both a little too serious and deep at times. It's really strange to find that out though.
Brett was very friendly and open. He talked a lot, but he was a good listener as well. He is a serious person, especially about his work. He was a bit shy, and he told me he sometimes doesn't know what to do with all his fan mail. Brett is a little bit like Dr. David. He is not that quiet or confident though. And Brett was really interested.
After about two hours he had to go. He didn't look at his watch one time. So, I asked him to write something in my Aussie diary, and he thought about what to write for a long time. When he was finished he said: “I really don't know if this makes any sense.” He closed the diary, “You can read it when I'm gone.” ( I still have no idea why. I guess it would embarrass him if I would read it when he was still around? No idea) When I read it when he was gone it touched me. It was kind of personal.
I asked him if he wanted to say a couple of words on my video camera to his fans. And he did. As soon as I figure out how to get this on a vcd or as a mpeg file, I will let you all know. And maybe Dianne can put it online then. This might take some time though. I also made a couple of photos of him. He was asking how I wanted him to pose.
We left the room and he asked the lady at the lobby to make a photo of both of us. I wanted to ask this myself, but he was faster, almost running down the stairs to the lobby. The lady made the photo, and I was very worried if it would turn out alright. (No digital camera then) It did turn out okay. Thank goodness. (and again, I wish I have had a digital camera)
And finally we were standing on the busy street, and we were still chatting. He told me if I ever came to Melbourne again, I had to contact his management. I invited him to come to Holland one day. He still has to do that though. He kissed my cheek two times, (in Holland we do this three times), gave me a pat on the shoulder and left.
I was feeling really weird when he was gone. Such a great man. I was very happy for this experience and a little sad as well. I mean, saying goodbye is never easy, right?
There is only one last thing I want to say about him…
“Brett's the Best!”
Wilma
My meeting with Brett Climo. Melbourne October 1994,
Finally my holiday “Down Under”. It was my second trip to this beautiful country, and months before leaving I was already looking forward to it. This time I had a big wish. I wanted to try and meet my favourite actor Brett Climo. Of course it was more of a dream than a wish, but heck, I had to try.
I had a nice hotel in Melbourne for a week, and when I was there, first thing I did was call Brett's management. They were very friendly to me, and they promised me they would try and contact Brett. I told them I really wanted an interview with him for the Dutch Flying Doctor fan club. I was part of that fan club and info on Brett or any FD actor was always welcome of course. So, the waiting game began, but they didn't call back.
Finally my holiday “Down Under”. It was my second trip to this beautiful country, and months before leaving I was already looking forward to it. This time I had a big wish. I wanted to try and meet my favourite actor Brett Climo. Of course it was more of a dream than a wish, but heck, I had to try.
I had a nice hotel in Melbourne for a week, and when I was there, first thing I did was call Brett's management. They were very friendly to me, and they promised me they would try and contact Brett. I told them I really wanted an interview with him for the Dutch Flying Doctor fan club. I was part of that fan club and info on Brett or any FD actor was always welcome of course. So, the waiting game began, but they didn't call back.
T
T
he pictures Wilma took of Brett
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T
T
he interview of Wilma with Brett
Interview with Brett Climo Melbourne 13-10-1994 by Wilma
1) What are you doing at the moment?
Brett: "I am in Melbourne at the moment. I have a few days off, and just finished the second season of "Snowy River - The McGregor Saga". This second season has 19 episodes and personally I think the second season is better then the first one. In episodes of the second season, the characters are more central to the stories. Even my role as Colin McGregor has more depth. Colin at first, is a very serious young man, but becomes more softened up by his relationship with Emily. I liked to develop a relationship like that in a series. After this week, I'm going to promote the series in Australia."
2) Why did you become an actor?
Brett: "I didn't know what I wanted to become, I couldn't choose a direction. My mom came up with the idea to get involved with the "Kids Drama Workshop" in Sydney. I liked this idea, and got an agent. I was 15 when I got my first guest appearance in "A Country Practice", later on I got the on-going role of Michael Langley in this show. It didn't feel like working on a soap, what it was. That period really gave me much appreciation for television work. The show gave me a lot of self-confidence and I liked to work like that."
3) If you weren't an actor what profession would you like to practice?
Brett (without hesitation): "Architect … I like designing and making things. I draw and write a lot."
4) Was it difficult to leave "The Flying Doctors" after 18 months?
Brett: "It was, really, but I liked the way David left the series. He was a closed character, I wanted the public to see him like that. There is more to life, David said in his last episode, and I was feeling the same way myself. I wanted to do something else. End the tv-scene for a while. I'm like David!"
5) What episodes of the "The Flying Doctors" did you like best and why?
Brett: "My final episode "Deceptions". I was allowed to write the last scenes myself, like the scene at Geoff and Kate's house. I put a lot of myself into this scene… just like Brett felt. I wanted to show the audience all of it, even in the last scene. I also liked the episode "The Gift". I wanted Dr. David to be arrogant at first. And I also liked the episode "Valentine's Day". These are all episodes with character changes. You will get to know a person better when something happens to him… joy, sorrow, fear, etc. I don't want to play a hero, I don't find that interesting. In Australia it's usual for
a man to keep his feelings inside, but I don't agree with that at all."
6) Did a scene ever go wrong?
Brett (thinks about it): "Yes… I stung myself with injection needles all the time. In one scene I stung myself in my hand, hard… Blood poured out, and I quickly held my other hand on it and away from my white doctors coat. Nobody noticed anything except Lenore I think. When the scene was over I showed the crew what had happened."
7) What did you think of your role in "GP"?
Brett: "Brilliant to do. I got the part from someone who also had given me the part in "A Country Practice". He's sort of my mentor. The cast of the series is very good, nice to work with. They did a lot of research for my role as Danny Tanner. It was a honor for me to play the brother of Nicola Tanner (Judy McIntosh). I'm proud of "GP". (*GP is shot in Sydney)
8) Is there something you've played that you didn't like?
Brett: "It's about choices. When I play something, I said 'Yes' to it because I wanted the part at the time. Now looking back, I think I'm awful in "Sons and Daughters". At that time I didn't think so. (He thinks it over…) A small problem is that the evidence of your work is all out there."
9) Do you watch the series you are in?
Brett: "Yes… I don't mind watching myself. Please don't think that's arrogant but I want to improve myself. I can't imagine that some actors say they never watch themselves."
10) What do you like to do in your free time?
Brett: "I like to go to the cinema, I love movies. I'm a fan of Hollywood acting. These people really shine on the big screen. Actors I really appreciate are: William Hurt, Robert Redford. Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Sam Neill and Jeremy Irons.
Furthermore I spend free time working out in the gym, just to keep in shape , but I don't like sports. I also love walking and driving. I love the city and I live in the city, but I like driving to the countryside and see the wineries for example. At the moment I enjoy doing things for myself. Michelle and I have broken up after 9 years, and now I want to have some time for myself." (* they are still good friends)
11) What do you dislike?
Brett: "People who are rude, and give you a big mouth with the slightest thing. I'm not like that. I also get upset sometimes, but some people can be so rude. In general I don't dislike things, I don't get in a situation that surprises me, I always consider everything. At the moment I'm happy and live my life the way I want to live it."
12) Did you ever been to the Netherlands?
Brett: "No, but I would love to come one day."
(* I tell him he's invited to come)
13) Give your first reaction to the following words: RFDS, Australia, David Ratcliffe, Snowy River - The McGregor Saga, fans.
Brett: RFDS -> Responsible
Australia -> Home
David Ratcliffe -> sincere
Snowy River -> warm
Fans -> supportive
14) What would you like to say to your fans?
Brett: "I'm very impressed by all the reactions of the fans from the Netherlands and England. I feel honored, and because of that I get more joy to do my work. Everybody, thank you so much for the support."
Hereby I would like to thank Brett Climo for making the time for me… He really took the time for this interview and he's very friendly. We all wish him good luck with new projects, and again I want to thank Robyn Gardiner Management and Brett.
Wilma
October 1994
1) What are you doing at the moment?
Brett: "I am in Melbourne at the moment. I have a few days off, and just finished the second season of "Snowy River - The McGregor Saga". This second season has 19 episodes and personally I think the second season is better then the first one. In episodes of the second season, the characters are more central to the stories. Even my role as Colin McGregor has more depth. Colin at first, is a very serious young man, but becomes more softened up by his relationship with Emily. I liked to develop a relationship like that in a series. After this week, I'm going to promote the series in Australia."
2) Why did you become an actor?
Brett: "I didn't know what I wanted to become, I couldn't choose a direction. My mom came up with the idea to get involved with the "Kids Drama Workshop" in Sydney. I liked this idea, and got an agent. I was 15 when I got my first guest appearance in "A Country Practice", later on I got the on-going role of Michael Langley in this show. It didn't feel like working on a soap, what it was. That period really gave me much appreciation for television work. The show gave me a lot of self-confidence and I liked to work like that."
3) If you weren't an actor what profession would you like to practice?
Brett (without hesitation): "Architect … I like designing and making things. I draw and write a lot."
4) Was it difficult to leave "The Flying Doctors" after 18 months?
Brett: "It was, really, but I liked the way David left the series. He was a closed character, I wanted the public to see him like that. There is more to life, David said in his last episode, and I was feeling the same way myself. I wanted to do something else. End the tv-scene for a while. I'm like David!"
5) What episodes of the "The Flying Doctors" did you like best and why?
Brett: "My final episode "Deceptions". I was allowed to write the last scenes myself, like the scene at Geoff and Kate's house. I put a lot of myself into this scene… just like Brett felt. I wanted to show the audience all of it, even in the last scene. I also liked the episode "The Gift". I wanted Dr. David to be arrogant at first. And I also liked the episode "Valentine's Day". These are all episodes with character changes. You will get to know a person better when something happens to him… joy, sorrow, fear, etc. I don't want to play a hero, I don't find that interesting. In Australia it's usual for
a man to keep his feelings inside, but I don't agree with that at all."
6) Did a scene ever go wrong?
Brett (thinks about it): "Yes… I stung myself with injection needles all the time. In one scene I stung myself in my hand, hard… Blood poured out, and I quickly held my other hand on it and away from my white doctors coat. Nobody noticed anything except Lenore I think. When the scene was over I showed the crew what had happened."
7) What did you think of your role in "GP"?
Brett: "Brilliant to do. I got the part from someone who also had given me the part in "A Country Practice". He's sort of my mentor. The cast of the series is very good, nice to work with. They did a lot of research for my role as Danny Tanner. It was a honor for me to play the brother of Nicola Tanner (Judy McIntosh). I'm proud of "GP". (*GP is shot in Sydney)
8) Is there something you've played that you didn't like?
Brett: "It's about choices. When I play something, I said 'Yes' to it because I wanted the part at the time. Now looking back, I think I'm awful in "Sons and Daughters". At that time I didn't think so. (He thinks it over…) A small problem is that the evidence of your work is all out there."
9) Do you watch the series you are in?
Brett: "Yes… I don't mind watching myself. Please don't think that's arrogant but I want to improve myself. I can't imagine that some actors say they never watch themselves."
10) What do you like to do in your free time?
Brett: "I like to go to the cinema, I love movies. I'm a fan of Hollywood acting. These people really shine on the big screen. Actors I really appreciate are: William Hurt, Robert Redford. Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Sam Neill and Jeremy Irons.
Furthermore I spend free time working out in the gym, just to keep in shape , but I don't like sports. I also love walking and driving. I love the city and I live in the city, but I like driving to the countryside and see the wineries for example. At the moment I enjoy doing things for myself. Michelle and I have broken up after 9 years, and now I want to have some time for myself." (* they are still good friends)
11) What do you dislike?
Brett: "People who are rude, and give you a big mouth with the slightest thing. I'm not like that. I also get upset sometimes, but some people can be so rude. In general I don't dislike things, I don't get in a situation that surprises me, I always consider everything. At the moment I'm happy and live my life the way I want to live it."
12) Did you ever been to the Netherlands?
Brett: "No, but I would love to come one day."
(* I tell him he's invited to come)
13) Give your first reaction to the following words: RFDS, Australia, David Ratcliffe, Snowy River - The McGregor Saga, fans.
Brett: RFDS -> Responsible
Australia -> Home
David Ratcliffe -> sincere
Snowy River -> warm
Fans -> supportive
14) What would you like to say to your fans?
Brett: "I'm very impressed by all the reactions of the fans from the Netherlands and England. I feel honored, and because of that I get more joy to do my work. Everybody, thank you so much for the support."
Hereby I would like to thank Brett Climo for making the time for me… He really took the time for this interview and he's very friendly. We all wish him good luck with new projects, and again I want to thank Robyn Gardiner Management and Brett.
Wilma
October 1994
T
T
he short video message from Brett to all the fans
Wilma also got the change to videotape Brett where he left a message to all of his fans.
P
P
ersonal notes Brett wrote for Wilma
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