The best of both worlds

Kim is a familiar face to many, having graced our screens in a number of local classics including Shortland Street, Creamerie, Funny Girls and Snack Masters. Behind the scenes she’s a warm, open, energetic person, with a genuine drive to make a difference. We sat down with Kim to discover where the motivation comes from and the highs - and occasional lows - of her chosen path.

What do you love about the acting life - and how do you handle the inevitable hard days?

The moments between action and cut are like pure magic to me. It’s a feeling I am addicted to, my brain goes quiet and I find myself into a state of creative flow! 

But being in the acting industry… you really are in the rejection business. I try to see it as character building and remember the quote “anything for you will not pass you by.”  There are certain rejections or “failures” that hurt more than others though, and that require a shower, a cry, and a burger afterwards. But if you learned something in the process, it all just becomes part of your success story. 

Tell us about the charities that you work with?

I have been very intentional about aligning with charities that I love and cementing myself long term in projects they are involved in. I always wanted to work with a charity that helps children and those affected by the climate crisis, so World Vision was a great partner to achieve that. And I am extremely passionate about animals and animal rights, so SPCA was the perfect fit. I feel very honoured to be an ambassador for SPCA and World Vision, and I take both roles very seriously. 

What have you learned from doing this work?

I have learnt so much from my trips overseas with World Vision. I have worked in the refugee camps on the border of Syria; visited remote villages in India where work is being done to prevent child marriages and improve gender equality; and most recently I visited Uganda to meet my sponsor child and learn about some of the education programs that World Vision is running for young girls. There is so much need in the world and so many people suffering. I am learning that whilst you can’t change every young girl’s life, you can make a huge difference in the lives of a few - and that will have a long lasting positive impact.

It also makes me feel incredibly privileged to have grown up with a loving mother and sister in New Zealand, and to have had the freedom and ability to pursue my dreams. I do feel that with my success comes a duty to give back and help others in any way that I can.

Your podcast Pretty Depressed is also a powerful way of ‘giving back’, tell us more about it?

In 2020 I hit rock bottom, and after seeking help, I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Although I felt relieved to put a name to it all, I also felt a lot of shame - why did everyone seem to have it all figured out except for me? With encouragement from my friend Kevin Connolly (E from Entourage) I launched the podcast, with him as the executive producer. Every week I interview professionals, peers and my own therapist to dive deep into some of the uncomfortable and sometimes entertaining facets of mental health.

Kim will be spending her summer cruising about the country in a Honda CR-V. We’ll catch up with her in the next issue of GO magazine to hear about her adventures on the road.  

See more of Kim's worlds at kimberleycrossman.com.

Photography by: Emily Chalk