That’s a curious paradox that I don’t think a lot of people out there know; that you get really scared before you go on. You come out in a nervous rash, and it’s not like you actually love getting up there and showing off.

Meaning of the quote

Even famous actors and actresses can feel very nervous before going on stage or in front of cameras, even though it might seem like they love being in the spotlight. They might get a nervous rash or feel scared, even though performing is their job. This shows that being on stage or in front of an audience can be scary, even for people who do it for a living.

About Jacqueline McKenzie

Jacqueline McKenzie is an acclaimed Australian film and stage actress who was born on October 24, 1967. She has had a successful career in both the movie and theatre industries, showcasing her versatility and talent as a performer.

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More quotes from Jacqueline McKenzie

I can’t do theatre in the US,’ she says, ‘because I don’t have a green card.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

Everybody is just at the start of this huge process of trying to unravel what’s going on with the 4,400, where they’ve been and why they’re back and what they’re trying to do with us in the present. And we’re trying to work out what messages they’re sending us.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

You don’t choose. I just go where the work is.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

No matter how many helicopters there are, when it comes down to it there is the camera and you.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

I was spooked when I first got the role, as I was afraid I wouldn’t have the companionship I need on a shoot, because I’m so into the process itself, not so much the end product.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

You have to have a lifestyle if you live in LA, otherwise it’s deadly.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

That’s a curious paradox that I don’t think a lot of people out there know; that you get really scared before you go on. You come out in a nervous rash, and it’s not like you actually love getting up there and showing off.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

It’s just so fragile. The growing sense of ‘Oh, God, what am I doing? Am I any good? Will I ever work again?’ All those questions of self doubt, they do creep in.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

And the reason for that I think is that in Australia our films don’t get the exposure, so the process is foremost. But anyway, I love being part of the team and hate being stuck in a corner somewhere.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

I love being part of the team.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

It was hysterical going to work. I would just walk in and think, ‘What in hell? Am I here? What’s going on? I’m going to wake up in a minute. I’m in a dream.’

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress

We blush very, very easily, and we get terrified of audiences.

Jacqueline McKenzie

Australian actress