Miriama McDowell: Climbing Peaks in Acting, Mentoring, and Motherhood

Miriama McDowell, a renowned actress, shares her journey of tenacity, representation, and mentoring Māori talent in the film and theatre industry. As she celebrates her 41st year, she reflects on her challenge to climb 40 maunga (mountains), a metaphor for her career and personal life.

Following Her Heart

Speaking from her Auckland apartment, just meters from her childhood home, Miriama’s secret to success is clear: follow your heart. Her prolific career spans theatre, television, and film, with notable roles in Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, The Dark Horse, and Waru. She is set to star as a young Dame Whina Cooper in the upcoming biopic Whina.

Head High and New Adventures

Miriama is widely recognized for her role as Renee O’Kane in the hit series Head High. This role marks her first long-term TV character, presenting a new adventure in her acting career. She recalls the challenges and joys of maintaining a character over multiple seasons, emphasizing the importance of keeping the role fresh and engaging.

One of the aspects she loved most about the latest season of Head High was the focus on the younger cast members. Miriama believes that these young, brown actors and their stories are the show’s greatest strengths. She takes pride in watching them grow and develop their skills, much like her own journey in the industry.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Mentoring young Māori actors and creators has become one of Miriama’s proudest achievements. She is passionate about guiding the next generation, offering advice and support to those who need it. Miriama emphasizes the importance of showing other women that they can pursue their acting careers while also being great parents.

As a solo mother of two daughters, Talanoa and Hero, Miriama understands the juggling act required to balance motherhood and a career in the film and theatre industry. She describes her daughters as independent and resilient, qualities she believes are essential for navigating the demands of her profession.

The Juggling Act

Being a solo mum and working in the film and theatre industry is no easy feat. Miriama recalls the financial struggles and the constant juggling act required to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her passion, driven by her love for the craft.

Theatre, in particular, is a demanding field. Miriama recalls a project where, after six weeks of intensive work, she made approximately zero dollars. However, her love for the craft keeps her going, and she has learned to appreciate the non-monetary riches her career brings.

Tenacity and Adaptability

Miriama’s turning point came when she was 35 and decided to go to clown school in Paris. This experience made her realize the value of her career and the freedom it provides. She emphasizes the importance of tenacity and adaptability in the industry, noting that staying in the industry is often harder than the actual craft.

Anyone familiar with the industry knows the challenges of going from job to job, never knowing when the next role will come. Miriama, however, has been working consistently since her daughter Hero was born, thanks to her diverse skills in writing, directing, and working as an intimacy coordinator.

Directing: A New Love

Miriama has found a new passion in directing, which she initially pursued out of necessity. She admits that directing is now her first love, although acting remains the easiest and most natural for her. Her foray behind the camera came about when the industry deemed her too old for certain roles, yet not old enough for others.

Her first directing gig was with Kura Forrest, and she has since embraced the challenges and rewards of this new role. Miriama’s journey is a testament to her tenacity, adaptability, and unwavering passion for her craft.

For more information on Miriama McDowell’s work, visit her IMDb page.