Child star Claire - 'I'M AT PEACE WITH MY HISTORY'

How escaping the limelight brought on her second act and personal fulfilment

- Elisabeth Easther

I've been on film sets since I was 12 and I was often told I was mature for my age. I was always really quiet on set. Listening and observing, all wide-eyed because I was acting with titans like Temuera Morrison and Ilona Rodgers. But I never felt properly part of that world until I returned to Shortland Street the second time.

I was halfway through fifth form when I landed the role of Waverley. She was only meant to be on the show for five weeks, then that became three months, then nine. When my contract ended, I finished school, then started a BA in Film and TV at the University of Auckland, but it wasn't for me. I was just about to break up with uni and move to Sydney when Shorty asked me back. I was 18 that second time, my imposter syndrome was gone and I felt like I belonged.

I spent eight years on the show during the golden era. Shorty found its place in Kiwi culture. It was funny, cheesy and dramatic, and people were addicted. There's been a resurgence of late now those early years are on YouTube, but it's been weird to see my funny little 16-year-old face and hear my squeaky voice all these years later.

I'm so grateful social media wasn't around back then as we could be naughty and make mistakes in private. But these days, social media is a necessary evil and it can feel like you don't exist if you're not doing it. But it has value. I like having a voice because creatives need an audience, whether to sell tickets or get eyeballs on a show, but it's so powerful, which means it's important to use it wisely, especially in the current climate.