800 WORDS STAR'S ROM-COM ROMANCE

Actress Manon is juggling showbiz, love and the law

- Leena Tailor

As a child, Manon Blackman spent a lot of time with her mum Therese protesting for animal and human rights. So it wasn’t surprising when the British-born, Auckland-raised Kiwi decided to study law. However, she maintained a passion for acting.

And while law and showbiz may seem like contrasting paths, she believes her legal background has enriched her acting skills, particularly when it comes to her lead role in new film The People We Love.

“A huge part of being a lawyer is understanding things from two sides,” says the 28-year-old while chatting to Woman's Day in Los Angeles, where she’s now based.

“As an actor, you're given a character, and have to empathise and understand why they’re making decisions so you can play them. There's a real link between the two - and law’s a lot more creative than people think!”

Manon’s creative streak developed early. It was evident when she and her British mum moved to Auckland when she was just five years old.

“My first New Zealand memory is in a hotel on Queen Street on Mother's Day and not having anyone to help me get a present,” she recalls. “So I found Post-its and stuck notes all over the room!”

Therese had met Manon’s father while the two were studying musical theatre and although she split with him before welcoming Manon, he remained in her life until he got married when she was 11.