After first setting eyes on her hubby 25 years ago, Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s relationship is stronger than ever.
Almost 25 years have passed since high-flying businessman, world-class power-boat racer and separated dad of two John Kennerley first eyed his bride-to-be Kerri-Anne in New York. Now, unlike many showbusiness marriages, the couple reveal they are more in love than ever — all thanks to a commitment to love, life and, most of all, laughter. Woman’s Day caught up with them…
What was your first impression of each other?
John: I saw her singing in a studio booth. I think I fancied her then to be honest.
KAK: I was in a relationship so for the first two years we started out as really good mates, which I think is one of the reasons we have stayed together. But I did think John was wonderful. In fact, I used to set him up with my friends on dates.
So, when did the relationship turn to romance?
K: Our situations changed and we started spending more and more time together. Our first real date was at the Tutankhamen exhibition at the Metropolitan [Museum Of Art].
J: We never separated from then. That was it.
When and how did John propose?
K: The proposal was the 29th of February, in a leap year. John had been away and told me to book a table at our favourite restaurant.
J: I had the ring under the table and was hoping she would propose to me because of the leap year.
K: He kept hinting and hinting at me but I was “Pigs will fly…”
J: I was nervous and made the diamond box click open and shut — you know the sound it makes.
K: I do! I thought, “I know that sound… I would know that clack any day!”
J: So I had to propose to her.
John, how did you cope with Kerri-Anne’s rise to fame in Australia?
J: Possibly a lot of people who marry someone famous when they are not experience a lot of pressure but it just happened gradually for Kerri-Anne, and I think because we spend so much time together, people have just really accepted me as part of the scene. I do remember saying early on though, “No wife of mine needs to work.” But…
K: Wrong wife! [Laughs].
Would you describe Kerri-Anne as a workaholic?
J: Oh yes, no doubt about it. She just keeps on going and going — you can’t stop her. I don’t think she ever thought she would have such an incredible longevity on TV.
K: For 25 years I have worked under the premise that this year will be my last — if I am lucky. I am under no misapprehensions about the ups and downs of this business and life in general.
Kerri-Anne, you found yourself as a stepmother living with John’s then teenage son Simon. How was that adjustment?
K: It is funny now as Simon and I are great friends. But it was a hard time raising a teenage boy, and Simon was naughty. When we catch up for a drink with him and his mates these days they regale us with the stories of what they used to get up to: the parties they had, pinching our cars when we were out, putting holes in the doors and walls… They say “we were really horrible” and I say “I know!”
You never had children of your own however…
K: All I can say about it is fate’s hand is not always what you wish for, but you accept things. Sometimes options are open to you in life and sometimes they close, but you have to move on and make the best of your situation.
Have you ever contemplated splitting up?
K: No.
J: No. We have had the odd row but we don’t fight a lot. We know if we have gone too far.
Do you ever spend time apart?
K: We very rarely go anywhere without each other. I think lately I have gone 36 hours in Dubai and 32 hours in Japan. I would say John is with me 90 per cent of the time.
Is this because there is no-one either of you would rather spend time with?
J: I think she wouldn’t mind spending some time with what’s-his-name? George Clooney!
K: Mmm… George Clooney.
John, Kerri-Anne is known for many things but cooking is not one of them. When did you discover this?
J: The first time she ever cooked for me! It was in New York and Kerri had dogs at the time, German Shepherds. She did this meatball thing. Well, the meal was so foul and so late — we got there around 7.30 and she started cooking at 10. She started chopping onions and then gave up and was throwing whole onions in. My joke is I gave some to the dog and it had to lick its own bum to get rid of the taste! [Both laugh].
What would you say are your biggest differences?
J: I am organised.
K: I am a bit different. If we don’t have any tickets or schedules when we travel it doesn’t really bother me but he gets very twitchy.
J: Oh, and then there’s the music. She turns it up too loud.
K: I like dancing! [Laughs].
What about singing? Does she really break into song at any opportunity?
K: I don’t sing all the time!
J: I have always liked her singing. It has always been part of her. But she is a bit of a perfectionist. She won’t get up and sing unless she has practiced and rehearsed.
K: Well, I will get up and sing karaoke.
J: Yes, really loud and late at night!
Kerri-Anne is always quick to have a laugh at her own expense. John, do you ever feel protective of her?
J: I walked in last night and someone was having a go at her on TV and I was upset by it.
K: Yeah, someone said, “You’ve got that Kerri-Anne open-eyed look.” What about all the other people on TV who have had work? There’s no looking to him for sympathy though. He thought [comedian Gina Riley’s send-up] Kerri-Anne Kennel was hysterical.
J: It was very good. [John starts singing “Kerri-Anne, I love you…”.]
K: I don’t see that of me. I remember saying to John, “But she is nothing like me” and John looked at me and said, “Are you kidding? Of course it’s like you!”
So how do you both plan to spend your twilight years?
[Both look perplexed.] K: We have never actually discussed this. What are we doing darling?
J: I will be pushing her in a Ferrari wheelchair. [Laughs]. We don’t actually think that far. There is still lots to do. We can amuse ourselves very easily.
K: I have a LOT left to do. Slowing down would be awful. I would rather be dead.
Would you say you love each other as much or more now than when you first met?
K: I love him more now than ever. No doubt about it.
J: Absolutely. There is a lot more comfort and ease about it now because you know her so well.
What’s the secret of 25 happy years together?
K: The will has to be there. If you don’t have the will to want it to work, it won’t. Also, during time you have to recognise the changes in people and adapt. I am a very different person as a human being now than when I met John at 25.
J: It’s about being in love and having good love. Enjoying the fun of life. Want to spend time together. Wanting to be together.
K: And a cleaner!
J: Yes, and a cleaner. Oh, and it helps that we don’t have a lawn! [Laughs].
BY WENDY SQUIRES
PICTURE: ANDREW JACOB.
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