She’s always wanted to be an actress. But for years, April Rose Pengilly was better known as a model.
And that label made it incredibly difficult for the 29-year-old to be taken seriously as an actress.
“I came up against casting directors who wouldn’t even let me come in and audition,” April tells TV WEEK. “They knew I came from modelling and didn’t think I was a real actor.”
April says she wasn’t even able to audition for roles!
April’s visa was ready, and she was just about to pack her bags when she scored the role of Chloe Brennan in Neighbours.
“I had given up on Australia,” she explains. “And then, right before I was due to head to America, look what happens.”
But April isn’t complaining – she’s thrilled to have won the role.
The actress finally landed her first regular TV gig after scoring small parts in miniseries Peter Allen: Not The Boy Next Door and Brock.
Most people will recognise April as being the daughter of INXS rocker Kirk Pengilly. And he’s certainly made sure his daughter is under no illusion about a career in the spotlight.
“Both [my parents] have always supported me and have instilled in me how hard the entertainment industry can be,” she reveals.
“So I never had any false ideas it would be easy or anything, and I’ve always worked really hard.”
INXS muso Kirk is proud of his daughter’s efforts.
And now April is part of another famous family – this time, on screen.
Her Neighbours character, Chloe, is the sister of Brennan brothers Mark (Scott McGregor), Aaron (Matt Wilson) and Tyler (Travis Burns).
“I am an only child, so working with the boys has been an absolute blast,” April smiles.
“I feel like I have brothers now. They’ve helped me out a lot since I’ve been here.”
