Meet Hayley McCarthy | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hayley McCarthy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hayley, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Be yourself. Unfortunately it’s a lesson I keep coming back to over and over. Ironically it’s quite hard to do. In the age of social media and comparison, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be like your idols or thinking what you have to offer isn’t enough.

Trusting that you are enough and leaning into your own personal quirks brings individuality to a role. It also allows you to be free and loose, which emanates confidence. Plus, it’s more fun and takes the pressure off!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others…I guess it’s taking it back to that thing that makes me, me. I was raised on strong traditional family values and morals in rural Australia and this particular etiquette has bled into my work, which carved out my “type” as an actor. I tend to fall into the categories of period dramas and family shows. Knowing my type has helped me target where I am best suited. This type casting has been positive for me, as it has helped me develop a strong resume and has been pivotal for me as a working actor.

It’s never easy accepting or limiting yourself, but embracing a certain angle has made others aware of where I fit and has lead me to more opportunities, rather than a ‘spaghetti at the wall’ approach.

The lessons I have learned along the way, is your journey is your own and work will come. So work hard but also do what you want to do. I look at the last four years of my life. I have travelled back and forth from Australia, gotten married, traveled on the most epic 6 week honeymoon, had two babies and worked in between all of it. I always wanted a family and career and said yes to it all.

Also, my husband and I live by the word ‘Pivot’. My career certainly didn’t go according to my ‘Young ingenue” fantasies, but pivoting and being open to a different interpretation of myself as an actor has allowed me to have a little bit of everything and have great experiences along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! I have a lot of Australian friends who come over to stay and I always come back to the same thing.

My number one is a trip out to the converted post office, “The Old Place” restaurant in Cornell. I feel this has the heart of America beating in one little wooden shack! Breakfast is just as good as dinner, so anytime you can get in- take it! They also have musicians who come and sing at your table. This may sound cringey but it’s the exact opposite and leans into the authenticity of this place.

For a splash of old Hollywood, having a drink at the Hotel Roosevelt to me is something very special. The first time I landed in LA, I came here and imagined how incredible Old Hollywood must have been. The building and the tiles you walk on…sounds ridiculous, but there’s a little magic in the air. Oh and the Beverly Hills pool bar has the best Gin and Tonic I have ever had.

I don’t think you can beat The Getty Museum for the best view of Los Angeles and just relaxing on the beautiful grounds.
Of course a hike up to Griffith Park Observatory from Trails cafe is a must, just for something a little more casual.

A dinner must is BAVEL Downtown. I’ve never had such amazing cocktails and food. It’s unlike anything I have tried before.

One of the first dates my husband took me on was a drive to Malibu Seafood. We got take-away fish and chips and headed down to El Matador State beach, where they shot The Notebook scene “Say I’m a bird”. It’s beautiful, romantic and dramatic.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to my husband and my parents. They have always encouraged me to walk to the beat of my own drum. That kind of support is priceless. Also my Manager, Alison Buck, who believed in me from the get go and helped me navigate this wonderfully crazy Industry and city!

Website: hayleymccarthy.com

Instagram: hayleymccarthy___