Rebekah Returns: Balancing Motherhood and the Spotlight

Actress Opens Up About Joyful Comeback After Extended Break

After a nearly two-year hiatus, beloved actress Rebekah is making a highly anticipated return to the screen. The call to reprise her role came as a welcome surprise, allowing her to seamlessly blend her passion for acting with her cherished role as a mother.

A Mother’s Dream Realized

Rebekah, who welcomed her daughter Isla, now almost two years old, confessed a shift in her priorities. “Before Isla, I always thought, ‘You’re an actor first and foremost,’ but then you become a mum and that is your entire world,” she shared. Now, with Isla a bit older, Rebekah feels invigorated by the opportunity to pursue both her professional and personal passions. “It’s a treat to be able to do both of the things I love. I am really lucky.”

Rebekah described her daughter as a “ray of sunshine,” filling their photoshoot with giggles and energy. “I just love my little life with her,” she enthused. “She’s really sparky and funny. She makes us laugh all the time with the things that she comes out with. It’s just like hanging out with your little best friend.”

Facing New Challenges

While returning to her familiar role felt comfortable, stepping into a new character for the crime series The Brokenwood Mysteries brought on a wave of nerves for the 32-year-old actress. After a year dedicated to motherhood and seven years playing Dawn on Shortland Street, she questioned her ability to perform. “I was absolutely terrified!” she admitted. “I felt like I’d been out of the game for so long that I was like, ‘What if I can’t do this?’ or, ‘What if I can’t remember lines any more? or, ‘What if I play this character exactly the same as Dawn because I’ve been playing her for so long?’”

However, the supportive atmosphere on set quickly eased her anxieties. “But I stepped on set and everyone was so lovely and so supportive, and I realised, ‘Ah, I can do this!’ All those nerves were eased pretty fast because everyone was looking out for me, and I had such a great time.” The experience reignited her professional passion, with Rebekah noting, “I came home beaming one night and said to Bevan, ‘This is my thing! This is the thing that I enjoy, and that I really have such a love and passion for.’ It was really nice to reignite that spark.”

A Strong Support System

Rebekah credits her husband, builder Bevan, and her parents for making her return to work possible. Bevan took time off to be the primary caregiver for Isla, embracing the role of stay-at-home dad. “He was so chuffed about having the opportunity because a lot of dads don’t get that privilege of spending so much time with little ones,” Rebekah explained. “He got to experience Playcentre and Jumping Beans, and all that sort of stuff. He really leaned into it and did such a phenomenal job as a stay-at-home dad.”

She finds immense joy in observing the bond between Isla and her father. “Whenever Bev gets home from work, she goes, ‘Dadda, Dadda, come, come!’ And she takes him off for a tea party. They’re always giggling and being silly, and it’s so lovely seeing their relationship…” Rebekah elaborated, noting Isla seeks her for cuddles but her dad for playtime.

The challenges of balancing work and family are significant, with Rebekah acknowledging, “Even with all this support, it’s an absolute juggle, so I have full respect for any mums that are doing it full-time with kids in daycare,” She emphasized her deep gratitude for her family’s willingness to care for Isla, allowing her to film. “What you realise with grandparents is you’re actually giving them such joy just by letting them have Isla. They have such a special bond.”

Healing Through Motherhood

Becoming a mother has also brought healing for Rebekah, following the heartbreak of losing their first baby three years prior. “Having the miscarriage was so devastating,” she confessed. “But I really wish I knew then how amazing life would be down the track, you know? It’s so frustrating and upsetting at the time, and you’re so heartbroken, but I wish I could have told myself how happy you’d be when you finally got that beautiful baby that you were dreaming of.

Rebekah’s journey highlights the profound impact of motherhood and the rewarding experience of returning to a fulfilling career with newfound perspective. “Isla really is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

The Brokenwood Mysteries is available to stream on TVNZ+.