Actress Angelina Thomson, who hails from a Cook Islands background, has shared an emotional post after the airing of a scene she says is close to her heart.
The Home and Away star said it was “one of the proudest and most vulnerable moments” she has had in her career so far, because it paid tribute to her culture.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Home and Away actress shares ‘proudest’ TV moment.
Watch Home & Away on Channel 7 and stream it for free on 7plus >>
The scene in the popular Channel 7 drama involved her character, Kirby, keeping a bedside hospital vigil for Remi (Adam Rowland) as he fights for his life after a motorcycle crash.
Kirby says she wants to sing to give Remi strength, and performs a stirring Cook Islander spiritual song as she watches over him, alongside Bree (Juliet Godwin).
Sharing a video of the scene on Instagram, Thomson explained the personal significance of the moment.
“This is one of the proudest and most vulnerable moments I’ve had on @homeandaway so far… Well, in my career so far,” she said.
“Although I can understand more than I can speak, I didn’t grow up speaking Cook Island Māori fluently.
“My mum taught me the hula, I listened to her speak the Reo and she often played Cook Island music at home and in the car.
“But I never really made an effort to learn the language as a kid, which I’m sure many biracial folks share this same feeling of regret I have now.”
Thomson says that, because of this, she had never “felt more vulnerable performing” than she did on the day she filmed the scene.
“It wasn’t about the singing or the acting,” she said.
“I was nervous that my pronunciation was wrong and I’d mix up the words.
“It felt like I was shedding layers to reveal more of Angelina, rather than wearing more of them to create a character.
“It felt important. To the storyline. To my culture. To me as a biracial woman now.
“To baby Angelina, never seeing that on TV and in movies. To future Polynesian kids seeing themselves. So many things!
“It’s a really vulnerable and beautiful thing. And that’s why it means so much to me now.”
The actress says she still has much to learn about her “beautiful” culture and is excited for the journey.
She says that, growing up, it seemed impossible there would ever be “Cook Island representation” on the small screen.
“Now being able to represent the Cook Islands and Polynesia like this… I am so very proud,” she said.
Co-stars and followers took to the comments to express congratulatory messages.
“Amazing work Ange ❤️,” actress Juliet Godwin said.
“Proud of you @angelinathomson. Iconic moment right there 👏🏽 Proud of our show ❤️,” Home and Away’s hair and make-up designer Laura Vazquez said.
“You did such a wonderful job and although I sadly didn’t understand any of the words, it was a very touching moment!” a viewer wrote.
“Such a special scene to watch!” added another.
For more engaging entertainment content, visit 7Life on Facebook.
