Currently based in LA, actor, writer and all ‘round cool person Grace Palmer (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) is currently unable to act or write due to ongoing strike action. However, she is able to continue to be cool, sharing the minutiae of her transplanted, sun-kissed life over her social media platforms.
Grace is a familiar face to a NZ audience, having done the obligatory Shortland Street stint, then writing and starring in the darkly hilarious Good Grief, along with her sister Eve. She’s also one of the country’s more recognised social media talents, adopting a series of deadpan personas for comic effect, almost like our own Jordan Firstman.
And? She’s a genuine Kiwiana nepo-baby (her mother is children's TV icon Janine Morrell Gunn, ONZM, who’s responsible for productions like What Now and the Erin Simpson show; her first industry role was replacing foreign-language segments in Sesame St with te reo Māori in the the 80s).
We checked in with Grace ahead of a visit back to Aotearoa to grill her about the last time she cried, got angry, texted a loved one, read a book and more.
When was the last time you cried?
Maybe I'm a cold-hearted bitch, but I honestly can't remember. I'm not much of a crier.
When was the last time you danced, and what were you dancing to?
Yesterday. Today. Every damn day baby! I love to dance. Apparently, I even do a little happy dance when I'm eating something delicious. I'm currently learning Spanish, so I'm listening to a lot of música española - for practice.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
A Korean beauty toner. I'm really into K Beauty atm, and I'm making a lot of unnecessary online purchases. But their toners are the best! So nourishing. lol listen to me, I should be on commission.
When was the last time you got really angry and what was it about?
Unlike crying, I do get angry. Usually about politics. Oh, and I also have road rage.
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?
Silver ballet flats. I'm still waiting for them to arrive, so watch this space.
What’s the last beauty product you finished?
Emma Lewisham Super Natural Face Crème. It's bloody lovely.
When’s the last time you got drunk?
I've been sober for over seven months now. The last time I drank was PERFECT. My girlfriends and I danced the night away at Shy Guy in Auckland. And I was probably drinking Hendrix and Sodas.
What was the last really delicious thing you ate?
I'm writing this from LA and I eat so much deliciousness in a day. Last night I had a bangin’ Impossible burger from a place called The Win-dow.
The last song you listened to on Spotify?
The last book you finished?
Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes.
The last TV show you watched?
The last DM/text you sent? Who was it to?
My little sister, telling her how much I love her new tattoo.
What’s the last fight you had?
Less of a "fight", and more of a "yelled at someone from the inside of my car" type situation. #roadrage
The last time you laughed so much your tummy hurt?
On the weekend with my mates. We always have each other in stitches.
What’s the last drug you took?
I live in California, so weed.
When’s the last time you were home?
Beginning of April. But, I'm going home next week (yay).
