Simone Kessell (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Te Rangi) is a legend of both screen and a pickleball court. The Muru star and former tennis player discovered pickleball while filming a TV show in Montreal, and found it gave her both a local community and a physical outlet that helped relieve pressures of the entertainment industry. She now plays competitively for Australia where she is based when not working overseas.
Simone’s currently on-screen in Aotearoa on Yellowjackets (season three is streaming now on Neon) where she appears as ‘adult Lottie’ alongside fellow Kiwi Melanie Lynskey and honorary Kiwi Elijah Wood. She recently starred in the Australian series Critical Incident, alongside another Ensemble fave, Roxie Mohebbi.
As the latest to answer Ensemble’s The Last Time questionnaire, she opens up about the last time she cried, got drunk and finished a beauty product.
When was the last time you cried?
Reading the New York Times right after the [US] election. I felt hopeless despair and heartbreak.
When was the last time you danced, and what were you dancing to?
I love to dance. I have no problems breaking out into a little solo dance off with myself. It's usually at the gym or while cooking.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
I bought a bright yellow ceramic vase that's huge and covered in ceramic lemons. I love it. It needs big arrangements to make it pop. And pop it does!
When was the last time you got really angry and what was it about?
I haven't been really angry for a long time. Pissed off yes but not angry. Lately I have a short fuse especially around dumbness. I’ll have a rage when driving but that's a honk and a finger and then I move on pretty quickly. Other than that, I can't remember getting really angry. Maybe with myself on the pickleball court!
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?
I love to shop. The last fabulous purchase was a pair of purple Marni calf hair mules that look like they come from the costume department on Sesame Street or perhaps Fraggle Rock. They are so fun, more of a winter vibe, I saw them in NY and couldn't decide if they were a want or a must. I decided a must and have them on as I tap out these answers.
What’s the last beauty product you finished?
I am always so sad when my favourite beauty product runs out, like a mascara or a pot of expensive eye creme. Tata Harper is a natural face care beauty range I use. I bought it in Vancouver filming Yellowjackets last year and have just finished the serum. I am scared my face will start to crumble or I’ll look like Demi in The Substance, so I will be sure to reorder that today!
When’s the last time you got drunk?
The last time I got drunk (dusty) was at the Yellowjackets season three premiere in LA. Mostly due to not eating much throughout the day, so I could fit into my gown, a stunning yet unforgiving creation from my favourite Australian designer Mariam Seddiq. I was also very jet lagged, so after a few cheeky vodkas, a gin Martini (or two) I was… very drunk. But it was well worth it as I had a wonderful night, especially with Melanie Lynskey, who I love and adore, and a few of my closest LA friends.
The last book you finished?
I love to read. I just finished Frankie by Graham Norton - I chose it because I was traveling and wanted something easy I could pick up and not have to think too hard about. It's a wonderful read, and I adore Graham Norton. One day I want to be interviewed on his show and tell a really ridiculous story.
The last TV show you watched?
I just finished watching After the Party with the wonderful Robyn Malcolm. Loved it. Clever, honest and refreshing. Made me want to come home and ride a bike around Wellington.
What’s the last fight you had?
The last fight I had was most likely on the pickleball court over a line call or the score perhaps. Maybe not a fight but definitely a heated moment or two. I was right – the ball was out!
What’s the last drug you took?
I don't take drugs but I’m totally into herbs and tinctures ( what a funny word, ‘tincture’). I have so many remedies and vitamins, my kitchen island looks like a health food shop. Collagen powder, silica and turmeric are my go to every morning along with magnesium gly and vit D, throw in an iron supplement, an omega and some ashwagandha and this old bird is ready to fly.
When’s the last time you were home?
Ugh the last time I was home (Tāmaki, Aotearoa ) was 2023. I am due a visit. I have been in Canada and Australia working back to back for the last two years and my family always comes to visit me. This year we had Christmas up in Byron so that was a treat. I am coming home in April. Finally. I need some Cameo Creams and a beach run in the rain.
Yellowjackets season three is out now on Neon
