Jacque Drew: From Aotearoa To Hollywood Stardom

A Journey Born of Love

Jacque Drew, the US-born actress, took a leap of faith 21 years ago when she moved to Aotearoa, all for love. Her story began with a classic summer romance in Massachusetts with a Kiwi named Jeff, which later blossomed into marriage. "It was such a cliché," Jacque, now 61, admits with a smile. But what followed was a rocky start in New Zealand, where a local agent bluntly told her she wouldn't find acting work.

After the tragic events of 9/11, Jacque and Jeff relocated to New Zealand. At the time, Jacque was 40, an established actress in Portland, Oregon, and hopeful for a seamless transition. But breaking into the New Zealand acting scene proved challenging, leading her to feel discouraged. Fortunately, her expertise as a voice coach opened doors that would eventually transform her career.

“I met this Kiwi bloke named Jeff when we were doing summer Shakespeare in Massachusetts and we fell in love, which is such a cliché,” recalls Jacque.

Rise to Fame

Jacque’s transition from teaching to acting again was serendipitous. It all began with a stint as an accent coach at Unitec, which brought her into the orbit of major film projects like "Bridge To Terabithia." Unbeknownst to her, this would be the stepping stone to an illustrious acting career featuring roles in "Shortland Street," "The Wilds," and "The Power Of The Dog." Today, she's celebrated as not only an actress but as a top-tier accent coach involved in nearly 30 Hollywood productions, including "Pete’s Dragon" and "Sword Of Destiny."

Admiring Hollywood's greats, Jacque has had the privilege of working alongside legendary talents like Michelle Yeoh. "I was a huge fan of hers well before she won her Oscar because she’s an exquisite actress," Jacque gushes.

The Personal Side

Jacque credits her husband, Jeff Szusterman, with standing by her side through the ups and downs of their unorthodox career paths. "Jeff understands this crazy life – that it’s feast or famine, with unorthodox hours," she notes. The couple not only thrives personally but also professionally, running the Auckland drama school, All Your Acting, while also taking on acting gigs together.

In addition to her career successes, Jacque cherishes her role as a mother to their 15-year-old daughter, Olivia. "We’re one of the very few actor couples who really enjoy working together," says Jacque, reflecting on their collaboration in commercials for big names like Campbell’s soup and Air New Zealand.

Beyond the Spotlight

Even with a bustling schedule, including a spot in the new series "Spartacus: House Of Ashur" and Auckland Theatre Company’s "Murder On The Orient Express," Jacque remains grounded. She sees acting as a means to recharge, which in turn fuels her passion for coaching. "Coaching is an act of service, it needs compassion and energy," she emphasizes.

As Jacque embraces her sixties, she reflects on the beauty and empowerment of her age group. "We’re seeing more older women on screen who aren’t trying to turn back the clock," she says, citing examples like Emma Thompson and Robyn Malcolm.

Jacque Drew’s tale is not just about her Hollywood accomplishments but also about the profound journey of self-discovery and love.