Mills all set ahead of busy schedule
Image: Rob Mills / Photo: Edwin Monk
When Rob Mills was a finalist on Australian Idol in 2003, he could not have foreseen that one day he would be among Australia’s most popular leading men.
The 31-year-old Clovelly resident has been the lead in up to four productions, including Hair, The Last Five Years, Wicked, and now Legally Blonde, currently on show in Brisbane.
He will star in his fifth, as he takes the lead as Danny in Grease the Musical, alongside co-star Gretel Scarlett, who plays Sandy.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing it back to life,” he says of performing in the production.
In addition to hosting Network Ten’s overhauled version of Young Talent Time, Mr Mills has also recently finished filming Celebrity Apprentice, which is soon to air in Australia.
The actor will be leaving the production of Legally Blonde at the end of the Melbourne season, in order to begin rehearsing for Grease. Fellow Grease cast members include, Todd McKenney, Bert Newton, and Anthony Callea.
The actor says he loves being busy.
When Mr Mills isn’t playing the lead, he can often be spotted kicking around an Aussie Rules football.
“I do get a few strange looks though,” he said.
And what about his affinity with Clovelly and Bondi?
“I enjoy the ocean and the salt air. That run [Clovelly to Bondi] is just breathtakingly beautiful. I get inspired by people exercising,” he says, adding that he finds the ocean “soul cleansing”.
Mr Mills also loves the “real community” feel of the area. He meets many local professionals, he says, who despite being busy always seem to have time for a chat.
Asked about his plans for the future, Mr Mills says he intends to keep auditioning for film, television and hosting gigs.
But for now, he is enjoying his role as Warner Huntington the third, Elle’s conceited boyfriend in Legally Blonde.
“He’s so into himself,” says Mr Mills. “He’s really fun to play.”
Grease opens in Brisbane on August 27, before moving to Sydney on October 13.
By Eva Stefanidis
