From The Australian, Features; page 28, 22 June 2003.
Do you find theatre vastly different to television?
After doing TV for so long I thought, how do you learn all those lines [in theatre]? The lines come really quickly now. I can’t remember anyone’s name five minutes later, but I learn long passages really quickly and they stay in my head.
What lengths do you go to when researching a role?
You try to pick something about the character and find out as much about that element as you can. When I did Water Rats, I tried to speak to as many female police officers as I could, because my part wasn’t just about being a cop, it was about being a female in it.
Have you travelled and do you have a favourite destination?
My favourite place is Egypt. I’ve known about the pyramids since I was two and I am really interested in the way people live their lives there. We went during Ramadan and it was really exciting.
Do you have an ideal role and if so, what is it?
I love it when someone asks me to do a role and I discover it. You think about playing all of Shakespeare’s female roles. Sometimes you think, I wish they spoke more, but they are magnificent parts.
Does anyone inspire you and if so who?
Neil Armfield, artistic director of The Belvoir Street Theatre, inspires me. The older I get, the more I admire older actresses such as Gillian Jones and Kerry Walker. I find it remarkable they take on roles that interest them professionally rather than financially.
Do you have any specific career ambitions?
I’ve wandered from role to role. I’d like to do it all - television, theatre and film. It keeps you interested. I have no concept of time. I have just drifted. I was never a kid who said, "I want to be a fireman". The only thing is I hope I won’t be afraid of getting older. I hope that in 10 years time I’m glad I am 10 years older.
How important is it for you to look fit and healthy?
It’s not important for me. I haven’t obsessed about it. I haven’t been big on exercise and I’ve never had a beauty regime. I do yoga when I have time, but otherwise no regular exercise routine.
Do you have a favourite food and if so what is it?
Middle Eastern food. When I was at NIDA, we learned to eat healthily.
If you could work with anyone, who would it be?
Gillian Jones.
VITAL STATISTICS
Age: 38
Famous for: Her role as Goldie in Water Rats; playing Carmen in The Secret Life of Us; winning a Best Actress AFI award for her role in the film Weekend With Kate.
Status: Catherine’s partner is Jacek Koman. They have a 22-month-old daughter.
Lives: St Kilda, Melbourne.
Favourite hangouts: Melbourne’s The Scherezade and The Belgian Beer Garden.
Star sign: She’s a Taurus.