Carlotta's appearance on The Midday Show with Kerri-Anne Kennerley was a memorable moment for both viewers and the host. The segment was a delightful blend of humor, nostalgia, and insight into Carlotta's life and career, which was both fascinating and inspiring. Hosted by the legendary Kerri-Anne Kennerley, the conversation flowed effortlessly, with both women engaging in lively banter while touching on some deeply personal aspects of Carlotta's experiences as a transgender woman and iconic figure in the Australian cabaret scene.
The interview began with a bit of playful confusion, as Kerri-Anne tried to locate Carlotta backstage. In a charmingly casual moment, Kerri-Anne quipped, “Hi, nice hair, do you do other tricks with that?” As Carlotta emerged, she humorously responded with, “I am Carlotta. I'm so glad I wore sequins today. We look like sisters,” making a light-hearted reference to her glamorous attire and the shared sparkly aesthetic between herself and Kerri-Anne. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial from the start, setting the tone for the rest of the interview. Kerri-Anne, always the witty host, continued with a playful jab at the style of Carlotta's persona, suggesting they might be “brother and sister” before moving on to discuss Carlotta’s exciting projects. Carlotta’s quick wit and candor shone through, effortlessly matching Kerri-Anne's energy, which kept the interview engaging and full of laughs.
A major highlight of the conversation was Carlotta's announcement regarding the development of a Hollywood movie based on her autobiography, He Did It Her Way. The news was a significant milestone in her career, and the audience could sense the genuine surprise and excitement in her voice. Carlotta shared, “I've sold the film rights and it's in process of the scripts being written at the moment,” revealing that a screenplay was actively being written in Hollywood. Her excitement was palpable, and she acknowledged how overwhelming it all felt, admitting she was “still shaking about it.” When asked about the casting for the movie, Carlotta joked about the possibility of Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson playing her, saying, “I suggested Elle Macpherson because she's the only one tall enough. And she’s got the boobs, too. Only hers are real. I had to pay for mine.”
The audience responded with laughter, and Kerri-Anne playfully noted the challenge of casting Elle Macpherson for a role that would require portraying Carlotta as a boy in her younger years, given the differences in their physiques. This led to a humorous conversation about how the movie might handle this aspect of Carlotta’s transformation, with Carlotta adding, “Surgical tape only goes so far.” Carlotta's involvement as a consultant on the movie was also mentioned, and she was understandably excited about being part of the process, even if she was unsure how much of her past as “Balmain Boy” would make it into the script. Nevertheless, she was grateful that the film would bring attention to the Australian drag scene, something she had been championing for years. Carlotta has long been an advocate for Australian drag performers, and she expressed hope that the movie would reflect the glamorous roots of the drag culture, highlighting the artistry and dedication of the performers.
The interview then turned to more personal topics, particularly Carlotta’s decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery in 1971. Kerri-Anne asked about her mother’s reaction to Carlotta’s transformation, and Carlotta shared a touching and humorous anecdote. She recalled how her mother had been at the RSL (a local club) when she first learned about Carlotta's decision. “She had Balmain Boy Becomes Beauty and she fell off the stool. What have they done to my boy?” Carlotta fondly reminisced. Despite the initial shock, Carlotta’s mother became one of her biggest supporters, even appearing as a fan at her shows. It was a tender moment in the interview, revealing both the complexity of familial relationships and the eventual acceptance that came with Carlotta’s public transition.
The discussion also delved into the topic of advice that Carlotta often gives to others considering gender transition. Carlotta shared that, while she has received numerous letters from people seeking guidance, she always emphasized the importance of professional advice. “You must go and seek proper advice, because I'm not trained in that way,” she said. Her focus on the need for thoughtful, informed decision-making underscored her care and responsibility in addressing such a deeply personal and life-altering choice. One particularly poignant moment came when Kerri-Anne asked if Carlotta regretted not having children. Carlotta responded with a somber “Yes,” expressing that it was one of her biggest regrets. She shared that, had the laws been different at the time, she might have pursued adoption, but legally she was unable to. The conversation then shifted to the topic of child-rearing in modern society, with Carlotta offering a candid perspective on the changing dynamics of family life. She lamented the lack of discipline and respect among young people today, pointing out that her generation was taught to respect their elders and the importance of family values.
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When discussing the issue of modern parenting, Carlotta emphasized the importance of love and family structure over societal judgments. Kerri-Anne asked about her opinion on the rising trend of gay couples adopting children, referencing a legal case in Queensland. Carlotta’s response was firm and compassionate: “If you've got the right environment, that's the most important thing, and you've got love.” She stressed that love, not gender or sexual orientation, was the key to a healthy family. Carlotta’s views were a refreshing counterpoint to societal prejudices, advocating for inclusivity and the well-being of children over the narrow-minded judgments of others. The conversation also touched on her thoughts about the role of discipline in children's lives, with Carlotta admitting that her generation’s upbringing involved some tough love - “a smack on the bottom occasionally doesn't hurt anyone.” This comment sparked a laugh, but also highlighted Carlotta's belief that a little discipline can go a long way in fostering respect and responsibility in young people.
As the interview neared its conclusion, Kerri-Anne excitedly discussed Carlotta’s upcoming projects. Carlotta’s cabaret show, which had been a huge success, was highlighted as one of the year’s big draws. After a successful 11-month run, Carlotta announced that she had been booked for another 42 weeks, starting in Queensland and traveling down the east coast of Australia. “We start off in Queensland, up in Cairns, work our way all the way down… because we haven’t done Queensland. It’s the only state we haven’t done,” Carlotta explained. Kerri-Anne couldn’t resist commenting on Carlotta’s entourage of “beautiful boys” who performed with her, teasing the audience about their charm. Carlotta took the banter in stride, acknowledging that “they are all boys” and even calling out to her performers in a playful “G'day.” The audience’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the segment ended on a high note, with Carlotta’s signature humor and personality shining through.
Throughout the interview, Carlotta demonstrated not only her incredible talent but also her resilience and generosity of spirit. From reflecting on her personal journey of gender transformation to advocating for greater inclusivity in both the entertainment industry and society at large, Carlotta’s insights were both profound and inspiring. Her appearances on The Midday Show were a reminder of her significant role in shaping the Australian cabaret scene, and her ongoing impact in breaking down barriers for the LGBTQ+ community. As the interview concluded, Kerri-Anne offered her heartfelt congratulations to Carlotta for her continued success, including the book's success, the Hollywood film, and her thriving show. Carlotta, ever the consummate performer, left viewers with a sense of anticipation for what the future holds in store for her - a future brimming with new opportunities, challenges, and continued success.
Image credits: YouTube
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