For Lily Whiteley’s first professional screen project, she plays co-lead character Charlie in the new Australian family comedy film Kangaroo, which had a UK cinema release in January. Lily starred opposite Ryan Corr as Chris Masterson, and she was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Film at the 2026 AACTA Awards, with the film having its premiere at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter in August last year. In 2023, Lily was in the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at The Star Gold Coast, and previously, she was an artistic gymnast for nine years, becoming the 2022 Level 8 National Champion before leaving the sport the following year. Catching up with Lily, she answered our questions about playing co-lead character Charlie in the recent release of Kangaroo, being nominated for Lead Actress in a Film at the 2026 AACTA Awards and her time in the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical.

In the new Australian family comedy film Kangaroo, you star as co-lead character Charlie; how did you find the experience filming Kangaroo as your first professional screen project?

It was such an exciting and unforgettable experience. I had no idea what to expect, being my first professional screen project. I learned so much every day – from my co-stars, from working in front of the camera with the crew, and from understanding how a film set runs. It definitely made me even more passionate about acting.

How would you describe Charlie, and what was she like to play?

Charlie is strong, determined, and has a big heart, who has a deep connection to the kangaroos. She goes through a lot, but stays true to herself. Playing her was really fun because I got to explore both her emotional side and her more confident/cheeky moments, and got to act alongside the incredible joeys.

Can you tell us about Kangaroo, and what was it like filming opposite Ryan Corr, who co-stars as Chris Masterson?

Kangaroo is a fun and heartfelt family film with lots of funny and meaningful moments. Working with Ryan Corr was amazing – he was really supportive and made me feel comfortable on set. He was just really fun to be on set with, and we would always play jokes on each other!

What was it like finding out you’d booked the role of Charlie, and how did you prepare for your first day on set?

Finding out I got the role was such a surreal moment. They told me in the audition room, and I was so excited I was speechless! To prepare, I spent time learning my lines with an acting coach, understanding Charlie’s personality, and making sure I felt confident going into the first day.

What did you enjoy most about working on Kangaroo, and what are some of your stand-out memories from filming?

I loved being part of such a special and supportive cast and crew. Some stand-out memories include filming on location in Alice Springs and just having fun between takes with everyone. And being with the joeys every day on set – it was amazing!

How did you feel being nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Film at the 2026 AACTA Awards, and what was the ceremony like to attend in April?

It felt incredibly special and unexpected. Being nominated was already such an honour. The ceremony itself was amazing – it was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented people that I look up to. Literally the best night ever of my life that I’ll always remember, and I made lots of new friends!

How was it watching the completed film for the first time at the premiere event last year, and who do you think Kangaroo will appeal to?

Watching the film for the first time was really exciting and surreal. I think Kangaroo will appeal to families and to anyone who enjoys feel-good stories with heart and humour. You walk out of the cinema feeling so happy and wanting a joey, haha.

On stage, you were in the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at The Star Gold Coast in 2023; how was your time performing in the show?

It was such an incredible experience. Performing live every night taught me a lot about discipline and confidence, and I made some amazing memories with the cast/my friends.

How did you get into acting, and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I got into acting from watching FROZEN the Musical. I was originally a gymnast, and my mum took me to watch FROZEN the Musical and I fell in love with it because it just looked so much fun and something that I could really see myself doing. Then I changed to a performing arts school where I do dance, singing and acting.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I enjoy a mix of drama, supernatural and thriller genres, with favourite shows like The Vampire Diaries and Stranger Things, and films such as The Devil Wears Prada, Uptown Girls, A Little Princess, Scream 5 and 4, and Abigail.

You were an artistic gymnast for nine years, becoming the 2022 Level 8 National Champion before leaving the sport the following year; can you tell us about training and competing as a gymnast?

I had a very successful gymnastics career, and doing Nationals was a highlight because you get to choose any colour leotard – I chose pink! Gymnastics taught me a lot about discipline, goal-setting and hard work. The training was intense – training up to 28 hours a week – but it was really rewarding and helped shape who I am today.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I love practising and learning new songs on my guitar, as well as singing, journalling/scrapbooking, and spending time with my friends and family.

Do you have a favourite aspect of being part of the acting industry?

I love being able to tell stories and connect with people through different characters. I also love meeting new friends who all have the same interests as me.

What are you hoping this year brings you, and do you have any other projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I’m hoping this year brings new opportunities to grow, not only as an actor but as a person. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead and continuing to develop all of my performing arts skills.

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