Helen McKenzie-Ross
- Actress
Helen Jean McKenzie was born in Ringwood, Melbourne to John and Jean McKenzie (nee Beer). Her younger sister, Fiona (only sibling) died at age 51, experiencing an anaphylaxis shock after a bite from a jumper jack ant whilst gardening. Helen went to Ringwood East primary school, and completed her secondary education at Norwood High School, North Ringwood.
Helen knew she wanted to be an actor since her early teens but didn't have family support. Subsequently, Helen began evening acting classes, voice training and dance (Jazz, Tap) after graduating from Teacher's College.
In 1988, life threw her a curve ball and she moved to Brisbane where she felt the pull to study a Diploma in Writing, which included screenwriting and freelance journalism. Developing a love of writing, Helen became a published children's author, poet and freelance writer. She has won poetry contests for her poetry for children and has undertaken many writing and giggle poetry workshops in schools around Brisbane, NSW and Melbourne. Helen became a volunteer reporter for South City Bulletin (local community magazine). Helen taught at Queensland TAFE for 17 years where she lectured in the Business Department before gaining a Masters in International Education, TESOL qualifications and a Grad Cert in Applied Linguistics. These qualifications aided Helen to also teach in the Language and Literacy Department. Helen has undertaken many career changes including secretarial/PA roles, aerobics and fitness leader, telemarketing and door to door retail sales, in-store sales promotions and children's performer.
But the yearning to tread the boards begged her to achieve her acting dream, so Helen gained an Advanced Diploma in Stage & Screen Acting with the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory (APAC), Brisbane (2014-2016). Soon after graduation, Helen landed the role of The Narrator/Grandma Josephine with Brisbane Arts Theatre's Children's Production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She then played the role of Mother in Little Red Riding Hood (an absurd adult play) as Brisbane Arts Theatre's entry in Brisbane's 2018 Drama Festival. In May, 2023, Helen played Flo Baxter in Swingers (play by April Phillips) with Mates Theatre Genesis. Helen has extensive on set experience which includes as a featured extra in The Alinta 'Flick 'em' Commercial; uncredited roles in numerous US and Australian film and TV/Streaming productions and in the musical comedy feature film, Seriously Red. Independent productions include the role of Amanda Verill in imDb credited, 'Mystery Exposed: The Curse of an Old Doll' (Urban Inferno Productions). During Covid lock-down, Helen began studying filmmaking and screenwriting, creating her own short films (imDb credited) which have garnered her many awards, including Best Actress and Best Writer and numerous nominations in the film festival circuit.
Helen continues attending regular acting workshops to develop her craft. Her other passions include tap dancing, salsa, piano, flute, ukulele and banjo and anything arty.
Helen knew she wanted to be an actor since her early teens but didn't have family support. Subsequently, Helen began evening acting classes, voice training and dance (Jazz, Tap) after graduating from Teacher's College.
In 1988, life threw her a curve ball and she moved to Brisbane where she felt the pull to study a Diploma in Writing, which included screenwriting and freelance journalism. Developing a love of writing, Helen became a published children's author, poet and freelance writer. She has won poetry contests for her poetry for children and has undertaken many writing and giggle poetry workshops in schools around Brisbane, NSW and Melbourne. Helen became a volunteer reporter for South City Bulletin (local community magazine). Helen taught at Queensland TAFE for 17 years where she lectured in the Business Department before gaining a Masters in International Education, TESOL qualifications and a Grad Cert in Applied Linguistics. These qualifications aided Helen to also teach in the Language and Literacy Department. Helen has undertaken many career changes including secretarial/PA roles, aerobics and fitness leader, telemarketing and door to door retail sales, in-store sales promotions and children's performer.
But the yearning to tread the boards begged her to achieve her acting dream, so Helen gained an Advanced Diploma in Stage & Screen Acting with the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory (APAC), Brisbane (2014-2016). Soon after graduation, Helen landed the role of The Narrator/Grandma Josephine with Brisbane Arts Theatre's Children's Production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She then played the role of Mother in Little Red Riding Hood (an absurd adult play) as Brisbane Arts Theatre's entry in Brisbane's 2018 Drama Festival. In May, 2023, Helen played Flo Baxter in Swingers (play by April Phillips) with Mates Theatre Genesis. Helen has extensive on set experience which includes as a featured extra in The Alinta 'Flick 'em' Commercial; uncredited roles in numerous US and Australian film and TV/Streaming productions and in the musical comedy feature film, Seriously Red. Independent productions include the role of Amanda Verill in imDb credited, 'Mystery Exposed: The Curse of an Old Doll' (Urban Inferno Productions). During Covid lock-down, Helen began studying filmmaking and screenwriting, creating her own short films (imDb credited) which have garnered her many awards, including Best Actress and Best Writer and numerous nominations in the film festival circuit.
Helen continues attending regular acting workshops to develop her craft. Her other passions include tap dancing, salsa, piano, flute, ukulele and banjo and anything arty.
