Photograph by GREG WILLIAMS

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The Disclaimer actor tells Hollywood Authentic about her appreciation for specific Skittles, magicians, puppies and pina coladas.

How important is a little bit of nonsense now and then to you?
It’s vital for survival. Oxygen… water… food… NONSENSE.

What, if anything, makes you believe in magic?
Science. The computer chip. Evolution. Warm summer nights. Love. Really good magicians.

What was your last act of true cowardice?
Probably a situation where I was caring too much about what other people think… but I’m quite brave.

What single thing do you miss most when you’re away from home?
My shepherd dog Sky. She’s a little weirdo, too. 

Do you have any odd habits or rituals?
I have to sleep on the side of the bed furthest from the door. I only eat red and purple skittles. The volume on the TV must be a multiple of 5 or 10. I like to race against my car navigation app. Always singing and dancing around the house.

What is your party trick?
I can set my hand on fire with a lighter… briefly.

What is your mantra?
Don’t overshare, retain mystery. But 99.9% of the time I do the opposite.  

What is your favourite smell?
My mum.

What do you always carry with you?
An uncontrollable need for approval.  

What is your guilty pleasure?
Reality TV. Especially the shows that unstable people go on to find someone to marry! In front of the world! It’s nuts, and I’m totally here for it. I don’t like drama in my life but I’m addicted to watching other people’s.

Who is the silliest person you know?
My best friend Tarik. The most uniquely entertaining human, he will make any time or topic hilarious. He told me a story about someone stealing his lunch the other day, and, well, I guess you kind of had to be there…

What would be your least favourite way to die?
Medieval stretch rack.

What’s your idea of heaven?
Sun, sand, sea, pina coladas and puppies.

Australian actor Leila George has appeared onstage in Chekhov’s The Seagull at The Perth Theatre with her mother, Greta Scacchi, and made her feature debut in Mortal Engines. She impressed in The Kid, Gonzo Girl, He Ain’t Heavy and playing Janine ‘Smurf’ Cody in limited TV show Animal Kingdom. Last year, she dazzled at Venice Film Festival with her key role in Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer. She’s just completed Netflix’s upcoming series The Beast in Me with Matthew Rhys and Claire Danes, and is currently shooting opposite Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson in Scott Waugh’s film Runner.