Deborah Galanos on money, resilience and life on stage

Actor Deborah Galanos returns to the stage in Belvoir's first post-lockdown production, The Boomkak Panto. When COVID-19 restrictions began in March 2020, Galanos was rehearsing Son of Byblos for Belvoir's new 25A space before the show was postponed.

Galanos describes The Boomkak Panto - written by and starring Virginia Gay - as the most joyful and entertaining production to reopen the theatre. The role pushes her to sing, dance, perform comedy and sustain an accent, making it one of her most challenging yet rewarding experiences. The show celebrates community, resilience and the hardships Australians faced throughout the past two years.

Like many performers, Galanos adapted during the pandemic, continuing play readings and script development over Zoom. She says actors are naturally resilient, used to constant rejection, and always find creative ways to keep making art.

What was your first job?

Working with my father in our family business. He had a timber factory - windows and doors, and architraves and millings material - in Sydney's Gladesville.

I started working there around age 12 on Saturday mornings. In those days everything was stamped, and I used to stamp documents for customers, serve them, take money and give change - and so my maths got better. Dealing with customers in retail and trade was an eye-opener and I continued to work there until I was 20.

I remember once [actor] Colin Friels came in. I was apologising as I was a NIDA graduate working here in the blue-collar world and he said, "It's a good thing you're doing -  it's a great world to be exposed to and it will serve you later."

And he's right. As an actor, you use your imagination as much as possible but it's good to touch base with the real thing. And it was really grounding.

What's the best money advice you've received?

Save! And save in super. Make sure you look after your super. Don't dip into it. Add to it. My father is a big believer in adding to your super - match your employer. I should do more. It's hard for actors - we don't earn a lot and it's project to project.

If you get into the habit of salary sacrificing in some way, it's good. We have a great super fund for actors, so I try to do a bit of that.

And he always says, don't live beyond your means. We all do, and I have to keep reminding myself, "Do I really need that book or pair of shoes or to drive when I can walk?"

What's the best investment decision you've made?

I'd say investing in my super. You don't notice when you're salary sacrificing, you don't see the money - it's just $100 less from pay - but at end of the day the money will be there. When I was younger, we had savings accounts.

That doesn't track anymore; there's no interest paid by banks anymore. Investing in a portfolio of shares would be great, but that's what super funds are doing for you anyway.

We had an investment property - we sold it a few years ago at what was then the peak of the market, but now real estate has really gone insane.

What is your favourite thing to splurge on?

Going out to eat at really lovely restaurants. I love supporting our gorgeous local businesses that have done it tough [during lockdowns].

My first dinner out of lockdown was at Chiswick [in Sydney's eastern suburbs], which I love. We've had a couple of lovely family dinners there. I also love travel, but I'm not interested in going anywhere for another year.

If you had $10,000 where would you invest it?

Crytpo seems to be a really hot commodity right now. I don't know much about it and it seems to be quite volatile - but some people seem to be making a lot of money from it, so I may think of that.

But I'd need to get some advice.

Otherwise, art. I love buying emerging artists' work -  or taking advantage of someone selling their collection - it goes up in value and it's also something to pass on to the kids. It's an investment in artists and an object as well.

What would you do if you only had $50 left in the bank?

I would just get a job anywhere doing anything to just earn cash, put my head down and hustle for work, and really get very tight with budgets.

Having $50 in the bank is a very scary thought. I'd ring friends or anyone who could give me work. I'd call in favours from people who could give me work.

Do you intend to leave an inheritance?

Yeah, I do. I think the bank of mum and dad is a real thing right now and it seems to be the thing keeping families going, so if there is anything I can do to help my kids I'd certainly do that. I don't think they should be given a truckload of assets.

But as my father said after my grandfather passed away, it's good to do it with a warm hand and not a cold hand. I don't want to be one of the richest people in the graveyard. And as an extended family, we've always supported charities in a big way.

What's been your best money-making career move?

The industry is so transient, I've been thinking a lot over the last 15 years of becoming a producer to get regular money.

But I love being an actor. My best move is just getting a job where I'm earning money.  That's not always possible.

Finish this sentence: money makes ...

... life easier if you use it wisely.

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