Before joining Neighbours in 2009, what had you previously been involved in?
I had guested in many iconic Australian TV shows, done a few musicals, Hosted TV shows and breakfast radio and been a founding member of pop group The Chantoozies
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I joined a theatre group when I was 16 after an accident ended my dance career opportunities and I felt like I belonged.
What do you remember about being offered a role on Neighbours?
My initial reaction was, wow, I haven’t done soap for years, will I be able to keep up the pace. Then I asked my daughter if I should do it, and it was a resounding YES!!
Cassandra Freedman arrived at the beginning of 2009 as the mother of Donna. What was it like coming into the show at this time, especially as the family member of a much-loved character?
It was exciting actually. I connected right away with Margot and I love kids so it was easy connecting with Chelsea and Mauricio and feeling the essence of the role of their mother.
I had guested in many iconic Australian TV shows, done a few musicals, Hosted TV shows and breakfast radio and been a founding member of pop group The Chantoozies
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I joined a theatre group when I was 16 after an accident ended my dance career opportunities and I felt like I belonged.
What do you remember about being offered a role on Neighbours?
My initial reaction was, wow, I haven’t done soap for years, will I be able to keep up the pace. Then I asked my daughter if I should do it, and it was a resounding YES!!
Cassandra Freedman arrived at the beginning of 2009 as the mother of Donna. What was it like coming into the show at this time, especially as the family member of a much-loved character?
It was exciting actually. I connected right away with Margot and I love kids so it was easy connecting with Chelsea and Mauricio and feeling the essence of the role of their mother.
Are there any similarities between you and Cassandra?
I’m a lot shyer with men than Cass and my daughter is the most important person in my life, but as an actor we have to find something in the character that is in us. I used the playful side of myself and behaved more how I wish I could be when I saw a man I liked. I do sit well in my sensuality as a women so that helped my connection to the character very much.
Aside from Donna, Cassandra’s family was fleshed out with her other children Simon and Teagan. What was it like working with Margot Robbie, Mauricio Merino Jr, and Chelsea Jones as a family unit, albeit a dysfunctional one?
Well, Margot was a dream to work with but we had a terrible time with the giggles, especially when it was a really serious scene and sometimes couldn't look at each other during filming. Both the kids, they were kids then, were just beautiful and I couldn't stop cu8ddleing both of them. I was very fortunate to land the three of them as my immediate family.
It’s revealed that one of Cassandra’s motives for moving to Erinsborough is to find herself a man and it isn’t long before she becomes another woman to set her sights on the wealthy Paul Robinson. What was is like working alongside Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis?
Stefan Denis is a pro and one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. Having to kiss a stranger isn’t easy but he was so respectful, easy going and professional that there wasn't a minute of discomfort. A legend
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Well the giggles. Pippa Black, Margot and I were just terrible but I just loved those girls and treasure those giggles.
What do you think Cassandra would be up to these days?
Her next man with money but very lonely deep down. My heart breaks for her in truth.
I’m a lot shyer with men than Cass and my daughter is the most important person in my life, but as an actor we have to find something in the character that is in us. I used the playful side of myself and behaved more how I wish I could be when I saw a man I liked. I do sit well in my sensuality as a women so that helped my connection to the character very much.
Aside from Donna, Cassandra’s family was fleshed out with her other children Simon and Teagan. What was it like working with Margot Robbie, Mauricio Merino Jr, and Chelsea Jones as a family unit, albeit a dysfunctional one?
Well, Margot was a dream to work with but we had a terrible time with the giggles, especially when it was a really serious scene and sometimes couldn't look at each other during filming. Both the kids, they were kids then, were just beautiful and I couldn't stop cu8ddleing both of them. I was very fortunate to land the three of them as my immediate family.
It’s revealed that one of Cassandra’s motives for moving to Erinsborough is to find herself a man and it isn’t long before she becomes another woman to set her sights on the wealthy Paul Robinson. What was is like working alongside Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis?
Stefan Denis is a pro and one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. Having to kiss a stranger isn’t easy but he was so respectful, easy going and professional that there wasn't a minute of discomfort. A legend
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Well the giggles. Pippa Black, Margot and I were just terrible but I just loved those girls and treasure those giggles.
What do you think Cassandra would be up to these days?
Her next man with money but very lonely deep down. My heart breaks for her in truth.
If Cassandra had had the opportunity return to Erinsborough, what would be your ultimate return storyline for her?
How good would it be if she had hit rock bottom and came back to apologise to her kids and to Paul and Paul and her actually fell I love and they all lived happily ever after J
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more?
I don’t want to be greedy. I did pretty well.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2009?
Well that's a long time ago but I have done many national tours with The Chantoozies, made a couple of films, guested in many TV shows, been on a reality show, toured with three theatre productions, studied acting, teach acting the list goes on J
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
I was texting with Stefan the other week to try and catch up with him and his beautiful wife Gail and I run into Scott Major every now and again. Pippa Black and I were emailing recently and I’m good friends with Alan Fletcher and his wife Jen Hansen.
Fans may not realise that you are also the lead vocalist of The Chantoozies and that one of your bandmates is actually Ally Fowler, who originally appeared as Zoe Davis back in 1986. Did Ally give you any advice ahead of your stint on Ramsay Street?
Yes, Ally is amazing but no, no advice, just happy for me.
Speaking of the Chantoozies, what inspired you to purse a music career?
I didn't chose a music career, it chose me. I loved singing and so did a group of my girlfriends, Ally being one of them. My 24th birthday was approaching and my brother Brett, who is a musician, suggested we put on a show at our dads nightclub for my birthday and after the show our dad offered us a residency and the rest is history.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
To be honest, I wasn't a big TV watcher in those days but I do tune in now and again to see some of those wonderful people do their thing.
How good would it be if she had hit rock bottom and came back to apologise to her kids and to Paul and Paul and her actually fell I love and they all lived happily ever after J
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more?
I don’t want to be greedy. I did pretty well.
What have you been up to since leaving the show in 2009?
Well that's a long time ago but I have done many national tours with The Chantoozies, made a couple of films, guested in many TV shows, been on a reality show, toured with three theatre productions, studied acting, teach acting the list goes on J
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
I was texting with Stefan the other week to try and catch up with him and his beautiful wife Gail and I run into Scott Major every now and again. Pippa Black and I were emailing recently and I’m good friends with Alan Fletcher and his wife Jen Hansen.
Fans may not realise that you are also the lead vocalist of The Chantoozies and that one of your bandmates is actually Ally Fowler, who originally appeared as Zoe Davis back in 1986. Did Ally give you any advice ahead of your stint on Ramsay Street?
Yes, Ally is amazing but no, no advice, just happy for me.
Speaking of the Chantoozies, what inspired you to purse a music career?
I didn't chose a music career, it chose me. I loved singing and so did a group of my girlfriends, Ally being one of them. My 24th birthday was approaching and my brother Brett, who is a musician, suggested we put on a show at our dads nightclub for my birthday and after the show our dad offered us a residency and the rest is history.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
To be honest, I wasn't a big TV watcher in those days but I do tune in now and again to see some of those wonderful people do their thing.
Interviewed March 2022