Half an Hour with Olivia Newton-John
Issue 438
Who would you like to chat with for only half an hour?
Margaret Simpson of Sheffield, chose Olivia Newton-John
Margaret - How did you become a singer?
Olivia - I entered a nation wide T.V. talent show out in Australia, where I lived for ten years, and won the first prize, which was a trip to England.
Why did your family move to Australia?
My father was offered a post there. He is now Deputy Vice Chancellor at Newcastle University, New South Wales.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
One sister, Rhona, who is an actress. She appeared in Peter O’Tocie’s film “Brotherly Love and several other films too.
“TOOMORROW”
Have you ever worked together?
No, never, though when I first want to America, joining “Toomorrow”, Rhona travelled with me to keep me company. It was a family idea because I knew no-one in America.
What do you think of your appearance in the film “Toomorrow?
I was far too close to it to be able to answer that question, I thought it was quite good, but maybe a bil late. It was nearly two years before the film came out, and by then the fashions had changed drasti cally.
SUPERSTITIOUS
Are you superstitious?
I still avoid going under ladders If I can, and I am a little cautious on the 13th of each month. I had rather a nasty experience travelling back from America on a 13th. The plane was delayed in the first place; Rhona did not want us to travel on the 13th anyway but I insisted, so when the plane eventually took off we were on it, but it developed engine trouble and had to make an emergency landing. I have never been so scared in my life.
Would you travel on the 13th now?
Never again. That business really scared ma; there would have to be a really pressing reason to get me on a plane on the 13th again.
What was the last book you read?
“The Psychology of Dreams.” I am very interested in dreams, psychiatry and astrology, and always read my fortunes-though they always contradict.
What sign are you?
Libra. That means I am well balanced. The sign of the scales, you see. I have had two boyfriends who have both been Scorpio, and I like to think that is significant. Scorpio is a very strong sign and goes well with Libra
What is your worst falling?
Indecision, I much prefer someone else to make decisions for me. I am hopeless. I can never mako up my mind.
HORSES
Are you interested in sport?
Only swimming and riding. While I was with “Toomorrow” I used to ride Harry Saltzman’s horses. He had four lovely horses, and I often exercised them. One day I would like a horse of my own.
Do you collect anything?
Not really, though I am very fond of jewellery. This (handling a gold key on a chain around her neck) was a 21st birthday present; and Bruce Welch, my fiance, gave me a lovely engagement ring, a large pearl set in marcasite and diamonds.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I am animal mad, I would like a horse, as I said, but I have already got two red setters, one called Geordie and the other called Murphy, because he looks Irish.
What do you think you will be doing in ten years time?
I cannot think that far ahead. I may think completely differently in ten years time. My only real wish is that I shall be as happy as I am now.
Time’s up Margaret! Next week Susan Phillips of Rotherdam, chats to Pete Drummond.