Written by: Michael Rodriguez

Tara Morice: The Multifaceted Australian Actress, Singer, and Dancer

Tara Morice is renowned for her extraordinary versatility as an Australian actress, singer, and dancer, having made her mark in various aspects of the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over three decades, she is best known for her iconic role as Fran in the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom, for which she received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Early Life and Background

Born on June 23, 1964, in Hobart, Tasmania, Morice has a rich cultural heritage, being a fifth-generation Australian with English, Irish, Scottish, Latvian, French, and Jewish ancestry. Her family moved to various cities, including Sydney, Alice Springs, and Adelaide, during her childhood. Morice's early exposure to the arts began with her stage debut at the Theatre Royal in Hobart, where she played the role of Anne Frank at the tender age of 16.

Career Highlights

• Morice's extensive stage experience in Australia includes productions with the Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Belvoir Theatre Company, State Theatre of South Australia, Queensland Theatre Company, Malthouse, and the Ensemble.
• She originated the role of Fran in the stage play Strictly Ballroom in 1988 and was a member of Baz Luhrmann's Six Years Old Company.
• In 2012, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role in Fat Swan at the Helpmann Awards and received a Victorian Green Room Award for The Venetian Twins in 1990.

Filmography and Music

Morice's film credits include Metal Skin, Hotel Sorrento, Hildegarde, Moulin Rouge, Candy, Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance, Oranges and Sunshine, Dance Academy: The Movie, and Peter Rabbit 2. She has also appeared in several short films, including the Oscar-nominated Miracle Fish.

In addition to her acting career, Morice has showcased her singing talent, featuring on the soundtrack of Strictly Ballroom with a duet of "Time After Time" with Mark Williams.

Television and Awards

• Morice has appeared in various television shows, including Answered by Fire, After the Deluge, Salem's Lot, and McLeod's Daughters.
• She has received numerous award nominations, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role and an Australian Film Institute award for her performance in Strictly Ballroom.

Throughout her illustrious career, Tara Morice has demonstrated her remarkable range and versatility, solidifying her position as a talented and respected figure in the Australian entertainment industry.