Sigrid Thornton

As Laura Gibson...

Laura is at a turning point in her life. Now in her late 30s she wonders whether she took on too much in attempting to juggle a marriage, motherhood and a high-powered career as a corporate lawyer. She stuffed up on two fronts and very probably three.

With her life in tatters, Laura heads for Pearl Bay with a rock solid theory - that she can start afresh. A job as the local magistrate will mean fewer pressures, and she would have more time for the kids, to get to know them again.

Even when she finds Pearl Bay isn't the paradise she dreamed of, Laura becomes inextricably involved with the town and its people and in time realises that this is the start she needs to salvage her life and that of her kids.

As Sigrid Thornton...

One of Australia's leading and best loved actresses, Sigrid Thornton has starred in many films which are now regarded as classics of Australian cinema, including George Miller's The Man From Snowy River, The Light Horseman, Slate Wyn And Me, The Man From Snowy River II and Over The Hill. In addition she has starred in several mini-series including Boys from the Bush, The Far Country, 1915 and All The Rivers Run. She has consolidated her profile in the United States following several seasons in her starring role as Amelia Lawson in the popular Western series Paradise for Lorimar television and CBS, and in the cable movie Trapped In Space for the US cable network.

Since returning from the United States Sigrid has starred in the TV movie The Feds and earned an AFI Best Actress Nomination for her role in an episode of G.P.

She starred in Gabrielle Lord's Whipping Boy and has been developing several projects with various independent producers.

Sigrid has just recently completed a two-year stint with Showtime, writing and presenting their Cinematheque film reviews for Foxtel and Galaxy.

Sigrid has worked extensively behind the cameras on behalf of the film and television industry, the arts and various charities. In 1998 Sigrid travelled to Africa to shoot a documentary for World Vision, A Friend in Need. She has been re-elected as a member of the board of the Australian Film Institute as well as serving as the patron for Women in Film and Television. She was appointed to the Commercial Television Production Fund in 1995 for a three-year term.

Sigrid has been acting since childhood and aims to continue to do so as long as it remains fulfilling and rewarding. "Acting gives you an insight into worlds that you wouldn't normally experience. I love bringing a character to life and Laura Gibson is a wonderful character to play."

She describes Laura as a very tangible person: someone who is flawed, who has shades of grey - "Laura's character is a reality and reflects the life of a woman in a modern dilemma."