Meet Rachel Brownhill

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Brownhill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Rachel, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

As someone who has been through a considerable amount of health issues, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune disease, ulcerative colitis, adrenal deficiency, dialysis, kidney and pancreas transplant, to name a few, I am determined to be optimistic! It has been a lot, and there have been lots of tears and self-pity, but I overcame my difficulties finding a passion for acting. It helped me by playing many different characters, and it helped me have some escapism; I love to perform, and even as a child who developed diabetes at 9, I tried to keep positive and get on with it. I find pleasure in helping others, acting on stage to help people forget their worries, have a very understanding husband and friends. I like to try new things and places. From dragon boat racing to playing Queen Victoria, I have fun! I have enjoyed life and worked in many industries, including retail, hospitality, banking, oil and gas, and one of my favorites is acting! Life can be challenging, but I always think there are people out there who are sicker than you and realize how fortunate I am to be on this earth after having a life-saving transplant.! That’s enough to be optimistic about. I’m still here to drive everyone crazy!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an English woman originally from Manchester, UK. I had a happy childhood despite becoming diabetic at age 9. I took it in my stride, though, and learned how to inject myself four times daily, avoid sugar, and monitor my blood sugar. I carried on as an average child and found happiness at age 11 when I started to perform. At 16, I was accepted into the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. I was ecstatic; it was tough to get into. They saw a spark in me and gave me the chance of a lifetime. I toured the UK and Europe, including The Edinburgh International Festival, Buxton Opera House, Valencia Arts Theatre, Spain, and the Moscow Arts Theatre in Russia. I met so many talented and famous actors and performed for Royalty. At 18, I did performing Arts and got an associate degree. I was in a comedy duo and toured the comedy circuit of Manchester; it was so much fun. My next stop would be Jersey in the Channel Islands, where I got to play dream roles and acted at all the top theatres in town. I then went to London for six years, bringing me back down to earth. I was no longer a big fish in a small pond. It wasn’t easy, but I somehow performed at the London Palladium, even if it was for one night!! I met my darling husband, Ian, in 1999, and we haven’t looked back. We ended up moving back to my hometown as I’d had retinopathy in my eyes, and my kidneys were failing. I found out also that I needed life-saving surgery for Ulcerative colitis. I ended up with an ileostomy for five years, which was incredibly difficult and upsetting. I also lost all my hair due to malnutrition after the surgery; it was a tough time, having to wear wigs and deal with a stoma bag. I couldn’t have gotten through it if it wasn’t for my husband, family, and friends. 2 years later, I was to start dialysis as I had kidney failure. I had to go three times a week for four hours. I did overcome all this and looked at dialysis as a part-time job. I also got a part-time job and did what I could. I got incredibly breathless and tired at times but carried on. I got used to having a bag and just got on with life! During all this, my husband was offered a six-month contract in Houston, Texas; I managed to sort my dialysis out, and off we went, having many adventures in an exciting new place. After traveling back and forth between the UK and the US, we moved to Houston! It was the best thing that could have happened. I found myself in the most prominent medical center in the world! I couldn’t believe what was happening; the doctors reversed my ileostomy and got me on the transplant list for a Kidney and pancreas transplant. Sadly, the UK couldn’t do all this due to the health system. A few years later, I received the best call I had ever had; I had to get down to the hospital for a new kidney and pancreas transplant! It was a bittersweet time as I got what I needed, but someone had died, and a family would be devastated. I found out who my donor was, and a year or two later, I met the donor’s parents of Ian Heidemann, RIP, my hero. The family are some of the most humble and kind people I have ever met. I also met the other recipients who had received his heart, lungs, and hand! It was another world, but I am grateful 12 years later. We all keep in touch and have met a few times. The parents, Janis and Rob, came to see me perform, which was magical. We’ve also visited them and had such a wonderful time. I was so honored that they wanted to see one of my plays! My life is so different now. I feel much better and have done some exciting shows in and around Houston. Every year, I play Queen Victoria for Dickens On The Strand, a festival in Galveston celebrating Charles Dickens and Victorian times. I dress in beautiful clothes and boss people around for a weekend as the Queen! There have been issues with the transplant, and I have had to have a lot of surgery since, but I’m still here, telling the tale with a happy kidney and pancreas. I just recently got a cancerous mole, but after everything I’ve been through, I can do it!
Moving forward, I have been completing prerequisites for nursing! I’m older, but I want to learn everything about the body and, most importantly, help others facing adversity. If I can help them stay positive and care for them, that will be a dream come true. I feel so lucky and fortunate, and after everything I’ve faced, it’s made me appreciate everything!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’ve realized that staying positive, hopeful, and optimistic has been crucial after dealing with all these health issues. I’ve found it helpful to connect with others facing similar medical challenges and to ask the doctors plenty of questions. I always bring a notepad to make sure all my concerns are addressed – even if I end up bombarding them with questions! Keeping busy is important; if going out isn’t an option, online courses or learning a new language can be great ways to stay busy. Personally, I keep active by walking my beloved dogs, who I adore. They’re rescued pups, and they’ve truly been a source of salvation for me. I also find relaxation in yoga and do a bit of cycling. We make it a point to socialize, catch shows, and travel with the dogs, often going on road trips. Our favorite destinations include San Antonio and Ocean Springs in Mississippi. Maintaining a sense of humor has been uplifting. It hasn’t been a smooth ride, but I try to find joy in the little things and avoid falling into despair. One valuable lesson: DO NOT GOOGLE YOUR SYMPTOMS!! Seeking help from a psychologist can make a world of difference, and sometimes shedding tears can be incredibly cathartic.

Regarding acting: persistence is the key!! Rejection is a crucial part of the journey toward becoming a better actor. I’ve learned that constant auditioning can significantly improve one’s skills. Taking acting classes and maintaining a positive mindset are essential. My favorite quote is, “NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP.”, travel with the dogs and do road-rips! Our favorites are San Antonio and Ocean Springs in Mississippi. Having a sense of humor has got me through everything! It has not been easy, but find happiness in the little things and try not to despair. DO NOT GOOGLE YOUR SYMPTOMS!! Talk to a psychologist if needed, and cry it all away; you will feel so much better!
On acting: perseverance is the key!! Rejection is important so you can become a better actor. Keep auditioning, it helps you become a better actor. Take acting classes and think positively! As the quote goes, it is my favorite. NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I have to thank my parents for so much. Sadly my Dad passed but I’m so grateful that they never made me feel different and my life was normal. I never dwelt on my diabetes, type 1. They encouraged me to do everything and were so proud when I got into the National Youth Theatre and saw me on TV in Russia! My Dad had acted too on the side and we both acted together a few times! They were so supportive and let me pursue my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pbtalent.com
• Instagram: @rachiedoodles
• Facebook: Rachel Brownhill Actress and Voiceovers

Image Credits

I will follow up with these. Thank you.