Two minutes with… Melanie Zanetti!
Melanie Zanetti – the voice of Bluey’s Mum ‘Chilli‘ – sits down with Bluey.tv for the first in a series of rapid-fire interviews with the cast and creatives behind ‘Bluey’.
In a game of musical statues are you dancing in the middle of the room, or controlling the music?
Oh, I’m definitely controlling the music.
Top tip to stop yourself getting bored on a road trip?
I love a podcast. And snacks. ALL the snacks.
What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Salted Caramel.
What was your favourite game to play as a kid?
Playing dress up, particularly anything in the fantasy realm. But very heavy on the dress ups.
What item would you bring for show-and-tell?
I have a lovely shell collection, so probably that. I’ve had them forever – I’ve collected them all over years. I actually have a project that I’m going to do with them… But I have a LOT.
What was your favourite thing that happened today?
There was a flock of wild turkeys that ran down our driveway – like 12 of them really big, wild turkeys. It was amazing.
Hide or Seek?
Hide. I’m small. I’m an excellent hider.
What would you spend your 5 Dollar-bucks on at a farmers market?
Probably a Chai Tea. Markets always have really good chai.
If you owned a magical instrument, what would it be?
It would be a magical harp, because they already feel kind of magical, and I feel like they would have a lot of magical powers.
What’s your Favourite thing to do at the beach?
I’m with Chilli on this one. I love a long walk down the beach.
What’s your favourite episode of ‘Bluey’?
I know this. ‘Sleepytime‘ is my favourite. For all the reasons. I just think the storyline is so beautiful. It made me cry, even though I recorded it and knew what was going to happen.
The animation is particularly gorgeous in this one. I just think it shows the invisible labor that parents do in the middle of the night. And so a lot of people said they’ve felt really seen. And the messaging is so beautiful. So yeah, it’s my favourite.
Does the answer change if we asked what your favourite to make was?
I think there’s a couple. I really loved making ‘Escape‘. That was a lot of fun because of the random ridiculous things we got to do, running away from our children.
And ‘Tradies‘ in Season 3 was really fun to reclrd. All the spying and keeping those Tradies to account. I loved it. I love how Chilli is there for the ‘goss’.
Who’s your favourite character?
I think it’s got to be joint between my two children. I think they’re the best, and my absolute favourite is when they play the grannies – like they’re exceptional. You can’t pick favourites between your kids – there’s a whole episode about it!
What ‘Bluey-ism’ has made it into your personal vocabulary?
Oh, I do say “for real life” – that one has been picked up for sure.
Would you prefer a slice of duck cake or a piece of pavlova?
I’m gluten free, so I should say ‘Pavlova‘ but I still would prefer that ‘Duck Cake‘ – We could make me a gluten free version!
Do you remember at the Grand Opening of Bluey’s World – when they presented that giant one?
I know! I didn’t want to risk it, but seeing that giant duck cake being paraded out like it was like some ritual – everyone was like chanting DUCK CAKE. It was amazing!
A Bluey moment that made you laugh?
So many. Off the top of my head, I love the start of ”Dance Mode‘ where Bluey sings “Can we get the bill?”. It’s brilliant, the timing is brilliant.
A Bluey moment that made you cry?
The sun in ‘Sleepytime‘. I know I recorded it – but it still makes me cry.
Also, in ‘Baby Race‘ when Coco’s mum says “You’re doing great.” Everyone needs to hear that. Whether you’re a mum or not, you need to hear that.
Pass the Parcel: Everyone gets a present or ‘Lucky’s Dad’s Rules’?
Okay, this is slightly controversial. I would want more ‘Lucky’s Dad Rules’, but I want maybe three other, smaller presents, throughout. Not every round, but a few little surprises leading up to the BIG one. But not every round, because then you lose the suspense. I’m fencing on this one because I truly believe it’s the best way.
These are Chilli’s rules!
Yes, I’m down. These are Chilli’s rules. The ratio depends on the amount of children. So if there’s 20 kids, you get three little presents and then the BIG one. Chilli’s rules.
What’s your favourite room in the Heeler house?
I think it’s the kid’s bedroom. I love that watermelon rug. The two little beds. The stained glass window.
Have you ever played one of Bluey and Bingo’s favourite games?
Oh, yeah: ‘Keepy Uppy‘. It’s classic.
Describe Bluey (The Show) in three words.
Joyous, heartwarming, funny!
Learn more about ‘Chilli Heeler’
Chilli is Bluey and Bingo’s mum! She’s really good at teaching her girls about the world and how to navigate its challenges.
Learn More