Justine Clarke: 'It takes a village to raise a child'
The TV host on family, work and her new movie role
By Practical Parenting Team
August 01 2018
As one of Australia’s favourite performers, the multi-talented Justine Clarke has been a Playschool presenter, singer and actress and can now add the title of ‘Queen Bee’ to her resume, thanks to her new role in the movie Maya the Bee: The Honey Games.
The film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide and tells the story of Maya’s efforts to excel in an athletics tournament.
“I think it’s important for children to journey with a main character who is also a child – albeit a bee child,” says Justine.
“And for that character to have flaws like we all do but also to be a valued member of a community and someone who can make a big difference to the life of that community. It’s empowering and encouraging.”
Justine revelled in her role as the Queen saying “she’s a gracious and loving monarch but also competitive! It was really fun to bring out that spirit in her.”
The Queen Bee in Maya the Bee: The Honey Games, as played by Justine Clarke
A mum of three children, Josef, Nina and Max, Justine says she manages to balance work and parenthood with a lot of help from husband Jack Finsterer and her mum.
“I really believe it takes a village to raise a child and have made full use of that!
“Plus, I think doing lots of different projects is how I like it. Although I’m starting to think it might be time to focus on one thing for a little while.”
Justine is also set to hit the road in September on her Silly Songs tour, when she’ll perform her favourite songs as well as hits from her TV show and new album.
When she’s not working, Justine loves hanging out at home with her husband and children.
“We love board games and cards and family dinners,” she says.
When she gets a little me-time, she also loves reading, running or listening to podcasts, and says she can’t live without her favourite skin cream.
“I’m a Dermalogica gal,” she says. “I’ve been using it for about 15 years. I love their Skin Smoothing Cream and now I’m getting into the night creams and repairing creams as the year add up!”
And her number one tip for mums? “Sleep when you can!”
