'I couldn't let dating Paris Hilton define my career' with Rob Mills
5/4/20261 hr
Hello! Today, we’re joined by actor, television host, and singer-songwriter Rob “Millsy” Mills. Rob first rose to fame on the inaugural season of Australian Idol, finishing fifth alongside standout contestants like Shannon Noll and Guy Sebastian. Since his breakout in 2003, he’s built an impressive career and become a familiar face in Australia’s theatre scene, starring in leading roles in productions such as Wicked and Waitress (buy tickets here!!!!). In this conversation, Rob opens up about the challenge of reshaping his image, from a carefree party boy to a respected actor, singer, and presenter. He speaks candidly about his relationship with his fiancée, Georgie Tunny, and why they’re in no rush to get married. Rob also reflects on his bond with his dad, shares his thoughts on creativity and drinking, and explains why he believes Australia needs more male pop stars. This interview touches on experiences of depression. If any of the themes in this episode raised any concerns for you, support is available at BeyondBlue.org.au. Thank you so much to Pandora for supporting this episode of Inherited. Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the ones we buy ourselves. Find a gift in-store or online at Pandora. And a shoutout to Moonpig. Every Mum deserves a Moonpig card! Our Inherited listeners get 50% off all cards. Just head to moonpig.com and use code SHAMELESS50. Your host today was Ruby Hall (@rubytuesday2.0), and the guest was Rob Mills (@robmillsymills). Inherited is produced by Monica Vantilburg and executive-produced by Lucy Hunt. If you enjoyed this episode, click ‘follow’ on your favourite podcast app! We’re also on Instagram and TikTok @inheritedthepod. We’ll be back with another episode next Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsRuby Hall· Host0:00
This episode of Inherited is brought to you by Pandora. Celebrate yourself with jewelry that tells your story. [gentle music] Rob Mills, welcome to Inherited, Millsy.
Rob Mills· Guest0:15
Great to be here. Thanks for having me.
Ruby Hall· Host0:17
Thank you. You are one of Australia's greatest performers. I was just saying this before we hit record, and of course, after appearing on the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003. I was 10 years old when I watched you.
Rob Mills· Guest0:29
Mm. That is, that's a long time ago.
Ruby Hall· Host0:31
[laughs] Yeah, you made it to the top five.
Rob Mills· Guest0:32
Yeah And this really catapulted your career.
Ruby Hall· Host0:34
You're a performer, actor, author, and congrats, it's recently been announced that you'll be starring as Dr. Po- Pomatter?
Rob Mills· Guest0:40
Palmer.
Ruby Hall· Host0:41
Palmer?
Rob Mills· Guest0:42
Palmer.
Ruby Hall· Host0:42
Okay, I'm pronouncing it correct.
Rob Mills· Guest0:44
Yeah.
Ruby Hall· Host0:44
[laughs] In the Australian run of Waitress. It opens in May, runs till August. You're starting rehearsals next week.
Rob Mills· Guest0:49
Yeah, and then we go to Sydney. Uh, so we're in Melbourne, and then we go to Sydney, and then potentially, you know, there's the national tour after that. It's such a great show. Have you seen it?
Ruby Hall· Host0:58
No, I never have.
Rob Mills· Guest0:59
Oh, my goodness. This show will... It's so funny and irreverent. The beautiful music of Sara Bareilles.
Ruby Hall· Host1:05
Yes.
Rob Mills· Guest1:06
And then the second act, it will break your heart like a Sara Bareilles, like, heartbreak song. Like, it- it's, it's incredible.
Ruby Hall· Host1:13
Have you wanted to be in this production for some time?
Rob Mills· Guest1:16
Oh.
Ruby Hall· Host1:16
A goal of yours? 'Cause I saw you on Channel 10, it was an old YouTube clip- Mm ... while I was doing my research, and you j- looked directly down the eyes of the camera when you were on the couch [laughs] with the, with the presenters, and you said, "I wanna be in Waitress."
Rob Mills· Guest1:27
Yeah.
Ruby Hall· Host1:28
"Get me in Waitress."
Rob Mills· Guest1:28
Yeah.
Ruby Hall· Host1:28
And I think that was, like, eight or nine years