There’s probably more at this point written about Rob Mills than not.
The 2003 Australian Idol finalist rode a crest of fame, as did many contestants, from the reality TV series.
But it’s what he’s done since that’s captured arts enthusiast’s imaginations, as long as too much attention isn’t paid to the tabloids.
Mills is currently gearing up for two massive national productions – the starring role in The Production Company’s massive Jesus Christ Superstar show, and also the main role in Puttin’ on the Ritz, the song and dance extravaganza, bringing back the ballads and torch songs of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin, among others.
On top of that, he’s also had a feature role on Neighbours. Basically, he’s living the Australian actor’s dream.
I’ve actually just had a few months off travelling the world, which has been great,” Mills said, soon after arriving home after wrapping his latest Swing on This tour.
“You’ve got to take the time off when you can. I love to work, but I also love to party – as your readers might know – so being in a position where I can devote 100 per cent of my time to work when I’m working, and then to let off steam when I have that chance, it works well for me.”
There’s no doubting Mills had a rapid trajectory to stardom thanks to Idol. His starring role on the show – replete with 2000s-perfect spiked haircut and a bad-boy edge – immediately lead to innumerable magazine headlines, many to do with his frequent social endeavors with the likes of Paris Hilton and other media favourites.
But through conversation, it’s clear Mills is just a regular bloke, with maybe one facet of his personality which belies that constant tabloid saturation: he is incredibly motivated in whatever place and time he’s in, whether that be work or play.
“A lot of that stuff comes out of, you know, me liking to have a good time,” Mills said.
“But I think a lot of it just has to do with me being a celebrity, and I don’t say that like I’m super proud of it or anything.
“Like, I was 21 when I went on Idol. At that point, I was just playing in our back-shed band,n trying to save up enough to get a house, that type of thing.
“I didn’t have my life worked out then, obviously, but one thing I learnt very quickly when I started getting into the industry is that it’s so important to devote yourself 100 per cent to what you’re working on, and when you’re not working, to completely distance yourself from it.
“Basically everyone in the industry works like that; if you didn’t, you’d go crazy.”
Mills’ ability to challenge this fervent energy into his productions is probably why he’s become such a success outside of the generalising limelight of Australian Idol. Above and beyond whatever bad-boy persona might be promulgated by magazines, audiences keep coming back to his shows because of his deep, unabiding passion.
“With Jesus Christ Superstar coming up as well, I’ve got to think about that. It’s about 65 per cent Puttin’ on the Ritz and 45 per cent Jesus Christ Superstar.
"But when I say 100 per cent, I mean 100 per cent. I was doing Neighbours last year and this year, and I didn’t drink or do anything for ten weeks straight, because I wanted my commitment to be 100 per cent.
“It’ll be the same for about the next two months. I have to throw myself completely into these things, because so much of it is about just being on stage, enjoying yourself and making sure the audience is enjoying itself. I’m really, really looking forward to getting out on the road again.”
Rob Mills brings Puttin’ on the Ritz to Mandurah performing Arts Centre on September 17.
Go to manpac.com.au or call the Box Office on 9550 3900 for tickets.
