Australian actress Emily Weir has openly shared her journey of overcoming anxiety and alcohol dependence, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfection and authenticity. After years of using alcohol to manage crippling anxiety, Weir chose to pursue sobriety in 2018 and has since maintained it with the support of a 12-step program she began four years ago.

Reflecting on her personal transformation, Weir likened the process to the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold to highlight rather than hide flaws. She described breaking long-held ideas about self-image and societal expectations as essential for growth, particularly for women and actresses.

Weir, 34, also welcomed the increasing awareness around alcohol consumption and mental health, which she sees partially driven by the “sober curious” movement. She noted a shift toward reducing the stigma associated with addiction and mental illness, stressing the healing power of open and honest conversations on these topics.

Her professional career has intersected with her advocacy through her role as Mackenzie Booth on the long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away, a part she has played since 2019. The character’s storylines have tackled challenging issues such as infertility and pregnancy loss—subjects that remain taboo in many communities. Weir highlighted the significance of bringing these themes to mainstream television, acknowledging that discussions on fertility still carry social discomfort, especially in areas where the show has a broad audience.

Although she is not a parent herself, Weir related closely to Mackenzie’s experiences due to her close friendships with women who have faced fertility struggles. She praised the camaraderie and mentorship from fellow cast members, including Nicole da Silva and Laura Vazquez, underscoring the importance of authenticity both on and off screen.

Weir’s path to acting was initially hindered by social pressures during her youth, leading her to set aside her passion for performance. However, after a period abroad following school, she returned to acting and eventually secured her role on Home and Away, a show she admired from childhood.

Beyond acting, Weir has expanded her skills into directing and expressed a commitment to mentoring newer performers, emphasizing the value of guidance from older women in the industry. She praised their confidence and self-awareness as vital for sustaining a fulfilling career.

Now shedding her former tendency toward people-pleasing, Weir advocates for women to establish boundaries and practice self-care without guilt. She encourages rejecting perfectionism and embracing agency and authenticity as key components to living well.

Home and Away airs on Seven Network from Monday to Thursday at 7 p.m. and is available for streaming on 7plus.