Debra Byrne
Debra Byrne commenced her singing career as a child on
Australia's Young Talent Time and went on to act in films and theatre as an adult
In her autobiography, Debra Byrne describes a life that she considers to be a rollercoaster ride involving successes, scandals, popularity, drugs and despair.
Commencing her debut at an early age on Young Talent Time, Debra describes a darker side to her life involving childhood abuse and underage sex.
She moved from one personal disaster to another whilst gaining public recognition as a recording artist and in musical theatre including Cats, Les Miserables and Sunset Boulevard.
Her popularity was overshadowed by her battle with anxiety and depression which often made it difficult for her to perform and lead to a downfall in her career and also her personal life.
Debra describes herself as a survivor through her battle with anxiety and depression and sought help in many ways to overcome her illness.
Despite everything that life has thrown her way she has managed to raise three daughters and now considers herself at peace with her past and present.
I woke in the middle of the night, as always. I went to the kitchen to heat up some milk. Feeling strange, I put my hands to my chest and nearly cried. It took a while to figure out what was different. There was no fear! At around 3am, in the dark, I walked around the house celebrating the fact that I had woken without fear. It was great and a welcome sign of better things to come (pge 472).
I was taught to believe that I was unlovable, certainly disposable and definitely usable. I grew up not having any confidence in my perception of the world where I belonged. As a grandmother I’m smothered in love and joy. I am so lucky to be able to experience my little treasure pot. I feel confident now that I won’t falter again or wish to be anywhere other than where I am. I spent many years wanting to die and now I just want to live – and to live as much as I can for as long as I can. I don’t want to miss one beautiful moment (pge 474)
Byrne, D, ( 2006),’Not Quite Ripe’, Pan Macmillan, Australia.
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