Ro Dempsey, originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has lived in NYC for over 10 years and has had an incredible career in the entertainment industry, working in production management and, more recently, as a voice artist.
What do you do for work in NYC?
When I arrived, I worked in casting for four years, then moved over to production management, where my last job was on FEUD with Naomi Watts for Hulu. I currently work as a voice artist on Oakley’s new Sphaera sunglasses campaign (this was such a zinger after growing up on the Northern Beaches!).
What did you do in Aus? And, why did you move to NYC?
I grew up in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney and won the green card lottery. I’ve performed from a very young age, but I’ve been a wearer of many other hats including a checkout chick at Franklins, to working at Fox Studios, Pacific Sky and Pacific Princess, ASX (I was trying to avoid teaching), teaching (I trained as a high school teacher), and event management (one job included being the gate opener of a camel race). I also taught at NIDA, MC’d events and award shows, and I was a regular guest singer on Bert Newton’s GMA. Life has always been interesting!
What were your first impressions of NYC? How has that changed since you have lived here?
I’ll never forget the first trip on the subway when “SHOWTIME!” had me leap out of my skin. Now, the subway is almost weird without some kind of mariachi band, poet, or pole-leaping bandit.
What’s the biggest challenge or roadblock you’ve faced since being in NYC? How did you overcome it?
In a city of so many, it’s funny how you can sometimes find yourself a little lonely. Finding your solid crew of people is so important. I’ve been lucky to have that.
What neighborhood do you live in? Why did you choose it? Why do you like living in it?
After spending 6 years on the UWS, I moved to Astoria just before the pandemic and absolutely love it. I initially moved because I was working at Kaufman Astoria Studios, and I could walk to work. It’s also where they film Sesame Street!
What do you do in your spare time in NYC?
Over the pandemic we formed a company called RoMi Productions. One arm is creating live theatre in a virtual space and another, my personal favorite, is The Nanny Moo Project. This focuses on helping sick kids in hospitals connect with joy and happiness through the medium of VR. It’s a huge passion project and if there are any willing supporters out there we’d gladly appreciate it. I also volunteer with a wonderful organization called Sing For Your Seniors where we perform for those in assisted living facilities.
What are some ‘only in New York’ moments you’ve had?
New York is a tough city. Especially in the middle of winter’s dark, cold nights and you’re tired and think you’ve had enough. Then you come out of the snow-covered 34th St subway and your eyes are ignited by these huge shimmering lights – BELIEVE! And that’s when you know you are meant to be right where you are. Working in the TV/film industry, there have been a number of moments I’d be in a meeting pinching myself, as across the table is someone like Lucy Liu or Jodie Foster asking my opinion on what I think would work best for a scene. Also walking Gus Van Sant’s dog through the ballroom of The Plaza – priceless!
What do you miss most about Aus? How do you quell homesickness?
New York is so far from Australia. I miss the landscape, beaches and the stars. The level of oxygen in the air. And my Aussie mates. If I’m feeling homesick, I’ll go and visit the mini Harbour Bridge over Astoria Park. It can surprisingly trick you with a taste of Oz.
What’s your favorite place in NYC? What are your top 3 tips for friends visiting NYC?
Spritzenhaus is where you will find me on a Sunday afternoon after a session at Yoga Agora.
- Don’t miss the top of Central Park. You’d never believe in the midst of this concrete jungle you could find yourself completely lost in the woods.
- If it’s the season, an apple-picking day trip is always a hoot.
- If you travel here during October, Halloween is quite the experience to get caught up in all the spooky festivities.
Who are some Aussie ladies doing awesome things in NYC who are currently on your radar?
There are many, but to name a few: Micharne Cloughley, Kaye Tuckerman, Tina Mitchell, Amelia Cormick, Aimee Blessing, Ana Lisa, Eileen Coloretti, and AWNY’s own Co-President Sarah McLellan Mee are all knocking it out of the park in their respective fields.
What do you like most about being part of AWNY?
That it actually exists! When I moved here the only place I knew to find Aussies was at The Australian Hotel and generally they were tourists. I would have loved to had known about AWNY back then. I’m still incredibly close with colleagues from my first job, as they formed the basis for my new home and they welcomed having an Aussie in the office. Australians are a unique group of Vegemites. Part of our joie de vivre is deeply rooted in our freedoms we’ve brought with us from our mother country. Especially the ability to put our head down, work hard and not take ourselves too seriously. You sometimes miss that easy carefree connection and laughter – AWNY recharges you when you need that boost.
What is the best way for AWNY members to get in touch with you?
You can read more about Ro here.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 