Rachel Griffiths: How I Manage My Full Load

Amy Sussman/Getty

Two hit television shows and three kids later — all in a 10-year span — and Rachel Griffiths has mastered juggling a full plate.

Her secret? A strong family support system and one fabulous nanny.

“I have a fantastic nanny, and I’m very, very lucky to have family in New York, or else I would be not doing it quite as graciously as I think I am,” the actress, 42, tells Broadway.com.

“I have been extraordinary lucky and I do count my blessings. It has been a phenomenal decade both work-wise [on Brothers & Sisters and Six Feet Under] and these three little nut-jobs that my children are.”

Making her Broadway debut in Other Desert Cities, Griffiths has settled with husband Andrew Taylor and the couple’s three children Banjo Patrick, 7½, Adelaide Rose, 6, and Clementine Grace, 2, in New York City.

“Everybody is starting school and play groups and finding our way around the city,” says the Australia native. “[Banjo] is … somewhat intimidated to go out into the busy streets.”

Planning to set up a home base in the Big Apple through January, Griffiths — who hopes to return to television once Clementine is older — jokes packing up and moving out is old hat for her children.

“Yeah, my kids are trans-Pacific,” she laughs. “We’re gypsies!”

– Anya Leon

Comments

I loved her on 6 feet under- what a cool chick! I have not seen her other show. I am sure she gets this a lot but- namng your kid Banjo? just wrong!!!!

- Maria on October 27th, 2011

bad hair. aging.

- annachestnut on October 27th, 2011

I think if you were Australian, you wouldn’t think the name Banjo was weird. Banjo Paterson was a famous poet in Australia and many people have a lot of love for the guy. Rachel’s son was named after him.

And Anna, would you care to provide a link to your own photo so that we can talk about your hair and looks?

- fuzibuni on October 27th, 2011

I was one of Banjo’s teachers when he was in preschool. He was a little character, and Rachel was really down to earth. I wish them the best!

- Helen on October 27th, 2011

Thanks fuzibuni…I am Australian, you’re right…we don’t think Banjo is weird, and it definitely honours one of our great cultural icons. However, I must admit it’s not a common name because it is so distinctive. Rachel has always been ballsy, and I, for one, love her for it!!

- Aussiechick on October 27th, 2011

I agree, Banjo is definitely not common but its not ‘weird’ in Australia either (I’m an Aussie) I love how shes honoured a great aussie poet like that. I guess its like us Aussies thinking you guys calling kids ‘Milo’ is really weird as its one of our aussie icon drinks as well so its just a culture difference, and thats okay I’m not a fan of the nicknames Hank, Chuck, or Chet either

- Kim on October 27th, 2011

Brilliant actress and love her in all her shows! Also dig the name Banjo, definately beats some crass American names -

- Poppy on October 28th, 2011

I love the fact that she acknowledges that she uses a nanny. Being a nanny is a hard job that deserves recognition. Rachel seems like a lovely lady

- Maddie on October 29th, 2011

i appreciate her honesty and i applaud her for all that she has done. i like celebs who are realistic.

- amw on October 30th, 2011