Lilian started as a child actress mainly in radio-plays and children’s radio and school-broadcasting programmes. At 16, she took part in her first teleplay on Television Malta. Between 1980-82 she followed a drama course at the Manoel Theatre Academy of Dramatic Art at the end of which she was a founder-member of Actors’ Studio. She also participated in various plays in both English and Maltese produced by MADC, Unifaun, Maleth, Politeatru, Talenti, Karattri and others directly produced by the Manoel Theatre and Maltafest. Her TV appearances are no less and include roles in serials such as Villa Sunset, Triq Wahda, Viva l-Ministru, Santa Monica and Gheruq. She has also had the opportunity to perform abroad in Moscow and last year in Sicily. Her most recent role was in Maleth’s production of Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn and she is currently rehearsing for Valerjana Gzejret il-Ggant by Vince Vella directed by Lino Farrugia which will be performed at the Manoel Theatre on 6, 7 and 8 March.
How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?
57, Sagittarius (the best sign for me), 18 December 1951.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Semi-retired, be in good health and doing more artistic work, besides acting, such as taking art classes which I left in my school days; and to travel to corners of the world I have not yet visited.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It is very difficult to find the exact recipe but being an optimistic person I feel one has to always look at the bright side of things even when everything seems to be going wrong.
What is your favourite occupation?
Relaxing with a crossword puzzle or Sudoku. I start the day with one during my breakfast and challenge myself to finish the game before I leave the table.
Significant other?
Raymond, husband of 25 years.
What is your greatest fear?
Quite a few phobias: that I’m swimming in an open sea with a voracious shark lurking behind me; that I fall heavily down wet steps and break my spine; but worst is to have a terminal illness and die slowly.
What is it that you most value in your friends?
My idea of friendship is when you rely on and trust your close acquaintances and they are there when you need them for support. All this is reciprocal and one is there for others too.
How would you like to die?
If possible quickly and suddenly, but if lying in a bed I would want to look forward to meeting my dear ones, such as my father who passed away almost 12 years ago.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I love travelling to new countries and also familiar ones. I wish I had more time in the year to do that but to have more free time one cannot work full-time and, not being gainfully employed would not give you the financial support to travel… it’s a Catch 22 situation! I collect all brochures, maps and literature of all countries.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t regret anything I did in the past. If things were different then, they would be different now and I’m content with my present state of being. Not having furthered my academic studies even more, occasionally gets me thinking but I gained valuable satisfaction throughout my work experience.
What is your most treasured possession?
The vivid memories of my childhood, when my father used to take me to The Mall in Floriana and have photos taken of me (his first born). Pictures which I still treasure.
Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?
I feel so jealous of those who can play a musical instrument. I would have loved to know how to play the piano, or the violin or whatever. I would also have loved to sing and dance – the other two talents in the
performing arts.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Not to accept one’s own ignorance.
Where would you like to live?
Nowhere except on this little island. The more I travel the more I appreciate it as home.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I tend to be a perfectionist and the older I get the more I am inclined not to tolerate half measures.
Who are your heroes/
heroines in real life?
My mother and people who pass through dire straits and never give up, but continue hoping for a better life.
What is it that you most dislike?
Hypocrisy and newspaper wrappings.
What is your motto?
Live for today, tomorrow never comes!