PHOTO: Simmone Jade Mackinnon. FILE
Once a prominent actress, Simmone Jade Mackinnon has opened up about her struggles after experiencing fame in the early 2000s.
Renowned for her captivating beauty, Mackinnon initially gained recognition for her role in the American series Baywatch: Hawaii, which aired from 1999 to 2001. Following this, she returned to her native Australia to star as Stevie Hall in the beloved drama McLeod’s Daughters from 2003 to 2009.
However, despite her decade-long television career, Mackinnon found herself facing financial hardships once McLeod’s Daughters concluded. This unexpected turn of events led to severe stress, triggering panic attacks and even causing her to lose her hair.
These days, she is living in a caravan with her 13-year-old son after stepping away from the limelight and going broke
Presently, Mackinnon, a former Gold Logie nominee and once engaged to Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, resides in a caravan with her 13-year-old son. After stepping away from the spotlight, she appeared on Nine’s reality show The Summit, competing for a chance to win a transformative $1 million prize.
Mackinnon’s résumé includes ’90s favourites Water Rats and All Saints, as well as a stint on U.S. TV with Baywatch: Hawaii (pictured), an offshoot of the uber-popular Baywatch that aired from 1999 to 2001 and launched the career of a young Jason Momoa
Reflecting on her journey, Mackinnon expressed the profound difficulties she endured, including a period where she retreated from public life to focus on raising her son. Despite these challenges, she found solace in a simpler lifestyle, even working on a cattle station in Queensland for a time.
She even became engaged to Momoa (pictured together in 2001), but their relationship ended after six years when Momoa – now a Hollywood A-lister known for roles in Aquaman and Game of Thrones – became romantically involved with actress Lisa Bonet
However, Mackinnon’s resilience was tested further during the Covid pandemic, particularly in her efforts to sustain her online clothing business. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including the loss of her hair due to stress, Mackinnon remains determined to overcome adversity and rebuild her life.
After Baywatch, Mackinnon returned to Australia upon being cast on Nine’s long-running drama McLeod’s Daughters (2003-2009). She is now back on Nine, albeit in a non-acting role, as a contestant on the reality series The Summit, where she is in the running for $1million
Her story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame and the strength required to navigate its highs and lows. Now, as she embarks on a new chapter, Mackinnon continues to demonstrate her unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL