Kerri-Anne Kennerley on her passion for life
How TV’s golden girl finds contentment in leading an upbeat lifestyle.
Life isn’t about to get Kerri-Anne Kennerley down.
The iconic Australian television presenter has been an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry since she began her career at the age of 14, hosting an afternoon children’s program.
Since then she’s presented countless hours of live television, worked as a radio presenter and been a tireless charity worker.
Earlier this year her television achievements were recognised when she was inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame.
“It was fantastic,” Kerri-Anne, 63, says of the accolade.
“I’ve been bumping around the industry for many a year. I don’t think I’ve done anything exceptional except just turn up and do what you do, and do it with passion.”
Yet with all the glittering success she’s achieved, Kerri-Anne has also encountered heartbreak.
In March 2016, her husband of 32 years, John, suffered a spinal cord injury after a fall.
Now in a wheelchair at home in Sydney, John and Kerri-Anne’s lives have been changed irrevocably.
“When life-changing events happen, you have to come to terms with the new norm,” Kerri-Anne says. “He’s remarkable and his spirit is terrific.”
“We’re really lucky, he speaks and breathes independently, and can consume food, and he still goes to physio and is very motivated.”
“But he still can’t push a button or turn a page, so that does make it quite limiting and it can be frustrating. Yet this is what we’ve got at the moment and we just have to see what the future holds.”
Kerri-Anne’s quest for contentment
It’s that tenacity and determination that has been a strong trait of Kerri-Anne’s throughout her life.
When it comes to enjoying a healthy and happy life, her mantra is to always look on the bright side.
“I think you’ve got to try and have a positive attitude and be a person for who the glass is half full, rather than half empty,” says.
“I’m not saying it’s easy, and it comes more naturally to some people than others, but when you go through difficulties you have to surround yourself with good and positive people.”
She adds that looking for the silver lining has helped sustain her in tough periods, including when she battled breast cancer in 2012.
“Look for things that will give your life, every minute and every hour, just a little more contentment,” she says.
While content, that doesn’t mean Kerri-Anne has any plans to slow down, or retire.
Look for things that will give your life, every minute and every hour, just a little more contentment.
“Heavens, no,” she laughs when asked if she had considered retirement. This year, she’s got a busy plate with speaking engagements, presenting for Sunday Night on Seven Network, writing her upcoming autobiography and she recently became a brand ambassador for the Australian vitamins and supplements company, Healthy Care.
With so much to keep her engaged, Kerri-Anne credits maintaining her healthy frame of mind by indulging in deep tissue massages, and getting enough sleep.
“You’ve just got to find what suits you,” she says.
Staying fit and healthy
Kerri-Anne credits golf with being her exercise staple over the past few decades.
“I love golf,” she says. “You walk four and a half hours in a zig zag across a course. It’s certainly about 12,000 steps. I think walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and it doesn’t cost you a penny.”
At her Sydney home, she has gym equipment, including an exercise bike. “I can jump on the bike and watch TV at the same time.”
Having a routine and sticking to it is the best way to ensure you stay active, she says.
“For women, it’s great if you can do a bit of weight training and pilates, and yoga is fabulous.
“I bought a couple of yoga tapes and I throw them on the DVD and do some stretches, which is pretty important.”
Kerri-Anne has joined the Healthy Care team as an ambassador.
Shop for Healthy Care products at Chemist Warehouse.
Written by Erin Miller
