One of the most distinctive voices of the 1970s, Helen Reddy will always be associated with one particular song. I Am Woman was adopted as an anthem for the women’s movement and, 50 years later, still inspires today’s campaigners for equality. Appropriately, it’s now also the title of the new biopic about the singer and activist, which is released in cinemas this week.
The film traces Reddy’s early years, from her arrival in New York in pursuit of her dream to be a singer, making friends with music journalist Lillian Roxon, and rising to fame in a career that included having her own TV programme, an appearance on the legendary Johnny Carson Show and a number one in what was known at the time as the Billboard Hot 100.
The singer, who sadly died at the end of last month, is played in the film by Tilda Cobham-Hervey who explains in this exclusive interview that she knew little of Reddy’s work, apart from that signature song. And she reflects on the challenges that go with playing a real person, especially somebody who’s a public figure.
In our other interview, co-star Danielle Macdonald who plays Reddy’s closest friend, Lillian Roxon, talks about bringing their relationship to life on screen, as well how the film re-created the world of the seventies.
I Am Woman is released in cinemas and of digital on Friday, 9 October.
