Suffolk: Young actress from Melton on life in America

Millie Gibbons was born in Bury St Edmunds, and spent much of her life, growing up in Melton.

At the age of 19, she packed her bags and headed for New York after gaining a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she trained for three years before becoming a professional actress.

Millie Gibbons in New York. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)

She attended Brandeston Hall until she was 13, which is where she discovered her passion during a school production of Bugsy Malone.

The 23-year-old said: "I was 11, and I played the role of Tallulah.

"I was just on stage and that was the moment for me, when I finished my solo and I could just hear the roar of the audience, and my mum over anyone else.

Millie in Melton. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)

"I was embarrassed at the time, but also overjoyed and that feeling was just something that I never wanted to forget."

She is currently preparing for her leading role as Janette Peters in a feature film, Back To The Present.

During the pandemic, she and her friend Marcus Underwood created an award-winning short film called Deadly Sinner, which was filmed in various locations around Suffolk such as Thorpeness, Aldeburgh and Melton.

Millie in Deadly Sinner. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)

She said: "I miss Suffolk like crazy.

"My British accent here sticks out like a sore thumb but I do love it here.

"I go back to Suffolk twice a year, and it is so surreal when we have family dinners and you have my sister who's a potato farmer, and me who lives in New York and acts.

"I can see myself going back home more regularly once I get my foot in the acting door here, because there really is no place like home."

Millie (centre) with her family. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)

Millie in the big city. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)

Millie with her horse Dolly. Credit: Millie Gibbons (Image: Millie Gibbons)