In this exclusive interview, actress Rachel Hurd-Wood opens up about her journey from child star to actress, writer, mother, and creative force.
Most of us remember her as the wide-eyed Wendy Darling who flew off to Neverland in the 2003 adaptation of Peter Pan. Since then, Rachel Hurd-Wood has graced our screens in films like Perfume: The Story of a Murderer and the TV series Clique. And now, she’s embraced new creative endeavors while building a family of her own. We had the pleasure of chatting with Rachel to discuss her remarkable journey, her creative inspirations, and her latest adventure – publishing a personalized search-and-find children’s book Where’s Name(s)?.
Memories of Neverland and Beyond
Looking back at your acting career, what are some of your fondest memories from playing Wendy in “Peter Pan” and your other roles?
Rachel: Looking back to that time, it almost feels like it happened to a different person – like it was a daydream. Nine months in Australia, either flying or sword fighting on film sets or chasing around the pool with the other kids – what an amazingly fortunate experience to have had! My fondest memories are the friendships formed – on Peter Pan, Carsen Gray (Tiger Lily) and I became BFFs, and it’s so lovely that we’re still in touch today. I don’t think I really understood the responsibility of playing an infamous literary character (Wendy) – which was probably a good thing. I feel very proud to have been part of a film that resonated with so many people and became part of their childhood, too.
From Screen to Page
What inspired you to collaborate on a children’s book with us?
Rachel: I really love the idea of interactive stories that children can really see themselves in – I think it makes for a particularly engaging and fun reading experience. Anything that gets children reading is a positive, and I was keen to explore fun, big and wild worlds.
Breaking the Rules with Rhyme and Reason
Tell us about the concept behind “Where’s Name(s)?” and what makes it unique.
Rachel: “Where’s Name(s)?” is all about balance – having fun while understanding boundaries. The book follows up to four children as they journey through wonderfully imaginative worlds guided by two gnomes named Rhyme and Reason. I love this concept because it speaks to us as parents: we want our children to be creative and free-spirited, but also to understand there’s a time and place for everything! Each world represents a playful rule-breaking scenario like ‘Color Outside the Lines’ or ‘Stay Up Late’- things children naturally want to explore. The children search for their names and faces hidden throughout these elaborate scenes, which not only makes it interactive but deeply personal. What makes this book particularly special is that up to four children can be featured in the same book. So siblings, cousins, or friends can all share in the adventure together. In today’s digital age, there’s something wonderfully tangible about seeing yourself in a physical book.
Nurturing Creative Minds
As both an actress and now a book collaborator, what do you think helps nurture creativity in children?
Rachel: I think that while children are naturally creative, boredom is really important for nurturing their creativity. I grew up in the era just before screens became so ubiquitous with daily life, with long car journeys spent staring out of the window, making up stories to pass the time. When children have the time and space to just be – without relentless schedules of entertainment, without screens and activities laid out for them – they are able to use their wonderful imaginations more. It’s so tempting as a parent to feel like unless you’re actively entertaining your child every waking hour, that you’re not parenting well – but giving them safe opportunities to find their own entertainment is important, too. All the above, plus a dose of inspiration from pre-existing stories, music and experiences, too!
Two Worlds of Storytelling
How does authoring a children’s book compare to your work as an actress?
Rachel: They are two very different forms of expression – with acting, you are much more ‘in the moment’ with eyes on your every shift in gaze. With writing, you have more time to let ideas flow, to draft and re-draft before you show anyone your work. Both acting and authoring children’s books are collaborative processes; both are fortified by outside input, both relying on other very skilled people to do their bit, whether through costume or illustration, sound or editing.
Looking Forward
What do you hope children will take away from Where’s Name(s)?
Rachel: I hope they feel a sense of wonder and possibility, and gain some idea of the importance of balance! Most of all, I hope they spark fun, playful and happy moments between children and those they are reading with.
