Australian actor Shabana Azeez has shared her experiences on the sets of The Pitt and The Airport Chaplain, including breaking a $75,000 skull rig and celebrating three birthdays in one week.
Breaking a $75,000 rig on The Pitt
Azeez described the most disgusting thing she saw on The Pitt as American coffee, along with a de-gloved leg, a full vaginal birth, and drilling into a skull. She admitted she enjoyed drilling into the skull but broke the rig, which cost US$75,000. She explained that while shooting her coverage on her face, she had to fake the drilling, but when it came time for the rig's coverage, she applied the force she would use on a human skull. The inside of the rig was made of styrofoam, and she went clean into the head, causing silence on set. She said it was horrible and that she regrets everything.
Worst airplane seatmates and celebrity encounters
When asked about the worst two people to sit between on an airplane, Azeez chose Elmo and Kermit and Miss Piggy after a divorce. Her most cringe-worthy celebrity run-in was with Quinta Brunson, creator of Abbott Elementary. Azeez screamed and fell to her knees when Brunson walked past her, prompting a concerned co-star to rush out.
Strange jobs and secret talents
Azeez worked as a simulated patient for medical schools, where she would pretend to have appendicitis or cry on cue with a silicone baby. She described it as really fun. Her secret talent was demonstrated by attempting to juggle camera lens caps and paper, though she did not necessarily succeed.
Three birthdays on The Airport Chaplain
Azeez lied about having three birthdays on the set of The Airport Chaplain, doubling down until people believed her. By the time her actual birthday arrived, nobody cared. She said she lies all the time but never genuine lies.
Controversial pop culture opinion
Azeez believes people should care less about pop culture, asking what it contributes to society when there are wars and important world events. She noted that comedy and art have a place and can illuminate culture, but obsessing over who wore a dress better is a waste of time. She sees her own work as impact-driven, with projects addressing coercive control, queer joy, gun control, and violence against healthcare workers.
The Airport Chaplain airs on SBS and SBS On Demand in Australia from 26 August.
