‘Be old, happy and have joy’: Strictly Ballroom’s Paul Mercurio

Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to discuss the subjects we’re told to keep private by getting them to roll a die. The numbers they land on are the topics they’re given. This week, he talks to Paul Mercurio. The actor, dancer and presenter, 60, is best known for starring in Strictly Ballroom and judging Dancing with the Stars. He was also elected into the Victorian State Parliament in 2022 as the Labor member for Hastings.

BODIES

Give me an idea of what you’ve put your body through over the years. Well, recently, I went and played lawn bowls. I bowled about six or eight balls … and my knee gave out.

Ouch! How does that make you feel – especially as a former professional dancer? It’s just how it is. I’ve worn things out. I used to be supremely fit, working incredibly hard and using my body in a way that was completely unnatural. Dancers and athletes, we all pay the price for that. I’ve got a funny neck; my arm’s withered and weak; I get lava pouring down the side of my left leg if I stand too long. I’ve put my body through hell, basically! [Laughs]

You seem quite good humoured and accepting of it all, though. I worked with a producer many years ago, a former footballer or tennis player. His knees were gone, he was in pain and he was so angry, so angry, at getting old. I can’t see the point of that. I appreciate and rejoice in the wonders I’ve been able to physically achieve, but I don’t hang on to them. That belonged to then. I rejoice today. Get old gracefully. Be old, happy and have joy.

Strictly Ballroom came out more than 30 years ago. What’s it like to have a public image that’s so fixated in people’s brains when they meet you now? I’m lucky that people approach; they feel completely comfortable because of Strictly and all the shows I’ve done. It’s like I’m an old friend. Unfortunately, that also means some of them go, “Wow, you’ve put on a bit of weight” and might pat my tummy. Of course, I want to say, “Well, what did you look like 31 years ago?” People will see you on the TV and then in the street the next day, but they don’t get the 31 years in between.

Is there anything you like about getting older? I like myself more and more. I’m discovering new things. And obviously I’m going through this journey at the moment with going into parliament. [Grins] Paul Mercurio: he’s stepping up.

RELIGION

When the census rolls around, under the heading of religion, what do you tick? ”Atheist” or “agnostic”; I might even do “No religion”. I’ve got spiritual ideas, but this indoctrinating thing that you read out of a book and adhere to … I’ve always just seen religion as a means mostly – sadly – of controlling people.