Lydia Peckham Transforms Grief into Hollywood Breakthrough

For Lydia Peckham, the journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph is a remarkable tale of resilience. The actress, now making waves in Hollywood, reflects on how grief and determination have shaped her career. Peckham’s most significant breakthrough comes with her role in the historical drama Nuremberg, which features a star-studded cast including Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. The film is set to be released in New Zealand cinemas on December 4, 2023.

Peckham’s life took a drastic turn in 2021 when her father was diagnosed with stage-four Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The devastating news arrived just before she was set to embark on a sailing trip with her family. “When I saw him, I was like, ‘Oh, f…, something is seriously wrong’,” she recalls. Tragically, her father passed away three months later. This loss profoundly impacted her, shaping her outlook on life and her career.

Currently residing in Kerikeri, a picturesque area in New Zealand, Peckham has built a life that balances her Hollywood ambitions with a love for nature. She and her partner, William Barber, live a nomadic lifestyle, often traveling in a van. This unconventional approach has allowed her to pursue acting opportunities without the pressure of relocating to major cities like Los Angeles or London. “You come back, and it’s like, ‘Oh my God, I’m living inside of a tropical rainforest’,” she says, describing her home.

Peckham’s acting career began during her youth, influenced by her family’s artistic background. Born in Edinburgh, she spent her formative years in rural Scotland and France before moving to New Zealand at the age of eight. Her parents established an apple cider orchard in Nelson, where Peckham and her siblings developed a deep connection to the outdoors. It was at Nelson College for Girls that Peckham discovered her passion for acting, participating in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, which eventually led her to perform at London’s Globe Theatre.

After three years at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, Peckham embarked on a path that led her to various acting roles, including appearances in shows like Cowboy Bebop and Mr. Corman. Despite these early successes, the loss of her father forced her to redirect her focus. She returned to Nelson to support her family while still pursuing her dreams.

Her breakthrough role came when she was cast as Soona, a CGI primate, in the upcoming film Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Peckham’s self-taped audition was notably unique; she climbed an apple tree and secured a camera to film her performance. “Apes put a Hollywood blockbuster on my credits, and that’s step one,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of this role for her career.

In Nuremberg, Peckham portrays Lila, an English journalist covering the historic trials of Nazi leaders after World War II. The film explores pivotal moments that shaped international law and human rights. Peckham was thrilled to have casting director John Papsidera, known for his work on Christopher Nolan’s films, advocate for her. She describes arriving on set in Budapest and feeling the intensity of working alongside seasoned actors like Crowe and Malek. “It’s like walking into a masterclass,” she says.

Throughout her journey, Peckham has maintained a sense of humor and humility. Reflecting on her long-term relationship with Barber, she shares, “He’s seen all the highs and the lows. He’s seen my wacky show where I was a dog dressed in a box.” Their shared experiences have strengthened their bond, even amidst the whirlwind of her rising career.

Jonathan English, co-creator and director of Robin Hood, recognized Peckham’s talent from her audition, stating, “She is just raw talent.” He recounts a pivotal moment during filming that highlighted her depth as an actress, describing how a single tear during a scene revealed the character’s inner turmoil.

As Peckham continues to navigate her burgeoning career, she has multiple projects lined up, including a role in the action-comedy The Wrecking Crew alongside Jason Momoa. Despite her growing success, she remains grounded in her roots, cherishing the tranquility of life in Kerikeri. “If we can keep this balance, that’s kind of the dream,” she muses.

Peckham’s journey exemplifies how personal loss can fuel creativity and drive. As she prepares for the release of Nuremberg and reflects on her father’s influence, she acknowledges that he remains a part of her story. “He is 50% of me,” she asserts, capturing the essence of her journey through grief and ambition.