Australian Story on ABC: Olivia Hargroder’s path to the screen – The programme closes its 2026 season with the story of Olivia Hargroder, an actor preparing for her first feature film. Bring It On! – Olivia Hargroder airs Monday 2 November at 8pm on ABC and ABC iview. Olivia’s story follows a long path to performance. Born with Down syndrome and a serious heart condition, she was not expected to live more than a few days. Now 27, she is the lead in the upcoming film Boss Cat.
Determined to perform
Olivia pursued dancing despite physical challenges. At 16, she underwent major surgery on both knees and surprised her doctor with her recovery. After high school, she wanted to train as an actor at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. A careers counsellor dismissed the idea, but Olivia continued and graduated from NIDA’s Young Actors Studio. Her dance moves will be part of Boss Cat, bringing together two of the interests she has worked hard to pursue. The episode also looks at the role her mother Kerry has played in helping Olivia reach this point. Olivia credits her mother with backing her ambitions.
She’s always believed in me,
Olivia Hargroder
Kerry sees that determination as central to Olivia’s story.
You can’t tell Olivia that something’s not achievable,
Kerry, Olivia’s mother
Watch the preview
The ABC preview introduces Olivia and the people close to her ahead of Monday’s broadcast.
Australian Story: Bring It On! – Olivia Hargroder airs Monday 2 November 2026 at 8pm on ABC and ABC iview. Read more in TV Central’s ABC coverage. Watch Australian Story on ABC iview.
