Kimberley Crossman - Shortland Street
Smoking status: Non-smoker
Kimberley Crossman first arrived on our TV screens as Shortland Street character Sophie McKay. Outside of acting, Crossman is a keen dancer and cheerleader so she's someone who values being fit and active. In the entertainment industry, you can't afford to damage your looks and as Crossman points out, the make-up artists at Shorty St can pick a smoker's skin straight off. She's a staunch non-smoker and proud of her health and wellbeing.
Interview
What do you think would be a good way of supporting someone attempting to quit?
Encouragement. I suppose it's pretty difficult if you are trying to give up and if you're going out at night, people are going to smoke. It must be difficult to try and be strong enough so just offer support. If they really are trying to quit then you should step up and be a good friend.
In your opinion what is the worst thing about smoking?
That it's addictive and once you start it's difficult to give up. Also, the effect that it has on other people. It's not very nice when you're at work and you're trying to eat your lunch and there's smoking all around. It causes non-smokers damage as well. Second hand smoke causes just as much damage for the people around them so it's more responsibility on smokers. But I think it's still important for non-smokers to be really supportive of people who are trying to quit. As with most things, it's not easy to give up a habit.
Do you think these days it is okay to be smoke free?
Yeah, I think it's perfectly fine to be smokefree. I don't think you're judged in any way.