George McMahon’s Journey: From Fair City to a Family Business
George McMahon, best known for his role as Mondo on the popular RTE One show Fair City, has shared insights into how he and his wife, Rachel Smyth, managed their family finances during quieter times in their careers. The actor revealed that they opened a stage school called Glitz Performing Arts in 2008, which not only helped support their family but also became a significant part of their lives.
George explained that the stage school was initially a practical solution to ensure financial stability. “The stage school is actually the bread and butter,” he said. “It’s our family business, and it’s something that allows me to be an actor while giving me space because it’s only a few hours a week. The odd Easter break, I take them away, and it’s adjacent to performing arts.”
He added that the stage school provided a more solid foundation for their family, especially during times when work on Fair City slowed down. “It was a means to an end at the start. When we set up the stage school in 2008, things were quiet, and I just had to figure out some way to put food on the table.”
Based in Julianstown, County Meath, the stage school has become a labor of love for George and Rachel. He joked about how lucky they are to get along well. “We’re actually quite good at this, and we started nurturing it. Now, we have a cool little stage school with nice, talented kids. Some of them are auditioning for Netflix shows and that kind of stuff.”
George emphasized that the stage school started as a necessity but has since evolved into something meaningful. “It’s a labour of love, but it was a labour of necessity at the start. Now, it’s become this really cool thing.”
The couple also shared their experiences when they are out and about with their children. “It’s funny when we’re walking around in public places. The kids are kind of strange—they’re baffled. They’re like, do you know that person? Why are you talking to them?” George said with a laugh.
In addition to managing the stage school, George continues to explore new dimensions of his character, Mondo, on Fair City. He described the recent storyline as a side of Mondo he has enjoyed exploring. “I have to say it’s definitely a side to Mondo that I’ve really enjoyed exploring. His biggest crime up to that date, if you could call it a crime, was the teenage pregnancy.”
Initially, Mondo was seen as a cheeky, happy-go-lucky character. However, over the years, George has been able to delve into a darker side of the character. “The last few years, I’ve explored a darker side, starting with the Kira and Victor affair, then a stalking phase, and a breakdown. Mondo is still having his breakdown, and it’s been really interesting to play that and explore those darker corners.”
George’s journey from a soap star to a co-owner of a successful stage school highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a demanding career. His story serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar paths.
