Mary Coustas, one of Australia’s most beloved comedic actresses, is stepping into uncharted territory with her first non-comedic role in over 13 years. Best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Effie Stephanidis in Wogs Out of Work and Acropolis Now, Coustas will now appear in a more serious light, joining the cast of the acclaimed BINGE drama Strife.
In season two of the hit series—set to premiere on 8 May—Coustas plays Sylvie, a psychologist navigating the personal and professional challenges that characterise the show’s rich emotional landscape. Starring alongside the acclaimed Asher Keddie, Coustas will be seen in a role that showcases her range as a performer, beyond the humour that made her a household name.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Coustas opened up about her long-standing connection to comedy and the personal reasons behind it.
“Comedy is the only thing that perforates my intensity… it’s my drug,” she revealed. “It allows me to balance who I am naturally—someone who can be quite serious.”
Despite her deep-rooted affinity for comedy, Coustas said the opportunity to join Strife came at the right time. She was drawn to the show’s strong writing, layered characters and cultural relevance, noting how it resonated with her both artistically and emotionally.
“I love comedy and I love exploring relationships, and there was so much richness in this concept,” she said. “It felt vibrant, relevant and alive. It just had that buzz. I knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Coustas also highlighted the creative freedom and growth that comes with taking risks and moving beyond typecasting.
“At this stage of my career, I’m drawn to roles that stretch me,” she said. “Stepping into drama after so long feels both terrifying and exhilarating.”
While expanding her horizons on screen, Coustas remains active in the world of live performance. She is currently touring nationally with two shows—Effie – Upyourselfness and Mary Coustas: This Is Personal—bringing both laughter and vulnerability to audiences across the country. The latter show in particular draws from Coustas’s own life, blending comedy and storytelling in a heartfelt exploration of identity, loss and resilience.
Her approach to choosing projects is clear and unwavering: “If it’s not relevant, I don’t see the point,” she stated. “I want to connect, to challenge, to contribute something that feels meaningful.”
As she reinvents herself for a new generation of viewers, Coustas’s leap into drama is not just a career move—it’s a powerful statement about artistic evolution and the courage to defy expectations.
With a star-studded ensemble including Matt Day, Tina Bursill, and Tim Minchin, Strife season two promises to be both thought-provoking and emotionally charged—and Coustas’s role is already generating buzz.
For fans used to seeing her through the comedic lens of Effie, this new chapter marks a compelling shift. It’s a reminder that behind every punchline is an artist with layers waiting to be explored.
