Where is the daughter of Skippy star Tony Bonner now? Chelsea, 46, is a successful plus-sized model agent and author… but admits growing up with famous parents had its drawbacks
She’s the daughter of Skippy The Kangaroo Star Tony Bonner and Australian model Nola Clark.
But Chelsea Bonner has made a name for herself in Australia in her own right – despite the perils of growing up with famous parents, she tells Woman’s Day.
The 46-year-old began working as a plus-sized model from a young age, and went on to launch one of Australia’s first modelling agencies to include plus-size models – Bella Management.
Like father, like daughter! Chelsea Bonner, 46, has made a name for herself in Australia in her own right – despite the perils of growing up with such famous parents. Pictured with father Tony Bonner
‘I always knew I’d do things in the right way, with integrity, and put the talent first, because I’d seen how badly my parents had been treated,’ she said.
Chelsea was referring to moment her family’s finances became ‘messed up’ after one of her father’s agents took off with all the actor’s money and disappeared.
And it wasn’t the only time having a famous father caused difficulties in her world – as she claims that when she was younger, she was ‘bullied’ for having a dad in the limelight following his appearance on Cop Shop.
Making history: Chelsea (pictured) began working as a plus-sized model from a young age, and went on to launch one of Australia’s first modelling agencies to include plus-size models – Bella Management
Throwback! Chelsea previously appeared in an underwear catalogue for retailer David Jones
It didn’t help that Tony was ‘always out’ when Chelsea was younger, with Tony admitting: ‘I wasn’t the world’s greatest father and husband’.
But years on, and Chelsea admits that she and Tony, now 76, are closer than ever – with the talent scout admitting that her experience of growing up with famous parents has shaped her adult life.
‘You shouldn’t compare your children to their parents – it’s such a damaging thing to do,’ she said.
Aspirations: Chelsea wants to be celebrated for her work in the industry – and is now even a successful author, writing Body Image Warrior about her journey to create Bella
Instead, Chelsea wants to be celebrated for her work in the industry – and is now a successful author, writing Body Image Warrior about her journey to create Bella.
For two years now, she’s also hosted the Bella Unsigned Model search, which aims to uncover talent of any size, gender orientation, age or ethnicity.
Chelsea previously spoke out about her experience in the modelling world – and why she wanted change – in an interview with Daily Mail Australia.
Fame: Tony Bonner was incredibly famous when Chelsea was growing up, thanks to his appearance in Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. Pictured Tony Bonner (right), Ken James (left)
‘There wasn’t really an industry back then, it was more a handful of specialised retailers who were catering for a ‘sub’ section of the fashion market,’ she said.
‘No one really thought of women with curves as sexy, fun, vivacious or powerful.
‘Because of our size we were considered irrelevant in terms of the beauty and fashion worlds.’
She continued: ‘Our beautiful young women glowing with health are told everyday they need to drastically change something or other to fit the ‘mould’.
‘That’s why it’s so important we break it.’
Success: Chelsea (far left) also hosts the Bella Unsigned Model search, which aims to uncover talent of any size, gender orientation, age or ethnicity