Star on the rise and Kamilaroi actor Coco Jack Gillies is no stranger to the limelight. The young talent has grown up in front of the camera starring in Ruby's Choice with veteran Jane Seymour and took to animation as the voice of Maya in Maya the Bee Movie in 2014.

Gillies now makes her move to the small screen in a leading role as Claire Spears in Foxtel's The Twelve.

Gillies spent some time with National Indigenous Times recently and took the time to answer some questions about her career and what she hopes for in the future as a First Nations creative.

1. What makes you proud to be First Nations?

I'm proud that I am able to share my heritage openly and freely with the world. I feel like it is my duty to proudly express my Indigenous heritage and educate others on Aboriginal peoples, as my ancestors were not able to do so. I'm proud that as a light-skinned First Nations person, I am able to be a part of this educational period that is sweeping across Australia, teaching Australians that blackfullas come in all colours and that my connection to country and my passion for my mob and heritage is not determined by the colour of my skin.

2. What was it like starring alongside Jane Seymour in Ruby's Choice?

Working with Jane was such an enlightening experience. She is one of the kindest people I've ever met and I'm so grateful to have created the bond I have with her. We text each other from time to time, she even calls herself Aunty Jane to me and has always promised me a warm welcome into her home when I head over to the United States. I learnt so much while on set with her about our craft and I'm so glad I was able to leave the set of Ruby's Choice with both a great friend and a person to look up to.

3. You played the voice of MAYA in Maya the Bee Movie in 2014. What was it like moving into animation?

I adore working on animated films. Being able to show up on set in my pyjamas was definitely a plus. I did the first Maya the Bee film when I was 10 years old and finished the third film when I was 14 so I definitely grew up playing Maya and became very comfortable in the studio. I loved what working in animation taught me about the power of voice and how you are able to bring a character to life without physically appearing on screen. I look forward to working on more animation projects in the future.

4. Your latest role has seen you move to the small screen in Foxtel's The Twelve. Can you tell us about the show?

The show follows a woman (Kate Mulvany) who is accused of killing her niece Claire Spears, my character. The show gives great insight into true Australian identity through the diversity displayed within the characters of the jury members, exploring social issues such as racism, domestic violence and police brutality. As time goes by, the trial becomes not only a trial for the accused, but for the jury members themselves. The Twelve is a gripping Australian drama with incredible writing, cinematography and a highly talented cast featuring long-time pros such as Sam Neil as well as talented young newcomers. You can stream The Twelve now on Foxtel and Binge!

5. Your character in The Twelve is Claire Spears. Was this an easy character to take on and are you at all similar to her?

Claire was not an easy character to play, but that made the results of the show even more rewarding. I had some very heavy scenes throughout the show which required a lot of emotional and physical energy. I drew on my inner teenage angst in order to play Claire and I would say that I related her feelings to a younger me. I had a very deep love for Claire, as she was almost a younger version of myself in my mind. A version of me that I had healed and grown from, so it was difficult to bring those elements back but it created very powerful scenes on screen. My performance in The Twelve allowed me to push myself whilst demonstrating to Australian audiences my ability. It is a difficult transition from child to adult actor, but The Twelve gave me the opportunity to show a deeper, stronger performance which I believe has set me up for my future career as a young adult in this industry.

6. What has been the biggest challenge for you while working in the industry?

Balancing school and my career were always a challenge. I completed three television series across my last year of high school, which placed some strain on my studies across the HSC. I contemplated dropping out multiple times, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle managing both sides. I'm proud of myself for finishing school with positive results and setting an example for my younger siblings, but I'm also very relieved that I've now graduated and am able to prioritise my career. I always felt I was in a bubble, and that I could see everything I wanted to achieve with my career but couldn't fully pursue it due to school, but now that this barrier is gone, I'm ready to push forward my career in full force.

7. First Nation representation in the industry is growing. How does it feel to be a part of that change?

Being a light skinned First Nations actor has always posed its challenges. I used to get really frustrated because I would be put up for auditions that were Aboriginal characters, but no matter how hard I prepared, the roles always went to darker skinned Aboriginal actors. I'm glad that the world is beginning to recognise that First Nations People come in all colours and that our identity isn't defined by our skin. I believe that the entertainment industry is a great pathway that has the ability to change people's perspectives on First Nations representation. I made a mini documentary about this called "But What Percent?" on YouTube, where I looked into the racial and social discrimination towards light-skinned Aboriginal people, particularly through representation within film and the media. I'm so glad that I am blessed with a platform to help grow First Nation representation and I feel proud and excited that I am a part of a change in perspective and culture across our country. I'm so proud of every single First Nations actor, model or artist that I see achieving the recognition they deserve, and I hope the number of mob who are given this opportunity continues to grow.

8. If there was any word of advice you could give to another First Nation's actor coming through what would you say?

Keep pursuing your passions. You have art, song and storytelling running through your veins. There are challenges that you will face throughout this journey as this industry is tough, but it is integral that you stay true to yourself. Work hard to break stereotypes and don't allow people to place you in a box. Good luck and I'm proud of you.