Comedian and writer Em Rusciano has revealed the true extent of her friendship with fellow Australian Idol contestant Rob Mills (yes, in case you forgot, Em placed ninth on the second season of the show in 2004).
Speaking to Rob on her radio show on Sunday night, Rusciano told listeners that Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills once paid $16,000 worth of her bills.
“The misconception about you is that you’re a bit of a dick…” began Em, before revealing she wanted to let Australia know “about an amazing thing you did for me”.
"When I was very much down and out - I’d lost my job in radio, my husband and I had split up, I’d moved in with my parents, I had no money in the bank - I found myself out front of your house, spread eagle on the footpath sobbing," she said.
"I was laying out front of your house crying and you kind of carried me inside and said, 'What’s wrong?' and I just spewed everything out.
"I said, 'I owe money everywhere, they’re going to take my car, I can’t pay the girls’ school fees, I’ve got no money'."
After hearing about his friend's financial struggles, the singer offered to pay all of her bills.
"What are you going to do? The kids are not going to go to school, you’re going to lose your car which you need to get around. I looked at you not just as a good mate, but as a good investment," Mills laughed of his decision.
"I just know that you needed help, and if I was in the same situation you would be like, ‘Yep, absolutely’. That’s what friends do. Money is just money, it comes and it goes," he continued.
Em revealed that her friend's generosity was a "real turning point" for her, and his help propelled her to get back on even ground.
"You still put money in my account each week until I got a job, and I think that it's really important that everyone knows that about you," she said.
Oh, Millsy, you truly are the unexpected hero of Australian Idol.
Tips for a Happy Home with Em Rusciano.
Top Comments
This is a great story about Millsy. I was in a tough period of my life 4 years ago now & found myself out of work, broken up with my husband had two teenage girls to look after. Slept in my car for two weeks before agreeing to just 'move in' with ex (as it were his children too & we needed to keep them safe and leading a normal life) we'd been separated for over 3 years by this stage. But it's a funny thing though; even though I had lots of freinds there was really no one I could actually turn to for help. I found out really quickly what community organisations could help. I had not one cent to my name and a crappy little car. Then I got quite ill and things have sort of stayed the same. I can barely walk with the ailment I've got now. But regarding money, I once had someone say to me "Money isn't everything"......well I'm calling bullshit on that one because MONEY is everything when your that bloody low. It is. It's food, it's a safe roof over your kids heads, it's warm clothing...IT IS EVERYTHING. I know some people also say that 'Money gives you choices' well that's wrong as well because it only gives you choices when you have a lot. I spiralled down in life & struggled to make my way back up again and I'm still struggling. It's not a place I want to be...at 54.
I'm so sorry to see that you are struggling and having such a tough time of it. I really wish you all the best and may unexpected strokes of luck and unexpected blessings come your way to ease your situation. All the best.
Thx Hun love that you took the time to read my blurb. If anything it was cathartic for the likes of 'me' I guess. And I hope I get a few 'unexpected strokes of luck' THANKYOU ✨
More stories like this please! What a lovely thing to do :)