Here’s The Home And Away Cast Now…
It only seems two minutes ago that we were watching the Home and Away cast and re-joining our sun-kissed friends for the latest drama…
The Australian soap – which has been filming for over 30 years – focusing mainly on the Fletcher family, was a home away from home and the characters stuck with us long after they left our screens.
So, what happened to the actors and actresses of Summer Bay?
Travis Nash (Nic Testoni) – THEN
Travis was the quintessential tanned surfer boy (but don’t let Brax hear us say that!) whose days in the sun were unfortunately cut short when a melanoma was found on his back; despite successful surgery and recovery, Travis wasn’t the same man afterwards – and soon began to isolate himself. In the end, he decided to leave Summer Bay and the bad memories behind (after being one of the original cast members), and started a new life in Canada with Rebecca.
Nic Testoni only starred on-screen once more after Home and Away, and that was in 2001 series BeastMaster; but, according to certain comments made in interviews, Nic was looking for experience in other areas of business, and not just in front of the camera. He went on to make documentaries, and now works in sales and radio.
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Nic Testoni (Travis Nash) – NOW
Sarah Thompson (Laura Vazquez) – THEN
Sarah only featured in the show for a few years – but those few years were filled with drama, drama and more drama. Sarah had to fend off an angry, jealous ex (ain’t nobody got time for that) and also battle a traumatic asthma attack; enough to push anybody away from Summer Bay, Sarah left the show – but did return for a few guest appearances in later years.
Like her Home and Away co-star, Vazquez landed a role on the series BeastMaster, and also appeared in All Saints. But in the years following 2005, Laura said farewell to being an actress, and has chosen instead to focus on her business as a makeup artist and beauty blogger (which is no surprise, as she looks fantastic these days!). She also regularly hangs out around Sydney’s (South Wales) Palm Beach (the soap operas home).
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Laura Vazquez (Sarah Thompson) – NOW
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br27kp2lwkg/
Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) – THEN
2000 saw the arrival of Noah, and with him came his – let’s say, eccentric – mother, who used to ward off evil spirits with candles (don’t try this at home, folks). Concentrating more on potential demons than her son, Noah’s bed caught fire and she was sent away to an institution. Noah went on to become involved with Sarah, who later shot him which resulted in him dying from his wounds – and haunting Hayley’s dreams afterwards.
Noah was actor Beau’s most notable role, but more recently he appeared in the series We Were Tomorrow along with working on the side as a personal trainer. In 2017, Beau was caught with cocaine in a bar and pleaded guilty to possession. Oh dear.
Beau Brady (Noah Lawson) – NOW
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2kpD-Al0k/
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Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) – THEN
One of the originals, Bobby was the last adopted child of the Fletcher family, and forever searching for her place to belong; unfortunately, when Bobby finally found love and happiness, she had a boating accident and fell into a coma until her life support was switched off after a week of no response – a reminder that it’s not all sun and joy by the beach. She did return as a ghost later in the series (someone light a candle!)
Actress Nicolle featured in various productions such as All Saints, G.P., Wishbone and Murder Call; she also did a spot of reality television in 2006, as herself, in Australian Celebrity Survivor. She now concentrates on her work as an accountant and bookkeeper.
Nicolle Dickson (Bobby Simpson) – NOW
Frank Morgan (Alex Papps) – THEN
Frank was also a foster child of the Fletcher family – and was also the first character ever to appear on the show. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also generally accepted as the original heartthrob (if you find mullets sexy, of course). Frank fell for Bobby and the two soon married, but he left her to be with Roo instead. After failing to win Bobby back (no surprise there, Frank) he officially left the show, but did do a few guest appearances.
Alex Papps is now best known for the successful children’s television series Play School – alongside the actress who played Roo, no less (just couldn’t keep away!). He is looking to reignite his acting career, though, and has appeared on the series Offspring. Good luck to you, Alex!
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Alex Papps (Frank Morgan) – NOW
Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) – THEN
The role of Tasha was created specifically for actress Isabel following her audition for another role in the show which didn’t quite suit her; and we’re eternally grateful, seeing as the show wouldn’t have felt quite the same without her. Tasha arrives on the show disoriented and a little strange, and we soon learned her backstory of survivalist parents; she also goes on to join a cult and falls pregnant during the series, but her story ends happy (sort of) when she manages to escape to Boston.
Isabel Lucas won an award for her role in Home and Away; she also went on to star in Blockbuster movies such as Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen (Autobots – roll out!) and Daybreakers, as well as roles in Chasing Comets, Emerald City and MacGyver. Isabel is also a keen environmentalist.
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Isabel Lucas (Tasha Andrews) – NOW
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq12oHlg_-w/
Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) – THEN
Sally was, personally, one of my favourite characters – and she was the longest-running original female cast member until she left in 2008. But – as seems to be a common theme down in Summer Bay – Sally reappeared as a guest in multiple episodes following her departure. Sally has various lovers throughout the series and a run of unsuccessful relationships – she also abandons her dreams of being an archaeologist to become a teacher, though eventually she makes plans with Cassie to leave Summer Bay and go travelling. Probably a smart move.
Despite her success in Home and Away, Kate Ritchie’s career as an actress went a little downhill following the show – but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t kept herself busy. She published a children’s book – the latest celebrity trend – in 2016, and is also a brand ambassador for QV Skincare.
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Kate Ritchie (Sally Fletcher) – NOW
Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton (Stephen Peacocke) – THEN
Darryl Braxton – better known, rather creatively, as ‘Brax’ – appeared on the show in 2011; Brax and his brethren were known around Summer Bay as ‘The River Boys’, a rather fearsome surfer group (because apparently being an awesome surfer is a scary thing). Brax fell head over heels for Charlie Buckton, who unfortunately died in the show, forcing Brax to channel his grief by cage-fighting – because there are some pains surfing just can’t cure. His last appearance was in 2016, and we were sad to see him go.
Stephen Peacocke went on to star in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, played a detective in Australian TV series Wanted and starred alongside our favourite Khaleesi in the film adaption of Me Before You (he brought a whole new meaning to ‘sexy nurse’, remember?)
Stephen Peacocke (Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton) – NOW
James Hudson (Simon Baker) – THEN
James was the dishy photography teacher at Summer Bay High – and, disappointingly, he only appeared in 19 episodes of the whole show. Following her split with Luke, Roxy Miller became involved romantically with James (because who wouldn’t?) but, sadly, their hook up was short-lived, and James left Summer Bay after Roxy broke his heart (and ours in the process).
Luckily for us, Simon Baker’s golden locks didn’t disappear into insignificance, and he went on to star in movies such as L.A Confidential, The Devil Wears Prada and I Give It A Year. Simon has also dabbled in the horror genre, starring in The Ring Two and Land of the Dead. He’s probably now most recognisable for the leading role in long running TV series The Mentalist.
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Simon Baker (James Hudson) – NOW
https://www.instagram.com/p/BswYkJTnSMY/
Dani Sutherland (Tammin Sursok) – THEN
If Sarah thought she had a rough time with an asthma attack, she clearly hadn’t met Dani in Summer Bay – Dani was raped by Kane Phillips, on whom she got revenge by hitting him with her car, and was unfortunately sent to jail despite the reasons for her attack. Enough to drive anyone out, Dani broke off her engagement and left Summer Bay in 2004.
Actress Tammin is most recognisable for her role as Jenna Marshall on the hit TV series Pretty Little Liars (so many hours of my life I will never get back) though you might not recognise her without her black glasses! She has also appeared in The Young and The Restless, Hannah Montana and Aquamarine.
Tammin Sursok (Dani Sutherland) – NOW
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwfbY_6g8YH/
Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth) – Then
Kim was the show’s heartthrob (obviously!) who dropped out of school quickly and managed to whip his top off at any opportunity possible. He originally auditioned to play the role of Robbie Huneter, but Home and Away’s producers rejected his application and opted for Jason Smith for the role instead. Luckily (for both Chris and us) he was asked to come back to audition for the part of Kim – when he landed his big break! Chris said:
‘The role in Home and Away is consistent work for me and is a great experience. It is so fast-paced and basically it allows me to learn a lot about the industry.’
Chris Hemsworth (Kim Hyde) – Now
After leaving the show, the actor continued in the industry and managed to pursue a career in Hollywood. He landed a fair few successful roles, including Vacation, Avengers abd the one we all know him for: Thor. The heartthrob now spends most his time moving between Bondi Beach and L.A and is married *cries* to Spanish actress, Elsa Pataky, whom he shares three children with.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwbvdx6DAGR/
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Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes) – Then
Hayes started acting early at the tender age of 8 and although she was approached by scouts in the modelling industry, she opted to turn to acting. After majoring in the McDonald College for Performing Arts in Strathfield (in drama, of course), she was cast as her defining role, Kirsty Phillips in 2002 and stayed part of the show for nine years.
Christie Hayes (Kirsty Phillips) – Now
Hayes made the rather Aussie move from Home and Away to Neighbours and remains in the industry. She recently married her second hubbie (2016), a wine broker, who she shares a son with named Hendrix Walter White.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuNhVrqjZ0I/
Nick Smith (Chris Egan) – Then
Before Home and Away, Chris had dabbled both in the commercial and modelling industry. His first acting roles were in major productions, West Side Story and Les Misérables.
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Chris Egan (Nick Smith) – Now
When Chris left his role as Nick Smith in Home and Away, he ended up landing many roles on TV, as well as in film. You’ll probably recognise him nowadays as Alex Lannon from Dominion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmmw-Sunq8H/
Shannon Reed (Isla Fisher) – Then
Isla was cast as Shannon on the popular soap back in 1994. The troublesome high school girl who attempted to stir things up on the soap was nominated for a Logic Award as the ‘Most Popular’ actress for her performance on the soap. Her part in the soap ended as Shannon revealed she was bisexual and moved away from Summer Bay to live with her new partner.
Isla Fisher (Shannon Reed)– Now
Home and Away was a big stepping stone for actress Fisher, who moved on the big things including rom coms Wedding Crashers, Bachelorette and Confessions of a Shopaholic. She’s moved married to actor and comedian Sasha Baron Cohen and they have two children.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNwmcTBkjb/
We’re looking forward to seeing where the likes of Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou) (yes, the one from dancing with the stars), Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), Irene Roberts (Lynne Mcgranger) and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) are in 10 years time!
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