This BaBS post might be slightly ranty, so please bear with me. So, with Neighbours about to air its final episode in Australia in the next few weeks, I wanted to talk about something that has almost annoyed me about some soap opera actors. Before we begin, I want to say that I’m not a Neighbours fan. I’ve seen bits and pieces over the years, but that’s as far as it goes. It was never something I grew up with, like with Home and Away.
I don’t have anything against Neighbours. It just wasn’t something I was interested in. However, the topic of today’s BaBS post is how some soap opera actors aren’t grateful for their beginnings. I’ve seen a few over the years, and it’s truly appalling how someone can forget how they got their big break.
Now, I do not believe Hollywood’s glitz is to blame. You have people like Chris Hemsworth, who was on Home and Away and appreciates his time on the show. It taught him so much. What’s more, he has been open about it. So much so that he had a cameo in The Diner, he still has friends on the show. He also helped his cousin, Luke Van Os, who plays Xander, prepare for his audition.
Then, you get people like Isla Fisher who disregard their time on the soap opera they worked on. Melissa George is in a similar camp. However, unlike Isla, Melissa went through a lot personally when she trashed her beginnings. She has since apologised.
While I appreciate her apologising for her outburst, it doesn’t excuse her comments. Her words are out there for the entire world to see, and there’s no taking them back.
Hollywood Is Not The Problem, Nor Is Being On A Soap Opera
So many actors started in a soap opera of some sort, not just in Australia but all around the world. George Clooney got started on ER. While I’m unsure whether that counts as a medical drama, I will include it. The late Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as T’Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, got his start on the soap opera All My Children. Later, the part he played would be recast with Michael B. Jordan, who would later portray his cousin in Black Panther.
Australian examples include Chris Hemsworth’s younger brother, Liam, who was on Neighbours and had a minor role in Home and Away. Another is Margot Robbie, who played Donna on Neighbours. Singer Kylie Minogue made it big in the music industry after her stint as Charlene on Neighbours in the 80s.
When Neighbours hit a massive milestone, Hollywood stars who were on the show, like Margot, sent in videos of congratulations, this is how it should be. Not sweeping the past under the rug like it never happened.
Anyone who has made it big in Hollywood has had to work hard to get there. It doesn’t just happen overnight. It is well documented that many American filmmakers love working with Australian cast and crew because of their work ethics. Is it any wonder why Chris Hemsworth has been Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 11 years?
The Past Will Always Be There
Hollywood doesn’t change who you are. The opportunities are what you make them. Yes, there is a load of former soap opera actors who made it big, but there is a record of their past. They can ignore it all they please, but it doesn’t make them less of a star. They are ashamed of their beginnings and don’t want their hotshot A-list friends to know.
Who cares if they know? All A-listers got their start in minor roles before they made it big. Look at director Ron Howard as an example. One of his early acting roles was on the sitcom Happy Days. Now, he’s directed prominent names like Tom Hanks in the Di Vinci Code and been a part of Star Wars by taking over directorial duties on Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Ron’s work inspired his daughter, Bryce, to become an actor and director. She may have also been influenced by her uncle, Clint and her mother, Cheryl, who are also actors.
Former soap opera actors don’t need to be ashamed of their past. Did they become huge in Hollywood? It depends on their standing within the broader showbiz community of Los Angeles and abroad. Why Isla refuses to acknowledge her past in Home and Away, I don’t know, nor do I care. She was on the show when I was young and not old enough to remember.
Ignoring your past will only make people ask the same question. It doesn’t change who you are, and I can guarantee it won’t change your work ethic or people’s views of you.
Just my fifty cents as I am: I am tired of former soap actors being horrible about the shows that made them famous.
