With Neighbours in its twenty-eighth season, it’s no wonder the long-running series has gone through well over five hundred different cast mates and that many have gone on from there to Hollywood and beyond. The following ten Hollywood heroes, small screen sensations and pop princesses share more than just an Australian accent; all of them once lived as Neighbours before making it big.
Guy Pearce:
This UK born action hero was one of the first Neighbours, playing Mike Young from 1986-1989. Although he only starred in two episodes, it was enough to launch his career. From Neighbours, Pearce went on to star in the television drama, LA Confidential, the crime flick, The Proposition, the action movie Memento, and the biopic Factory Girl. Catch him up next in Winged Creatures, coming out later this year.
Jason Donovan:
Another Neighbours cast mate, Jason Donovan played Scott Robinson from 1986-1989. After his short-lived Neighbours career, Donovan went on to become Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat, as well as to act in two television series, Echo Beach and MDA. However, Donovan will be remembered best as the husband of Ramsey Street alum, Kylie Minogue.
Kylie Minogue
Before becoming a chart topping pop sensation, Kylie Minogue played Charlene Mitchell from 1986-1989. Minogue continued her acting career with Moulin Rouge and Street Fighter before moving into singing. Now, on her Greatest Hits Tour, Minogue is considered one of Australia’s most popular and strong-willed singers.
Russell Crowe
Oscar winner Russell Crowe began his career on Ramsey Street as Kenny Larkin way back in 1987. New Zealand born, Australian bred, Crowe went on to become one of Hollywood’s most watched heroes starring in dozens of powerful flicks including The Insider, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, American Gangster and Cinderella Man. Next, fans can catch this talented Neighbours graduate in Body of Lies.
Natalie Imbrulia
Before becoming the beautiful voice behind the musical hit “Torn”, Imbrulia played Beth Willis, a resident of Erinsborough suburb from 1992-1994. After her Neighbours stint, Imbrulia moved into singing and movies including the comedy Johnny English. Watch this sensational songstress next as the leading lady in Elise, now in post-production.
Radha Mitchell
This talented actress has grown immensely since playing surf instructor Cassandra Rushmore on Neighbours. After her three years on Ramsey Street, from 1994-1997, Mitchell moved to Los Angeles to continue her career. Starring in creative flicks such as Phone Booth, Melinda and Melinda and Finding Neverland, Mitchell is now working on several new projects including The Code and The Seed, both due out in 2009.
Jesse Spencer
Before moving into medicine, House heartthrob Jesse Spencer played Billy Kennedy for nine years. In the 178 episodes on Neighbours as Dr. Carl and Susan’s handsome son, the audience saw many sides of this dynamic actor. Now, fans can catch Spencer as Dr. Robert Chase in Golden Globe winner House MD.
Natalie Bassingwaighte
As Dr. Carl Kennedy’s mistress, Isabelle Hoyland on Neighbours, Natalie Bassingwaighte introduced herself to the Australian audience. From there she moved into singing, as lead singer for the Rogue Traders, and even into dancing as the host for So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Catch this multi-talented performer in the horror movie Prey, out next year.
Delta Goodrem:
Twenty-three year old star Delta Goodrem made a name for herself as Neighbours’ Nina Tucker in 2002. From there the beautiful actress went on to develop her passion for singing, releasing one of the most successful albums, Innocent Eyes and DVD’s, Delta, in Australian history. She is currently enjoying the success of her latest album and fans can rest assured that there will be a lot more of this Neighbours’ alum in the future.
Holly Valance:
One of the youngest Neighbours, Holly Valance’s began her career in 2002 as Felicity Scully. From Ramsey Street, she moved into Hollywood films like Taken and Pledge This, television dramas including Prison Break, and even pop music with her hit “Kiss Kiss.” This twenty-two year old is currently still in Los Angeles pursuing a film career and working on her third album.
From Ramsey Street to the big screen, these ten talented Neighbours prove there is much more to be discovered outside of Erinsborough. With several fresh new faces appearing every week, one can only guess who will be the next Ramsey street resident to reach for the top of the entertainment world.
