List of Neighbours characters (1987)
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that was first broadcast on 18 March 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the serial in 1987, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by the show's executive producer Reg Watson. The third season of Neighbours began airing on 12 January 1987. [|Harold Bishop] arrived during the same month. February saw the introductions of [|Bouncer] and [|Henry Mitchell], son of established character Madge Mitchell. In March, Fiona Corke began playing Gail Lewis and Ernie Bourne took on the role of Gail's adoptive father, [|Rob]. April saw the arrival of businessman Mr. Udagawa. Anne Scott-Pendlebury began appearing as [|Hilary Robinson] in June. The following month saw the first appearances of new doctor Beverly Marshall, played by Lisa Armytage, Gino Rossini and Melanie Pearson. July also saw the birth of [|Jamie Clarke], son of Des and Daphne Clarke. Briony Behets began playing [|Amanda Harris] in August. Russell Crowe was introduced as [|Kenny Larkin] the following month. October saw the arrivals of [|Sally Wells] and [|Greg Cooper]. Nick Carrafa began playing mechanic [|Tony Romeo] in November.
Harold Bishop
Harold Bishop, played by Ian Smith, made his first screen appearance as Harold during the episode broadcast on 30 January 1987. He departed in September 1991, but returned five years later in October 1996. Harold remained on screen for over twelve years, making him one of the longest-running characters in the show's history. Smith announced his departure from Neighbours in August 2008. Following a cancer storyline, Harold made his final appearance on 27 February 2009. In December 2010, Smith revealed that he would be reprising his role and Harold returned on 9 May 2011. Harold is described as being "indecisive, considerate, stuffy and reserved." Smith has earned various award nominations for his role as Harold. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, he was nominated for "Funniest Performance". The following year saw Smith nominated for "Funniest Performance" again and "Best Actor". In 2009, Smith was once again nominated for "Funniest Performance" and "Best Storyline" for Harold's cancer. That same year he was nominated for the "Most Popular Personality" and "Most Popular Actor" Logie Awards.Bouncer
Bouncer made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 February 1987 and he exited the series on 12 February 1993 after six years. He was trained by Luke Hura.,When Neighbours needed a golden Labrador puppy, they turned to animal trainer Luke Hura and his canine actors agency, who provided them with Bouncer. Bouncer was paid more than the human actors and Hura revealed that he was worth between $100,000 and $200,000. Bouncer's fan cards became the most popular out of any cast member. One of Bouncer's most famous storylines had him dreaming that he was marrying Rosie, Clarrie McLachlan's Sheepdog, who lived next door. During an interview, Anne Charleston said "The whole cast was mortified about that! It reduced it to a three-year-old's programme. It was very strange."Thirteen weeks after finishing his final scenes on Neighbours, Bouncer died of cancer aged seven. Following his death, Bouncer was sent more tributes from fans around the world than any of the human cast.
MSN TV editor Lorna Cooper also commented on Bouncer and his dream stating: "Neighbours featured some bizarre dream sequences: there was the Christmas edition with Mike Young and Shane Ramsay as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and the episode in which Harold Bishop fantasised about being a Scottish laird. But nothing has topped Bouncer the Labrador's dream that he was marrying Clarrie McLachlan's dog, Rosie. What were the writers thinking?" Bouncer's dream was later named the second "weirdest" storyline in the show's history.
Henry Ramsay
Henry Ramsay, played by Craig McLachlan. He made his first on-screen appearance on 19 February 1987. Henry departed on 23 November 1989. McLachlan won three Logie Awards for his role as Henry during his time with Neighbours. He was also nominated for 'Most Popular Personality'. The following year he won the 'Most Popular Actor' award again and 'Most Popular Personality'. Following the departure of Peter O'Brien, producers began a search for a new "hunk" to keep the female viewers interested. McLachlan was 21 when he auditioned for Neighbours and despite having no prior acting experience, apart from a brief appearance in Sons and Daughters, he was cast as Henry Mitchell. McLachlan initially signed on to Neighbours for six weeks. Henry was described as "living under a cloud of suspicion" from the other neighbours after they learnt about his criminal record. He was also described as being streetwise, irresistible and a ladies man. Henry counteracted his "beefy image" by being a bit mischievous and "good for a laugh". This led to him being called the "Punk who turned Hunk" by John Kercher in his 1989 Neighbours: facts, features, interviews with your favourite TV stars book. McLachlan described his character as being "fun-loving" and "wacky".In the UK, 16.6 million viewers watched Henry leave Ramsay Street in 1991.
Gail Robinson
Gail Lewis, played by Fiona Corke. She made her first appearance on-screen on 11 March 1987. She departed on 27 June 2007. She made guest appearances in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Corke described her time on the show as "an amazing experience" and added "It was so full on and so huge you didn't know if you were an actor or in a pop group half the time." In 1988, Corke became one of ten actors from the show who were flown to London to perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance. Corke departed Neighbours in 1989 after deciding she wanted to experience life outside of the show. In 2005, Corke was one of many ex-cast members who made a return to Neighbours to appear in an episode celebrating the show's 20th anniversary. In December 2009, Stefan Dennis called for the return of Gail and Corke. The BBC said Gail's most notable moment was "Running off with the triplets." Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture said Gail was the "most well-remembered" of Paul's wives. Of Gail and Paul's relationship The Sydney Morning Herald said "we fretted for what seemed like days until Gail Lewis sashayed into Mr R's love zone. We knew from the start that Paul and Gail were star crossed. But who could have predicted that one love's rose could have so many thorns."Rob Lewis
Robert "Rob" Lewis, played by Ernie Bourne, made his first appearance on 17 March 1987. Neil Wallis and Dave Hogan, authors of The Neighbours Factfile described Rob as "a nice ordinary guy with very simple tastes, though a bit too fond of both his favourite beer – Tooheys – and betting." They also added that he was a "mechanical genius", who could rebuild any car. A writer for BBC Online said the character's most notable moment as "Arriving drunk and embarrassing Gail".Rob opens his own garage in Erinsborough and moves into Number 22 Ramsay Street with his adopted daughter, Gail. He moves out when Gail marries Paul Robinson but remains local. He goes into partnership with Harold Bishop but problems crop up due to the two men being polar opposites and constant arguing. Matters are made worse when Rob tries to woo Madge Ramsay and the final straw comes when Harold accuses Rob of stealing money from the garage which Rob confesses to. Rob reveals he took the money to pay off debts incurred by betting on racehorses. Harold is annoyed and sells his half of the business to Jim Robinson. Rob causes embarrassment at a dinner party on the eve of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell's wedding by showing up late and drunk. He flirts with Hilary Robinson much to her annoyance. Rob misses the wedding due to a hangover, but redeems himself by giving Charlene indenture papers for a four-year apprenticeship at the garage as a wedding present.
When Gail decides to look for her biological parents, Rob is upset at the idea. Gail is distraught to discover her biological mother, Louise is dead but finds her father, Ian Chadwick. Rob, out of jealousy, confronts Ian and warns him away. His plan backfires and Gail is disgusted and refuses to speak to Rob until he apologises to Ian. Rob grows more and more stubborn and competes for Gail's affections with Ian by buying gifts for Gail and Paul's wedding anniversary. Gail tells Rob, no matter what, he will always be her real father and he apologises and gives Ian his blessing to remain in contact with Gail.
Rob meets Gloria Gardner and falls in love with her. Gail is unimpressed due to Gloria's dress sense and loud personality. Their engagement is met with hostility from Gail and Gloria's son Dean, but they realise their respective single parents love each other and are meant to be together. Paul soon discovers Rob is receiving stolen parts in order to save money and an argument ensues resulting in Rob driving off in a rainstorm and crashing his car. He is hospitalized with serious injuries and comatose for several days. Rob regains consciousness and tells Gloria and Gail to look after each other before going into cardiac arrest and dying.
Mr Udagawa
Toshiro Udagawa, played by Lawrence Mah, made his first appearance on 23 April 1987 and made intermittent appearances over the next five years. In 2017, Mah returned to the serial.In 2005, Mr. Udagawa topped a BBC website poll of "Top 20 Most Obscure Neighbours characters". Readers described him as "a legendary Japanese businessman who seemed to spend his entire career visiting Paul Robinson at Lassiter's. The part of Mr Udagawa did not call for huge dialogue, but it was nonetheless played with a kind of brooding yet dignified menace. It's a great pity that Mr Udagawa was not asked back for the 20th anniversary celebrations, as it would have been nice to see how his career has progressed since those Erinsborough-obsessed days of the late 1980s."
Mr. Udagawa is a client of the Daniels Corporation. He deals with Rosemary Daniels' nephew
Paul Robinson and is impressed to learn Rosemary's mother Helen Daniels also runs her own chauffeur business "Home James". Paul invites Mr. Udagawa to dinner and is successful and steps up his quest to secure a business deal by announcing that he and Gail Lewis are engaged to be married. Mr. Udagawa then presents them with a Bonsai tree and later gives them a Japanese scroll when he returns. After witnessing some domestics and the truth about Paul and Gail's engagement, Mr Udagawa decides against making any further deals with Paul. However, Gail is able to talk him into signing with the corporation. He returns in 1989 and begins doing business with the pacific bank. Des Clarke, learns Japanese in order to impress Mr. Udagawa but he mixes up the phrases and accidentally refers to all Japanese women as "dirty" instead of beautiful. Des is briefly fired but Paul is able to explain matters. While attending dinner at Number 28 with his wife Mrs Udagawa, Mr. Udagawa assumes that Des is engaged to Kerry Bishop, prompting jealousy from Joe Mangel who barges in, attempting to attack Des but in the process knocking himself out. Mr. Udagawa reappears in 1992 and meets Paul's father, Jim for a drink, but the meeting is cut short when Jim's daughter Lucy goes for a late-night swim in Lassiter's pond. He later asks Paul to take over the running of some hotels in Hawaii and Paul accepts.
25 years later, Mr. Udagawa returns to Erinsborough and meets with Paul at his motel complex, Robinsons, which he previously owned under the name the Erins Burrow Motel. Leo Tanaka is convinced that Mr Udagawa's son, Hiro is his biological father as his mother Kim Tanaka had previously had a relationship with him but Mr. Udagawa confirms Hiro was overseas when Leo and his brother David Tanaka were conceived. When Mr Udagawa is prepared to withdraw his investment from the hotel after manager Terese Willis lies about her cancer diagnosis, Paul persuades him to give her another chance, which he does.
Hilary Robinson
Hilary Robinson, played by Anne Scott-Pendlebury first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 25 June 1987. She returned in 1988 in a guest capacity and then returned in a permanent role in 1989. The character departed the show on 28 February 1990. Scott-Pendlebury reprised her role in 2005 for the serial's 20th anniversary episode. Hilary was central to many storylines including Tax evasion, animal rights and interfering with her neighbours personal lives. Ruth Deller of entertainment website Lowculture commented on Hilary stating: "Jim's cousin Hilary was one of the street's best busybodies. She was mostly a recurring guest character in the series, although she did have a stint as a permanent resident. She was a bit of a 'fusspot' but with her heart in the right place". To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Neighbours, the BBC asked readers to nominate their 20 favourite obscure characters. Hilary came in fourth place and the readers called her "perpetually bitchy and irascible – got on everyone's nerves and was hugely funny". They added, "Appeared sporadically in the late 80s. She wasn't based in Erinsborough but somehow got Jim and Beverly together -as if Dr Bev would ever have been a friend of such an old witch!!". In Neighbours: The Official Annual 1991, John McCready and Nicola Furlong said that Sharon Davies never got any peace and tranquillity when Hilary was around. They also said Scott-Pendlebury had made a mark on Neighbours. A writer from Inside Soap branded Hilary Ramsay Street's "strait-laced resident".Beverly Marshall
Beverly Marshall made her first on-screen appearance on 6 July 1987. The character was originally played by Lisa Armytage and Shaunna O'Grady took over from Armytage and began playing the character from 16 March 1989 until her departure on 5 September 1990. In 2005, O'Grady became one of many ex-cast members who made a return to Neighbours to appear in an episode celebrating the show's 20th anniversary. Beverly was named as a "firm favourite with viewers" in John Kercher's 1989 book, Neighbours: facts, features, interviews with your favourite TV stars. Kercher also named Beverly's relationship with Jim as "intriguing". Ruth Deller named Beverly as Ramsay Street's "superdoc". In another feature, Lowculture called Beverly the "resident awesome all-powerful Neighbours doctor who came inbetween Clive Gibbons and Karl Kennedy". The BBC said Beverly's most notable moment was "When she slapped one of her patients."Gino Rossini
Gino Rossini, played by Joey Perrone, made his first on-screen appearance on 22 July 1987. and left on 31 July. Producers hired Perrone to play a two-week guest role on the show. His main profession was a singer and Gino was his first ever acting role. Perrone was as "nervous as hell" when he began filming, but fellow cast members helped him out. Gino is an Italian character who arrives in Erinsborough to work at Daphne Clarke coffee shop. Perrone told Kelly Bourne from TV Week that Gino is the son of a chef who was supposed to start work in the coffee shop. Gino's father is too ill and he decides to do the work for him. Gino is a "happy go lucky" character with a "lovable and easy going nature". He also takes to charming the females in the show and even tries to steal Mike Young's girlfriend Jane Harris. Perrone explained that "Gino sees that Jane and Mike have fallen out and Jane is unhappy so he offers to cheer her up and take her out."Gino is hired by Daphne to work in the coffee shop after she is impressed by his references, but he reveals they are his sick father's and he cannot cook at all. However, Gino's father is offered the job once he recovers. Gino briefly dates Melanie Pearson before leaving.
Jamie Clarke
James Kingsley "Jamie" Clarke made his first appearance on 30 July 1987, following his birth. The character was originally played by Sarah Jane Dey from the character's birth and introduction. Ryder Susman briefly took over the role in 1989, before Dey returned. Dey said she had to leave because of her hair length. In 1989, brothers Nicholas and James Mason took over the role of Jamie until his departure in 1990. In 2003, the character returned, this time played by Angus McLaren. A writer for the BBC described Jamie's most notable moments as "Being involved in a car crash which left his mother, Daphne in a coma" and "Returning to the Street in 2004 to claim his inheritance."Melanie Pearson
Melanie Pearson played by Lucinda Cowden, made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 July 1987. The character departed on 24 October 1991. Cowden joined the cast of Neighbours as Melanie for seven episodes in 1987. She returned for six episodes the following year. Cowden left to star in The Power, The Passion, but after the show was cancelled Cowden decided to call the Neighbours producer about a return. In 2005, Cowden reprised her role for NeighboursAmanda Harris
Amanda Harris, played by Briony Behets, made her first appearance on 13 August 1987. The character was introduced in an effort to explore Jane Harris's backstory. Amanda comes to Erinsborough to reconnect with her daughter, having abandoned her to start a new life in Hong Kong. Amanda was described as being a "glamorous but ageing socialite" by a columnist for TV Week. When a "scheming" Amanda notices how attractive Jane has become, she tries competing against her in order to get more attention.Amanda returns to Erinsborough after learning her mother, Nell Mangel, has suffered a heart attack. Amanda tells Nell she will take care of her house while she recovers. Amanda also tries to reconnect with her daughter, Jane. She notices that Jane is wearing make-up and no longer wears her glasses. Fearing Jane is now more attractive than she is, Amanda manipulates her daughter into removing her make-up, tying her hair back, and wearing her glasses again. Jane's confidence suffers, but she is pleased to have Amanda back. Amanda clashes with her mother's neighbour Madge Ramsay. Madge's son Henry is attracted to Amanda but backs off when he realises she is Jane's mother. Amanda then tells Henry, who is interested in Jane that Jane is only dating him to make Mike Young jealous. She also butts heads with Madge when she accuses her of causing Nell's heart attack several months earlier. Amanda slowly manages to alienate most of Jane's friends with her behaviour. When Mike confronts Amanda about being jealous, she slaps him.
It soon emerges that Amanda only has returned to Erinsborough to hide, as she has committed insurance fraud. Nell and Jane ask her to leave and she returns to Hong Kong. The following year, Jane phones Amanda, inviting her to attend to Nell's wedding to John Worthington but Amanda tells her she is too busy attend. Amanda's brother Joe overhears the conversation, takes the receiver and tells her off for being too selfish to attend their mother's wedding before hanging up.
Kenny Larkin
Kenny Larkin, played by Russell Crowe made his first appearance on 21 September 1987. Kenny is introduced as a former cellmate of Henry Ramsay. The part of Kenny was Crowe's first recurrent television role and lasted four episodes. In a biography about Crowe written by Martin Howden, Crowe initially expressed reluctance to take on the role. "I was reading the script and I'm thinking, 'This is awful'. Then I get to the last scene and I've got to punch Craig McLachlan, and Jason Donovan tries to break up the fight, while Kylie Minogue is riding on my back trying to strangle me. And I went "I'll do it.". Crowe claimed he had been paid more money for the four episodes he appeared in than his whole season at The Melbourne Theatre. British newspapers reported that Crowe was to reprise role as part of the serial's 20th Anniversary celebrations in 2005 but his representative later confirmed that this was not true.Of his casting in a later interview, Crowe said "I was on the set for three hours one morning…it is really unfair to keep associating me with the show." In a feature chronicling successful Neighbours alumni, The Sydney Morning Herald described Kenny as a "small-time crook". The Mirror described Kenny, who they listed at Number 9 in a list of 23 Neighbours actors who left to conquer Hollywood, as "a dodgy ex-con, who was up to no good at all". Wales Online labeled Kenny "a bruiser".
Henry makes a $50 bet with Kenny that he can beat him in a darts competition held at Waterhole, where Henry works, but Kenny hustles him by feigning an arm injury and having his sister, B.B. throw for him. B.B. plays terribly at first but when Henry doubles the bet she scores a bullseye, leaving Henry $100 out of pocket. A few days later, Henry buys a round of drinks with a $50 note and Kenny memorizes the last three serial digits and causes trouble for Henry and his mother Madge by telling her she shortchanged him and after Kenny recites the serial number to Madge and Henry's boss, Paul Robinson, she gives Kenny $45 in change. Madge and Henry are both in the frame for a scheme and an enraged Henry threatens Kenny with violence until he confesses everything. The following week, Kenny begins a smear campaign against Henry exposing his criminal past to his gardening clients. Henry confronts him and a fight breaks out at Lassiter's and Scott Robinson tries to break it up. Paul witnesses the scene and bars Kenny from the complex for good.
Hadley Freeman of The Guardian jokingly asked in her article on Crowe's auction following his divorce from Danielle Spencer; "Where is Kenny Larkin's leather jacket?" in regard to his lack of souvenirs from his time on Neighbours. Freeman further asked "Where is Bouncer’s lead? A napkin from Lassiter's? A business card from Helen Daniels' taxi service, Home James? It's really like Russell doesn't appreciate cultural history."
Sally Wells
Sally Wells, played by Rowena Mohr debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 15 October 1987. The character was created as the sister of Des Clarke and a new love interest for Henry Ramsay. In September 1987 it was announced that actress Rowena Mohr had been cast as Sally. Of her casting Mohr said she was nervous because the serial was in its peak popularity at the time, but the cast helped her to settle in. The serial's producer axed the character, with Mohr citing that she felt they didn't think Sally fitted in with new storylines they were planning. She then left to pursue projects in the UK, she later revealed that she would never reprise the role. Sally is characterised by her constant need to have things her own way. She has been described as a strikingly pretty woman, catching the attention of all the other male characters, especially Henry.The BBC said Sally's most notable moment was "Finding out she had a brother she didn't know about – Des."
Greg Cooper
Greg Cooper, played by Alan Fletcher, made his first screen appearance on 19 October 1987. Fletcher explained that he filmed his scenes over a three week period and described the part as a "fill in job" as the show was between actors. Fletcher returned to the show seven years later in the role of Karl Kennedy. Comparing the two characters, Fletcher said it was more enjoyable playing Karl for twenty years than it would have been playing Greg for a couple of years. A writer for the show's official website commented, "imagine how different Erinsborough would have been had Mr Cooper hung around longer... we might not have ever met Dr Karl Kennedy and that would have been a very sad day."Greg comes to Erinsborough to work at the local garage. He catches up with Des Clarke, who had been friends with him and his brother Colin. Greg reveals that Colin has died. During a dinner party, Des tries to talk to Greg about Colin, but Greg becomes upset and leaves. Des recalls Greg had an interest in boxing, but Colin was the more talented of the two. Greg's behaviour changes and starts becoming erratic, until one day he breaks down and confesses to his boss Jim Robinson that he caused Colin's death. He explains that his then-girlfriend left him for Colin, so he went into the boxing ring with Colin and beat him. Colin fell and hit his head as he was leaving the ring, killing him. Even though Greg was cleared of causing his death, he still blames himself. Greg decides to quit his job and leaves town.
Tony Romeo
Antonio "Tony" Romeo, played by Nick Carrafa made his first appearance on 25 November 1987 and departed on 15 April 1988. Carrafa previously guested on the serial two years earlier as Tim Duncan, Danny Ramsay's biological father in a flashback.Tony was the first regular male ethnic character on the show. Carrafa believed that writers did not focus on the fact Tony is "the only Italian in the show". Carrafa joined Neighbours as soon as he finished filming his role in the film Hungry Heart. Tony is introduced as the new manager of the local garage taking over from Greg Cooper. He is also a love rival of Henry Ramsay who fight over Sally Wells. Henry is dating Sally and is angry when he witnesses Tony flirting with Sally. Carrafa told Mark Foster from Neighbours Who's Who that "Henry comes over claiming that Sally is his girl and Tony and Henry have a fist-fight in front of Lassiters. Tony finds out Henry and Sally aren't a 'unit' and he decides to ask her out. So he's still in there with a chance."
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Neighbours, the BBC asked readers to nominate their twenty favourite obscure characters. Tony came in sixth place and a reader said "Ro-may-oh". I can't remember anything else about the man apart from his name, and the way he pronounced it".
Tony arrives in Erinsborough after many years away and asks Jim Robinson for a job at his garage after hearing from his friend Greg about the place. He quickly offends Jim's daughter in-law Charlene by flirting with her then flirts with Sally who is dating Charlene's brother, Henry. Henry, annoyed, confronts Tony but is pushed into Lassiter's pond after Tony quickly subdues him with Karate moves. In spite of this, Tony and Henry become good friends.
In order to avoid an arranged marriage, his mother Elinora has organised for him, Tony writes a letter saying he has met someone else and persuades Jane Harris to take a photo with him in order to get his family off his back. However, problems multiply when Elinora flies to Erinsborough to meet Jane. The lie further snowballs when Jane opts out of Tony's scheme and he tells Elinora that Jane is bed-ridden with chicken pox and that Sally is Jane's sister. Eventually the truth is revealed and after a reading of tea leaves by Nell Mangel which reveals that Tony's marriage to Angela, his intended bride, would be a disaster, Elinora leaves, giving him her blessing.
Tony invites Sally to move in but it is a disaster as Tony is untidy and refuses to do any housework. They ask their landlord Mr. Phillips to do some alterations and he agrees but at a price; a rent hike. They involve several of their friends in a painting party which is successful. Tony continues to pursue Jane but she is still wrestling with her feelings for Mike Young and continues to try to win her over. Tony then becomes depressed when he sees he is getting nowhere with Jane and decides to leave Erinsborough before quitting the garage. Before his departure, he learns of his father suffering a potentially fatal stroke and decides to join him in Perth.