Before joining Neighbours in 1993, what other acting roles had you had?
Mick Mathews – Home & Away & Max Simmons - E Street
What inspired you to pursue acting?
We have a bit of entertainment blood in the family, but I started drama at school and then did some extra work, got an audition for Home & Away and that’s were it started
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I never really auditioned for Neighbours as E-Street got the axe and I was asked to join the show. Just like that!
You arrived on Ramsay Street in early 1993 as Mark Gottlieb. What was it like coming into the series during this time?
Great fun! I was working with some of the original cast. It was also great to play another character after playing Max Simmons for almost 4 years
Mick Mathews – Home & Away & Max Simmons - E Street
What inspired you to pursue acting?
We have a bit of entertainment blood in the family, but I started drama at school and then did some extra work, got an audition for Home & Away and that’s were it started
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I never really auditioned for Neighbours as E-Street got the axe and I was asked to join the show. Just like that!
You arrived on Ramsay Street in early 1993 as Mark Gottlieb. What was it like coming into the series during this time?
Great fun! I was working with some of the original cast. It was also great to play another character after playing Max Simmons for almost 4 years
Throughout most of Mark’s time in Erinsborough, he was involved in a relationship with Annalise Hartman. What did you think of their relationship and what was is like working with Kimberley Davies?
I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Kimberly. She was without doubt the most beautiful woman on Australian TV at the time. The characters worked well together until Mark dumped her at the altar, what a goose, but hey!......All in the name of a good storyline
A prominent part of Mark’s storyline, especially near the end, was his religion, with him going so far as to call off his wedding to Annalise because he wanted to become a priest. What did you think of this storyline and exploring this side of Mark’s character?
He became a bit of a religious pest after the non-wedding. It was great to play though as there were lots of layers that the character had to play with other cast and storylines. I think he even had a brief connection with Annalise’s sister if I remember correctly. Weird!
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera, from your original stint on the show?
It was so long ago I have so many memories it is hard to pinpoint one. It was a great experience and the cast & crew were great to work with. Some of the crew are still there today!! It was great to catch up.
You bid Erinsborough farewell in 1995. What led to your decision to leave the show and what did you think of how Mark was written out?
I was 25 and wanted to try other acting opportunities at the time. It was just time for me to go. I moved onto Home & Away thereafter and played a Psycho rapist, Brad Cooper.
I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Kimberly. She was without doubt the most beautiful woman on Australian TV at the time. The characters worked well together until Mark dumped her at the altar, what a goose, but hey!......All in the name of a good storyline
A prominent part of Mark’s storyline, especially near the end, was his religion, with him going so far as to call off his wedding to Annalise because he wanted to become a priest. What did you think of this storyline and exploring this side of Mark’s character?
He became a bit of a religious pest after the non-wedding. It was great to play though as there were lots of layers that the character had to play with other cast and storylines. I think he even had a brief connection with Annalise’s sister if I remember correctly. Weird!
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera, from your original stint on the show?
It was so long ago I have so many memories it is hard to pinpoint one. It was a great experience and the cast & crew were great to work with. Some of the crew are still there today!! It was great to catch up.
You bid Erinsborough farewell in 1995. What led to your decision to leave the show and what did you think of how Mark was written out?
I was 25 and wanted to try other acting opportunities at the time. It was just time for me to go. I moved onto Home & Away thereafter and played a Psycho rapist, Brad Cooper.
What was it like being back on set after 25 years, particularly working alongside Melissa Bell again?
Truly surreal! It was like steeping back in time. When I was walking down the corridors of the studio it felt like yesterday. Working with Melissa was a lot of fun. We have always worked well together and have a great onscreen chemistry. I hope to get the chance again
Soap weddings are always a big deal, and not everyone is lucky enough to get one, but you got two! What was it like filming both of your wedding scenes, first in 1994 with Annalise and then this year’s with Lucy?
Wedding scenes are always a big deal…..but how do you know I get married to Lucy…..does he drop her at the alter also…..stay tuned!!...haha
Now that you’ve dipped your toes back into Erinsborough and Mark finally got his happy ending, is there a chance we could see you popping in and out in the future?
“Happy Ending”?...haha nice!! I would love to have the opportunity to play Mark again and would jump at the chance if offered. It was a lot of fun!
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more, both during your original stint and also during your return?
Not really. It was great to catch up with the cast that were on the show when I was there and work with them ALL again.
Truly surreal! It was like steeping back in time. When I was walking down the corridors of the studio it felt like yesterday. Working with Melissa was a lot of fun. We have always worked well together and have a great onscreen chemistry. I hope to get the chance again
Soap weddings are always a big deal, and not everyone is lucky enough to get one, but you got two! What was it like filming both of your wedding scenes, first in 1994 with Annalise and then this year’s with Lucy?
Wedding scenes are always a big deal…..but how do you know I get married to Lucy…..does he drop her at the alter also…..stay tuned!!...haha
Now that you’ve dipped your toes back into Erinsborough and Mark finally got his happy ending, is there a chance we could see you popping in and out in the future?
“Happy Ending”?...haha nice!! I would love to have the opportunity to play Mark again and would jump at the chance if offered. It was a lot of fun!
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more, both during your original stint and also during your return?
Not really. It was great to catch up with the cast that were on the show when I was there and work with them ALL again.
Prior to your return for the 35th Anniversary, what had you been up to since leaving the show in 1995?
I’ve done many things since 1995, but I’m currently working in online marketing for the retirement industry. I call it my day job!
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Some mostly over social media. Like any workplace as time goes on you lose contact, but social media is great to keep in touch
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I was actually. I used to what it as teenager and it amongst other shows did inspire me the take up drama at school
For a show that nearly didn’t make its 1st anniversary, it’s amazing to see it celebrating 35 years on Australian television – what do you think is the secret to Neighbours’ ongoing success?
Good writing, great crew and sensational actors. However, it was the fans all over the world that made it magic, and still keep it going today.
I’ve done many things since 1995, but I’m currently working in online marketing for the retirement industry. I call it my day job!
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Some mostly over social media. Like any workplace as time goes on you lose contact, but social media is great to keep in touch
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I was actually. I used to what it as teenager and it amongst other shows did inspire me the take up drama at school
For a show that nearly didn’t make its 1st anniversary, it’s amazing to see it celebrating 35 years on Australian television – what do you think is the secret to Neighbours’ ongoing success?
Good writing, great crew and sensational actors. However, it was the fans all over the world that made it magic, and still keep it going today.
Interviewed March 2020