Before appearing on Neighbours, what sort of acting work had you done?
Before Neighbours, my acting experience was quite limited. I had been involved in a few short films and independent feature films, but Neighbours was definitely the beginning of my professional career.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I had always enjoyed acting through high school, but it wasn’t until my graduating year that I really saw the potential of it being more than just a hobby. I had this amazing, inspiring Theatre Studies teacher, who had done a lot of work in the industry himself. He showed me that I could make it a real possibility, so I decided to give it a shot!
You arrived in February 2010 as Chris Pappas. What do you remember about your early appearances?
I remember that I hated watching myself on screen. I mean, I still don’t love it, but it was especially terrifying back then. I also remember how new everything was- the work, the place, the people. As you can imagine, over time, you become more comfortable with the whole environment. Then there was also Chris’ physical appearance. Those glasses and that hair, good lord! Glad that got cleaned up pretty quickly.
Before Neighbours, my acting experience was quite limited. I had been involved in a few short films and independent feature films, but Neighbours was definitely the beginning of my professional career.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I had always enjoyed acting through high school, but it wasn’t until my graduating year that I really saw the potential of it being more than just a hobby. I had this amazing, inspiring Theatre Studies teacher, who had done a lot of work in the industry himself. He showed me that I could make it a real possibility, so I decided to give it a shot!
You arrived in February 2010 as Chris Pappas. What do you remember about your early appearances?
I remember that I hated watching myself on screen. I mean, I still don’t love it, but it was especially terrifying back then. I also remember how new everything was- the work, the place, the people. As you can imagine, over time, you become more comfortable with the whole environment. Then there was also Chris’ physical appearance. Those glasses and that hair, good lord! Glad that got cleaned up pretty quickly.
Chris was originally a recurring character until he was promoted to a regular in April 2011. What was it like knowing the fans had responded well to Chris and wanted to see more of him?
In this position, you only really get a gauge of your performance based on the response of the audience. So to learn that I was going to stay on as a regular was both, great because I still had a job, but also really humbling to know that people out there where enjoying what they were seeing in Chris.
Are there any similarities between you and Chris?
Of course, we’re practically the same guy. I think we’re both pretty loyal guys, always there to bring moderation to the situation. Though, I think our biggest similarity lies in our mutual love of food. Didn’t have to do much acting when there was a big plate of french fries in front of me. People used to call me the Brad Pitt of Neighbours, for obvious reasons.
Chris’ first major storyline was coming out as gay while in a relationship with Summer. What did you think when you found out Chris was gay, and how did you feel becoming a role model to the LGBTQ+ community?
When I auditioned for Chris, I knew I was going to be playing a gay character. I didn’t see it being a big deal, I’m an actor, that’s what I do. I’m really glad people jumped on board, though it was never a conscious decision for me to become a poster boy of any sort. I guess it comes down to how I am for other people, or in this case, Chris. However, I am glad to be considered the face of a much needed change in diversity in Australian television.
You were on the show for five years, what was it like working with some of the amazing actors that have been on the show?
Some of the best actors in Australia -and in some cases, around the world- have had their time on Neighbours, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work directly and indirectly with quite a lot. Without a doubt, I’ve become a better performer because of that. People that I’d grown up watching, some I’d always admired for their work. Not for one minute do I take for granted what it was to be a part of this beast called ‘Neighbours.' The experience is something I’ll never forget.
Have there been any scenes or stories that you’re particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Well, I don’t miss shooting half-naked, pool scenes in the dead of Winter. I can do without that for quite some time. There’s been so many great stories, I struggle to pick one in particular. It might sound sadistic, but any story where Chris was injured in some way was where I had the most fun. For me, it’s getting into something you wouldn’t necessarily get to experience everyday that’s most enjoyable. That’s why I love acting, because of the adventures you get to undertake. In saying that, I really loved the car crash, where Sophie was almost killed. It was a really charged story and I got to crash a car! Well, not really… but I got to see it happen.
In this position, you only really get a gauge of your performance based on the response of the audience. So to learn that I was going to stay on as a regular was both, great because I still had a job, but also really humbling to know that people out there where enjoying what they were seeing in Chris.
Are there any similarities between you and Chris?
Of course, we’re practically the same guy. I think we’re both pretty loyal guys, always there to bring moderation to the situation. Though, I think our biggest similarity lies in our mutual love of food. Didn’t have to do much acting when there was a big plate of french fries in front of me. People used to call me the Brad Pitt of Neighbours, for obvious reasons.
Chris’ first major storyline was coming out as gay while in a relationship with Summer. What did you think when you found out Chris was gay, and how did you feel becoming a role model to the LGBTQ+ community?
When I auditioned for Chris, I knew I was going to be playing a gay character. I didn’t see it being a big deal, I’m an actor, that’s what I do. I’m really glad people jumped on board, though it was never a conscious decision for me to become a poster boy of any sort. I guess it comes down to how I am for other people, or in this case, Chris. However, I am glad to be considered the face of a much needed change in diversity in Australian television.
You were on the show for five years, what was it like working with some of the amazing actors that have been on the show?
Some of the best actors in Australia -and in some cases, around the world- have had their time on Neighbours, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work directly and indirectly with quite a lot. Without a doubt, I’ve become a better performer because of that. People that I’d grown up watching, some I’d always admired for their work. Not for one minute do I take for granted what it was to be a part of this beast called ‘Neighbours.' The experience is something I’ll never forget.
Have there been any scenes or stories that you’re particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
Well, I don’t miss shooting half-naked, pool scenes in the dead of Winter. I can do without that for quite some time. There’s been so many great stories, I struggle to pick one in particular. It might sound sadistic, but any story where Chris was injured in some way was where I had the most fun. For me, it’s getting into something you wouldn’t necessarily get to experience everyday that’s most enjoyable. That’s why I love acting, because of the adventures you get to undertake. In saying that, I really loved the car crash, where Sophie was almost killed. It was a really charged story and I got to crash a car! Well, not really… but I got to see it happen.
In Chris’ early days, he was friends with Andrew, Summer and Tash. What was it like having to say goodbye to Jordan, Jordy and Valentina, who had been in the majority of your storylines?
I think I survived about three generations of a complete 'younger cast overhaul,' so after a while you get used to people coming and going. I’ve realised it’s such a part of the show’s structure. It’s never really goodbye though, you know you’ll see them again out in the world. There’s a definite change in atmosphere when people (especially a large group) leave the show, something that takes a bit of reconfiguration.
We’ve seen Chris be involved in a number of relationships, who do you think Chris has had the best connection with, and which relationship do you wish had worked out?
Everyone of Chris’ relationships were so different, it’s quite hard to compare. I think every actor had something different to offer in their character. There were different stages in each relationship that worked better than others, usually the start, and then you begin to see it all go downhill. In reality, Chris and Nate’s relationship probably had the most potential, as it only really ended because Chris decided to leave. That’s the one where there’s probably more left to explore.
In 2014, Chris was involved in a coward-punch, which nearly proved fatal. It left him with ongoing struggles. How did you feel the storyline was handled, especially as this is an important issue in Australian society?
This is one story I had to do a lot of research into. Acquired brain injury is such a general term, there are so many branches of symptoms that could come with it, depending on the severity of the injury. I had a lot of help from the script dept, who had done their own research. The hardest part for me, was taking on these symptoms and creating a believable arc, in which some would slowly get better and others would be more permanent. I was really conscious that I didn’t want the effects of what happened to just disappear, I didn’t want to take the gravitas out of the story. As well as I’m sure we all wanted Chris to get better, there’s a real underlying message that it doesn’t just go away.
In the latter years, Chris became very accident prone, having been involved in a number of serious and potentially life-threatening confrontations. Why do you think Chris was always the one getting hurt, and what did you think of these storylines?
Good question, I think Chris spent more time in hospital than Dr K. There were a couple of times that Chris ended up in hospital because of James letting the team down. I had a knee reconstruction after playing football, which lead to art imitating life. Sorry for that one Chris... On the other hand, one instance lead to meeting Aidan, so that wasn’t such a bad result.
Chris and Lucy decided to go ahead and have a baby together. What did you think of this storyline?
It’s very much a story that is relevant and I personally believe it was handled quite well. It went on for some time, back and forth, with Chris really struggling with the big decision he had to make. I’ve always thought that if a story can provide a relation or guidance to people going through a similar situation, and/or open the eyes for someone who has little understanding on the topic, then it’s achieved what we set out for it to do. I feel we’ve done this with quite a few, if not all of Chris’ stories, and that makes the job so much greater.
I think I survived about three generations of a complete 'younger cast overhaul,' so after a while you get used to people coming and going. I’ve realised it’s such a part of the show’s structure. It’s never really goodbye though, you know you’ll see them again out in the world. There’s a definite change in atmosphere when people (especially a large group) leave the show, something that takes a bit of reconfiguration.
We’ve seen Chris be involved in a number of relationships, who do you think Chris has had the best connection with, and which relationship do you wish had worked out?
Everyone of Chris’ relationships were so different, it’s quite hard to compare. I think every actor had something different to offer in their character. There were different stages in each relationship that worked better than others, usually the start, and then you begin to see it all go downhill. In reality, Chris and Nate’s relationship probably had the most potential, as it only really ended because Chris decided to leave. That’s the one where there’s probably more left to explore.
In 2014, Chris was involved in a coward-punch, which nearly proved fatal. It left him with ongoing struggles. How did you feel the storyline was handled, especially as this is an important issue in Australian society?
This is one story I had to do a lot of research into. Acquired brain injury is such a general term, there are so many branches of symptoms that could come with it, depending on the severity of the injury. I had a lot of help from the script dept, who had done their own research. The hardest part for me, was taking on these symptoms and creating a believable arc, in which some would slowly get better and others would be more permanent. I was really conscious that I didn’t want the effects of what happened to just disappear, I didn’t want to take the gravitas out of the story. As well as I’m sure we all wanted Chris to get better, there’s a real underlying message that it doesn’t just go away.
In the latter years, Chris became very accident prone, having been involved in a number of serious and potentially life-threatening confrontations. Why do you think Chris was always the one getting hurt, and what did you think of these storylines?
Good question, I think Chris spent more time in hospital than Dr K. There were a couple of times that Chris ended up in hospital because of James letting the team down. I had a knee reconstruction after playing football, which lead to art imitating life. Sorry for that one Chris... On the other hand, one instance lead to meeting Aidan, so that wasn’t such a bad result.
Chris and Lucy decided to go ahead and have a baby together. What did you think of this storyline?
It’s very much a story that is relevant and I personally believe it was handled quite well. It went on for some time, back and forth, with Chris really struggling with the big decision he had to make. I’ve always thought that if a story can provide a relation or guidance to people going through a similar situation, and/or open the eyes for someone who has little understanding on the topic, then it’s achieved what we set out for it to do. I feel we’ve done this with quite a few, if not all of Chris’ stories, and that makes the job so much greater.
Is there anything you would have changed about Chris and his storyline, or are you happy with how the character has turned out?
I’ve discovered that it doesn’t serve to regret things. I believe everything turns out just the way it’s meant to. If I were to wish one thing to be different, the whole experience may have altered for me and Chris and therefore, changed our journey. And I wouldn’t have that.
One of Chris’ constant struggles was his parents and their acceptance of his life choices – being gay, becoming a mechanic, and more recently having a baby with Lucy. What was it like working alongside Lliam Amor and Katerina Kotsonis?
It was a real contrast having them come into the show. Before they turned up, Chris’ storylines were only explored with his friends and peers, so it was nice to be able to dig a little deeper into some issues with his family. It allowed for specific stories that couldn’t have been done without them. Plus they brought some really great performances to the table.
What lead to your decision to leave the show?
After being on the show for five years, it was time for me to move on and pursue other avenues and opportunities for my career. As much as i enjoyed my time at Neighbours, it didn’t allow me the time to travel, create my own content, audition and get involved in other projects- things I am doing currently.
Chris’ departure was left very open, and we’ve seen Melissa Bell return as Lucy a few times already. Would you ever consider returning to the show?
There’s nothing in the pipelines right now, however I would love to make a return someday. As I mentioned, I loved my time on the show and hopefully, if the planets align, Chris could reappear in Erinsborough. Maybe I can make a cameo in the 35th anniversary?!
It’s been just over a year since you left the show, what have you been up to since moving away from Erinsborough?
While Chris has been galavanting around New York, I’ve also been doing a bit of travelling. I was in Europe last year, where I hosted a travel documentary in Iceland. I’ve also spent a bit of time in Los Angeles over the past 18 months or so, as well as putting together some of my own work. I’ve really established a passion for directing and producing, which I would like to keep active, as well as my acting.
Are you still in touch with any of your former cast mates?
I try to stay in touch with as many as I can. I pop into the studio every now and then to say hi, but there are also a lot of new faces there now. It can be hard to keep track when people take on other jobs around the world, or move home or to new locations.
Were you a fan before joining the show? And do you still tune in today?
I wouldn’t go as far as to say ‘die hard,’ but I was very familiar with the show. It was always on when I’d get home from school, so occasionally I’d watch it along with the Simpsons and whatever else was on next. I’m definitely consider myself much more of a fan now, but, you know, for different reasons. I don’t watch the show as much as I did before and while I was on it, but I do follow a lot on social media. I also have moles in the studio that inform me of what’s going on.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it surpass its 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
I don’t know what the formula is, but I do know you couldn’t create another show like Neighbours nowadays and have it take off, let alone achieve 30 years. It started in a time where content was not as broad, so it engaged a lot more people. Now in a world where we have so much media available, and at any time we want it, for the show to still have such a fanbase, is really remarkable. Pat yourselves on the back, guys. You’re the reason it’s still going!
I’ve discovered that it doesn’t serve to regret things. I believe everything turns out just the way it’s meant to. If I were to wish one thing to be different, the whole experience may have altered for me and Chris and therefore, changed our journey. And I wouldn’t have that.
One of Chris’ constant struggles was his parents and their acceptance of his life choices – being gay, becoming a mechanic, and more recently having a baby with Lucy. What was it like working alongside Lliam Amor and Katerina Kotsonis?
It was a real contrast having them come into the show. Before they turned up, Chris’ storylines were only explored with his friends and peers, so it was nice to be able to dig a little deeper into some issues with his family. It allowed for specific stories that couldn’t have been done without them. Plus they brought some really great performances to the table.
What lead to your decision to leave the show?
After being on the show for five years, it was time for me to move on and pursue other avenues and opportunities for my career. As much as i enjoyed my time at Neighbours, it didn’t allow me the time to travel, create my own content, audition and get involved in other projects- things I am doing currently.
Chris’ departure was left very open, and we’ve seen Melissa Bell return as Lucy a few times already. Would you ever consider returning to the show?
There’s nothing in the pipelines right now, however I would love to make a return someday. As I mentioned, I loved my time on the show and hopefully, if the planets align, Chris could reappear in Erinsborough. Maybe I can make a cameo in the 35th anniversary?!
It’s been just over a year since you left the show, what have you been up to since moving away from Erinsborough?
While Chris has been galavanting around New York, I’ve also been doing a bit of travelling. I was in Europe last year, where I hosted a travel documentary in Iceland. I’ve also spent a bit of time in Los Angeles over the past 18 months or so, as well as putting together some of my own work. I’ve really established a passion for directing and producing, which I would like to keep active, as well as my acting.
Are you still in touch with any of your former cast mates?
I try to stay in touch with as many as I can. I pop into the studio every now and then to say hi, but there are also a lot of new faces there now. It can be hard to keep track when people take on other jobs around the world, or move home or to new locations.
Were you a fan before joining the show? And do you still tune in today?
I wouldn’t go as far as to say ‘die hard,’ but I was very familiar with the show. It was always on when I’d get home from school, so occasionally I’d watch it along with the Simpsons and whatever else was on next. I’m definitely consider myself much more of a fan now, but, you know, for different reasons. I don’t watch the show as much as I did before and while I was on it, but I do follow a lot on social media. I also have moles in the studio that inform me of what’s going on.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it surpass its 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
I don’t know what the formula is, but I do know you couldn’t create another show like Neighbours nowadays and have it take off, let alone achieve 30 years. It started in a time where content was not as broad, so it engaged a lot more people. Now in a world where we have so much media available, and at any time we want it, for the show to still have such a fanbase, is really remarkable. Pat yourselves on the back, guys. You’re the reason it’s still going!
Interviewed October 2016