Before joining Neighbours in 1990, had you had any previous acting experience?
Yes I did the play Equus by Peter Schaffer in Adelaide, aged 18.
I was also fortunate enough to land a lead role on E-Street, playing Sonny Bennett which was a popular Australian TV soap, immediately after completing my 3 year acting diploma at The National Institute of Dramatic Art.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
When I was 5, I watched Matlock Police (a 70’s Australian TV police show) and knew exactly then that acting is what I wanted to do.
My parents also used to take me to the movies A LOT as a young child. Bonnie and Clyde and Thunderbolt and Lightfoot are two of my favourite movie memories.
I am a huge fan of Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Mel Gibson.
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I don’t to be honest. Lol! It was so long ago and I have done so many auditions since.
Yes I did the play Equus by Peter Schaffer in Adelaide, aged 18.
I was also fortunate enough to land a lead role on E-Street, playing Sonny Bennett which was a popular Australian TV soap, immediately after completing my 3 year acting diploma at The National Institute of Dramatic Art.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
When I was 5, I watched Matlock Police (a 70’s Australian TV police show) and knew exactly then that acting is what I wanted to do.
My parents also used to take me to the movies A LOT as a young child. Bonnie and Clyde and Thunderbolt and Lightfoot are two of my favourite movie memories.
I am a huge fan of Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Mel Gibson.
What do you remember about your Neighbours audition?
I don’t to be honest. Lol! It was so long ago and I have done so many auditions since.
Glen Donnelly arrived in the 1990 cliffhanger as the long-lost and unknown son of Jim Robinson. What was is like coming into the show at this time and as a member of one of the original Ramsay Street families?
I had just finished shooting E-Street in Sydney for 6 months, so coming to Melbourne was all new. The way Neighbours was shot was very different technically and much faster, so I had to ‘hit the ground running!’
What was it like working alongside Neighbours icons Anne Haddy, Alan Dale and Stefan Dennis, who had all been on the show since the very beginning?
It was great. They all made me feel very welcome.
Arguably Glen’s most iconic storyline was his incestuous relationship with half-sister Lucy, played by Melissa Bell. What was it like portraying such a controversial storyline?
We never thought it as being that controversial… as we were in love!
A big moment for Glen came in the 1991 cliffhanger in which he was literally hanging from the roof of Lassiter’s. What do you remember about filming this heart-stopping scene?
I remember being all wired up and harnessed so I could literally just hang from the roof… and of course a stuntman did the actual fall.
Glen farewelled Erinsborough in 1992, paralysed from the waist down as a result of the fall. What led to your decision to leave the show, and were you happy with how Glen was written out at the time?
I had been in the show for a year and I wanted to go to the UK and experience living life overseas as I loved travelling. I really enjoyed doing the pantos… the fans are really fun… which made it rewarding. I have many great memories!
Yes. I thought it was a great way to go out!
I had just finished shooting E-Street in Sydney for 6 months, so coming to Melbourne was all new. The way Neighbours was shot was very different technically and much faster, so I had to ‘hit the ground running!’
What was it like working alongside Neighbours icons Anne Haddy, Alan Dale and Stefan Dennis, who had all been on the show since the very beginning?
It was great. They all made me feel very welcome.
Arguably Glen’s most iconic storyline was his incestuous relationship with half-sister Lucy, played by Melissa Bell. What was it like portraying such a controversial storyline?
We never thought it as being that controversial… as we were in love!
A big moment for Glen came in the 1991 cliffhanger in which he was literally hanging from the roof of Lassiter’s. What do you remember about filming this heart-stopping scene?
I remember being all wired up and harnessed so I could literally just hang from the roof… and of course a stuntman did the actual fall.
Glen farewelled Erinsborough in 1992, paralysed from the waist down as a result of the fall. What led to your decision to leave the show, and were you happy with how Glen was written out at the time?
I had been in the show for a year and I wanted to go to the UK and experience living life overseas as I loved travelling. I really enjoyed doing the pantos… the fans are really fun… which made it rewarding. I have many great memories!
Yes. I thought it was a great way to go out!
In 2021, Glen made the surprising return to Erinsborough and moved back onto Ramsay Street. What was it like stepping back into the role and reuniting with Stefan and Melissa? Did you ever think you’d have to chance to reprise the role of Glen?
It was really good to go back. I have obviously learnt a lot, about life, in 30 years.
It was great to see Melissa and Stefan again… stepping back into the Neighbours ‘family’. It did not seem like it had been 30 years… maybe 10 at the most.
Back during your original stint, Glen was involved briefly with Gemma Ramsay. What was it like getting to work with Beth Buchanan again during your current stint when she returned for Roxy and Kyle’s wedding?
It was wonderful to work with Beth again, as she is such a talented actress.
How much had the show changed during your time away from Ramsay Street?
The show has changed quite a lot. The quality of the production, the more locations approach which showcases Victoria’s beautiful landscapes and scenery has added interest and depth. The scriptwriting is much more detailed involving more emotional dimensional storylines.
Are there any similarities between you and Glen?
I have done a variety of different jobs just like Glen has. Glen's life story is 'a bit of this and a bit of that' also.
I learnt how to shear sheep at 35… (usually when shearers retire!), gaining the reputation as ‘The Surry Hills shearer’. Was a great Aussie iconic experience, travelling from outback sheep station to sheep station with a gang of shearers. Was bloody hot and very hard work! I know I needed to do this for myself.
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Falling madly in love with my wife 23 years ago, travelling to special places with many cherished memories.
I really loved working with Jackie Chan on Mr Nice Guy and working with director George Miller on Babe 2.
What had you been up to between your Neighbours stints?
There is a film, mini-series and book in this question! Lol!
It was really good to go back. I have obviously learnt a lot, about life, in 30 years.
It was great to see Melissa and Stefan again… stepping back into the Neighbours ‘family’. It did not seem like it had been 30 years… maybe 10 at the most.
Back during your original stint, Glen was involved briefly with Gemma Ramsay. What was it like getting to work with Beth Buchanan again during your current stint when she returned for Roxy and Kyle’s wedding?
It was wonderful to work with Beth again, as she is such a talented actress.
How much had the show changed during your time away from Ramsay Street?
The show has changed quite a lot. The quality of the production, the more locations approach which showcases Victoria’s beautiful landscapes and scenery has added interest and depth. The scriptwriting is much more detailed involving more emotional dimensional storylines.
Are there any similarities between you and Glen?
I have done a variety of different jobs just like Glen has. Glen's life story is 'a bit of this and a bit of that' also.
I learnt how to shear sheep at 35… (usually when shearers retire!), gaining the reputation as ‘The Surry Hills shearer’. Was a great Aussie iconic experience, travelling from outback sheep station to sheep station with a gang of shearers. Was bloody hot and very hard work! I know I needed to do this for myself.
What are some memorable moments, both in front of and behind the camera?
Falling madly in love with my wife 23 years ago, travelling to special places with many cherished memories.
I really loved working with Jackie Chan on Mr Nice Guy and working with director George Miller on Babe 2.
What had you been up to between your Neighbours stints?
There is a film, mini-series and book in this question! Lol!
Are there any cast members you wished you could have worked with more, both during your original stint and now during your return?
Ben Hall and Chris Milligan. They have both left the show however I admire them as both people and actors.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I did not watch Neighbours when I was on it 30 years ago as I was not a fan of watching myself on TV. Given my wife is my number one fan, she tunes in every night, and gets really excited which of course makes me happy.
Since you are currently still on the show, without spoiling too much, is there anything you can tease about what is coming up for Glen?
There are many dramatic storylines coming up and Glen has some serious surprises from both a family and love perspective. I strongly believe the fans will be really happy with the outcomes of these relationships.
For a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it almost hit 9000 episodes. What do you think has been the secret to the 37 year success of Neighbours?
I think everyone has their favourite characters and they want to know what happens. They are truly invested in their life journeys and the show has always been kept fresh with both the long term characters such as Paul, Terese, Dr Karl and Susan, whilst also continually bringing in new ‘hungry’ younger talent.
We come into our fans lounge room. We take them away from the worries of life for a little bit.
It really also is good platform and learning ground for everyone including actors, crews, writers, directors - fostering Australian talent across all elements of a TV show. This is going to be a sad loss for the future of the Australian TV industry.
Finally, with the show airing its final episode, what message do you have for the fans who have stuck by the show all these years?
Thank you for all the love and loyalty! Both Glen and I love reading all your warm and heartfelt messages.
Ben Hall and Chris Milligan. They have both left the show however I admire them as both people and actors.
Were you a fan of the show before joining and do you tune in these days?
I did not watch Neighbours when I was on it 30 years ago as I was not a fan of watching myself on TV. Given my wife is my number one fan, she tunes in every night, and gets really excited which of course makes me happy.
Since you are currently still on the show, without spoiling too much, is there anything you can tease about what is coming up for Glen?
There are many dramatic storylines coming up and Glen has some serious surprises from both a family and love perspective. I strongly believe the fans will be really happy with the outcomes of these relationships.
For a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it almost hit 9000 episodes. What do you think has been the secret to the 37 year success of Neighbours?
I think everyone has their favourite characters and they want to know what happens. They are truly invested in their life journeys and the show has always been kept fresh with both the long term characters such as Paul, Terese, Dr Karl and Susan, whilst also continually bringing in new ‘hungry’ younger talent.
We come into our fans lounge room. We take them away from the worries of life for a little bit.
It really also is good platform and learning ground for everyone including actors, crews, writers, directors - fostering Australian talent across all elements of a TV show. This is going to be a sad loss for the future of the Australian TV industry.
Finally, with the show airing its final episode, what message do you have for the fans who have stuck by the show all these years?
Thank you for all the love and loyalty! Both Glen and I love reading all your warm and heartfelt messages.
Interviewed March 2022