Before landing your role on Neighbours, what sort of acting work had you done?
Before Neighbours I had shot a beautiful little feature film called Jimmy Tenison, where I had a small role playing a troubled alcoholic football star, and a small stint on Home and Away as one of the river boys, and predominantly theatre and musicals prior to that.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I was inspired early as soon as I saw my first opera, 'The Pearl Fishers' by Bizet. After that I fell in love with the electricity of live theatre and the rush of performing in it.
What do you remember about your audition?
I remember laughing a lot, particularly the first audition as it was late in the day and we couldn't get through a take without laughing. I can't remember what set it off, but one scene we didn't manage to get a clear take at all, and Thea had to patch them together to show producers.
You arrived in 2011 as local doctor Rhys Lawson. What was it like coming into such a popular show?
It was daunting! I had absolutely no idea how to negotiate a set back then, and with the pressure to get the work done fast and move onto the next scene, and get a handle of my lines, I was shitting myself! It was a baptism of fire! But I had plenty of support from directors and Mike my acting coach along with the likes of old timers Fletch and Jackie.
Before Neighbours I had shot a beautiful little feature film called Jimmy Tenison, where I had a small role playing a troubled alcoholic football star, and a small stint on Home and Away as one of the river boys, and predominantly theatre and musicals prior to that.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
I was inspired early as soon as I saw my first opera, 'The Pearl Fishers' by Bizet. After that I fell in love with the electricity of live theatre and the rush of performing in it.
What do you remember about your audition?
I remember laughing a lot, particularly the first audition as it was late in the day and we couldn't get through a take without laughing. I can't remember what set it off, but one scene we didn't manage to get a clear take at all, and Thea had to patch them together to show producers.
You arrived in 2011 as local doctor Rhys Lawson. What was it like coming into such a popular show?
It was daunting! I had absolutely no idea how to negotiate a set back then, and with the pressure to get the work done fast and move onto the next scene, and get a handle of my lines, I was shitting myself! It was a baptism of fire! But I had plenty of support from directors and Mike my acting coach along with the likes of old timers Fletch and Jackie.
Are there any similarities between you and Rhys?
Haha, back then I would've said no way! But since leaving the show I’ve come to know myself better, and I can honestly say there are a lot of similarities! Every trait of Rhys I can own. The good, bad, and the ugly... ;)
You worked closely with Scott Major and Alin Sumarwata, what was it like working with such great actors?
It was lots of fun. Alin was a dream to work with, always a very generous actor, we bounced off each other really well. Scott also has a wicked sense of humour, (filthy at times!) and was always entertaining to work with. Our competition for Vanessa built into a friendly rivalry on and off set.
You also worked closely with Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher. What was it like working alongside such an iconic actor?
Great. Loved it. He is a funny guy and loves to chat and tell jokes right up to the word 'action', so sometimes it was difficult to focus! Or reign in laughter, but he was always a delight to work with. We both thoroughly enjoyed the Karl-Rhys battles.
Were there any scenes or stories that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
I loved the surgery storyline. From manipulating his way in the program to having his hopes and dreams destroyed by injuring nerves saving lives in the line of duty. The dark side of Rhys was great fun. I also loved the storyline with Vanessa and Lucas wedding, and back in the early days the ego battles with Jade. We had a blast shooting those fiery scenes. Also I loved the more mundane scenes in number 26 with Kyle. Kyle and Rhys were a good duo.
Is there anyone you particularly enjoyed working with? Who would you have liked to work with more?
It was a rare experience as there was no one I thought 'Oh no, no another scene with so and so. That didn't really happen. I particularly loved working with Fletch, Milligan, Alin and Sancia and basically any of the Cannings that came to town.
Haha, back then I would've said no way! But since leaving the show I’ve come to know myself better, and I can honestly say there are a lot of similarities! Every trait of Rhys I can own. The good, bad, and the ugly... ;)
You worked closely with Scott Major and Alin Sumarwata, what was it like working with such great actors?
It was lots of fun. Alin was a dream to work with, always a very generous actor, we bounced off each other really well. Scott also has a wicked sense of humour, (filthy at times!) and was always entertaining to work with. Our competition for Vanessa built into a friendly rivalry on and off set.
You also worked closely with Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher. What was it like working alongside such an iconic actor?
Great. Loved it. He is a funny guy and loves to chat and tell jokes right up to the word 'action', so sometimes it was difficult to focus! Or reign in laughter, but he was always a delight to work with. We both thoroughly enjoyed the Karl-Rhys battles.
Were there any scenes or stories that you particularly enjoyed, or disliked, filming?
I loved the surgery storyline. From manipulating his way in the program to having his hopes and dreams destroyed by injuring nerves saving lives in the line of duty. The dark side of Rhys was great fun. I also loved the storyline with Vanessa and Lucas wedding, and back in the early days the ego battles with Jade. We had a blast shooting those fiery scenes. Also I loved the more mundane scenes in number 26 with Kyle. Kyle and Rhys were a good duo.
Is there anyone you particularly enjoyed working with? Who would you have liked to work with more?
It was a rare experience as there was no one I thought 'Oh no, no another scene with so and so. That didn't really happen. I particularly loved working with Fletch, Milligan, Alin and Sancia and basically any of the Cannings that came to town.
A storyline saw Rhys fail to get into the surgical program at Erinsborough Hospital, causing him to date and manipulate Erin to leave the program to take her place. What did you think of this side of Rhys?
Loved it!! Ruthless, cold and cruel. A pleasure to play, and Erin was such a sweetheart! It was typical Rhys the manipulator! I didn't ever judge Rhys for that, he just did what he had to do. ;)
Rhys’ mother Elaine was introduced in late 2011 and gave an insight into Rhys’ background. What was it like working with Sancia Robinson, and what did you think of Rhys’ relationship with his mother?
The character Rhys really needed Elaine to balance him out. I was eager to explore this relationship as soon as it emerged as it adds such a great depth to his story. Sancia was a gem! I looked forward to our time on set together; she’s a hoot, warm and very loveable. Rhys was a different man in her company, it was nice to play with his sensitive nature, and Elaine brings this out of him.
Is there anything you would have changed about Rhys or his story?
Anything I would have changed... Hmmm. While I loved the opportunity to have a dramatic screen death, I was very fond of the show and I reckon I might have written things a little bit different... just a few minor changes... nothing obvious... no one would've really noticed. OK so here it is. Rhys leaves the hospital post gas explosion and (though I hate to do it, this is for dramatic effect and let's face it when Rhys dies she's out of the show anyway!) Elaine leaves the hospital after Rhys drives off with Kyle and has the aneurism and dies outside the hospital! Rhys distraught spirals down a dark path of despair and avoidance, and plots and schemes once again. His father returns on the scene and Rhys has it all out with him at her funeral, which the father dares come to. Rhys is a broken man, and now a loose cannon, he refuses to take time off work until he is forced to leave. Finally, Rhys storms off in the car to a high bridge, and Kyle, (along with the audience) thinks Rhys is going to kill himself, and rushes to meet him on the bridge overlooking the city. But Rhys is actually lucid and calm, and for the first time, opens up to Kyle and allows himself to grieve. A gutting moment! Then, Rhys decides there is nothing left for him in Erinsborough, and rides off into the sunset forever... Until one day... there comes a knocking at number 26...
Loved it!! Ruthless, cold and cruel. A pleasure to play, and Erin was such a sweetheart! It was typical Rhys the manipulator! I didn't ever judge Rhys for that, he just did what he had to do. ;)
Rhys’ mother Elaine was introduced in late 2011 and gave an insight into Rhys’ background. What was it like working with Sancia Robinson, and what did you think of Rhys’ relationship with his mother?
The character Rhys really needed Elaine to balance him out. I was eager to explore this relationship as soon as it emerged as it adds such a great depth to his story. Sancia was a gem! I looked forward to our time on set together; she’s a hoot, warm and very loveable. Rhys was a different man in her company, it was nice to play with his sensitive nature, and Elaine brings this out of him.
Is there anything you would have changed about Rhys or his story?
Anything I would have changed... Hmmm. While I loved the opportunity to have a dramatic screen death, I was very fond of the show and I reckon I might have written things a little bit different... just a few minor changes... nothing obvious... no one would've really noticed. OK so here it is. Rhys leaves the hospital post gas explosion and (though I hate to do it, this is for dramatic effect and let's face it when Rhys dies she's out of the show anyway!) Elaine leaves the hospital after Rhys drives off with Kyle and has the aneurism and dies outside the hospital! Rhys distraught spirals down a dark path of despair and avoidance, and plots and schemes once again. His father returns on the scene and Rhys has it all out with him at her funeral, which the father dares come to. Rhys is a broken man, and now a loose cannon, he refuses to take time off work until he is forced to leave. Finally, Rhys storms off in the car to a high bridge, and Kyle, (along with the audience) thinks Rhys is going to kill himself, and rushes to meet him on the bridge overlooking the city. But Rhys is actually lucid and calm, and for the first time, opens up to Kyle and allows himself to grieve. A gutting moment! Then, Rhys decides there is nothing left for him in Erinsborough, and rides off into the sunset forever... Until one day... there comes a knocking at number 26...
What led to your decision to leave the series?
At the end of the day it was the producers who decided to end Rhys on a high note. (Or at least a dramatic note) If I was co-producer, I would have initiated the alternate kill Rhys' mum instead storyline!
Rhys sadly died in March 2013. Whose decision was it to kill off Rhys and were you happy with how the exit turned out?
Even though the decision was not mine to leave the show, I thoroughly enjoyed the final storylines and the way I went out. I'd always wanted an onscreen death, and it was nicely shot in the end.
You left the show nearly two years ago, what have you done since moving on from Ramsay Street?
Wow, I can only say it has been an incredible and humbling ride these past few years since leaving. Almost immediately after leaving the show I journeyed to Vietnam and Cambodia which was bliss until four hours before my flight to Mexico I became acquainted with Cambodia’s pathogens and got very sick. I then went on to Mexico and Peru, but in the end I was just too ill to continue, having lost about 10 kilos and a fair degree of sanity by that stage, and I came home. It took about a year and a half to rebalance and rebuild my health. I have since moved to Sydney, where I now live and work with my partner Beverley, though I've been for the most part unemployed as far as acting work goes.
A lot of fans want to know what you’ve got planned for the future. Can we expect to see you back on our screens anytime soon?
I plan to make reappearance onscreen this year, though what form of character remains a mystery as yet. All shall be revealed in time!
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Yes, I am still in touch with Milligan and Val, but being in Sydney I don’t see many of the Melbournites as much as I would like.
With news that Madge Bishop is returning as a ghostly apparition for the 30th anniversary, is there a chance Rhys could come back from the dead in the future?
Hmmm, never much liked the idea of Rhys returning as a ghostly apparition, and anyway, who the hell would he rock up to haunt?! It'd have to be Karl I suppose. -In the dead quiet corridors at night, Karl sipping on a nice cup of tea sifting through his paperwork reflecting over his amazing and turbulent relationship with Susan over the decades, when suddenly.. The mocking voice of a long-dead arch-nemesis, is heard on the wind... his paperwork suddenly blows in his face... a chilly silence as Karl’s jaw drops... he is not alone!! Haha, second thoughts, could be amusing!
Were you a fan before joining the show and do you still tune in these days?
There was definitely a time when I watched neighbours, it spanned over a period of a few years, on and off. Around 1997-2000.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it approach the 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
For me, I think the ongoing success of the show has to be its charm. And it still has that now. If it were to lose that charm, I think that would be the end. It is called neighbours after all, and I think it’s the little things, like dropping over next door to borrow a lawn mower or share a cuppa, seeing everyday people having their good days and having their bad days, that gives it that charm. We can relate to it and feel at home with it.
Lastly a big big thankyou to all those Rhys fans out there, who went on that ride with us. It was a great pleasure meeting some of you, and though I know I didn't quite make it onto twitter, your letters, birthday messages and cards were happily received. So thankyou
At the end of the day it was the producers who decided to end Rhys on a high note. (Or at least a dramatic note) If I was co-producer, I would have initiated the alternate kill Rhys' mum instead storyline!
Rhys sadly died in March 2013. Whose decision was it to kill off Rhys and were you happy with how the exit turned out?
Even though the decision was not mine to leave the show, I thoroughly enjoyed the final storylines and the way I went out. I'd always wanted an onscreen death, and it was nicely shot in the end.
You left the show nearly two years ago, what have you done since moving on from Ramsay Street?
Wow, I can only say it has been an incredible and humbling ride these past few years since leaving. Almost immediately after leaving the show I journeyed to Vietnam and Cambodia which was bliss until four hours before my flight to Mexico I became acquainted with Cambodia’s pathogens and got very sick. I then went on to Mexico and Peru, but in the end I was just too ill to continue, having lost about 10 kilos and a fair degree of sanity by that stage, and I came home. It took about a year and a half to rebalance and rebuild my health. I have since moved to Sydney, where I now live and work with my partner Beverley, though I've been for the most part unemployed as far as acting work goes.
A lot of fans want to know what you’ve got planned for the future. Can we expect to see you back on our screens anytime soon?
I plan to make reappearance onscreen this year, though what form of character remains a mystery as yet. All shall be revealed in time!
Are you still in touch with any of your former co-stars?
Yes, I am still in touch with Milligan and Val, but being in Sydney I don’t see many of the Melbournites as much as I would like.
With news that Madge Bishop is returning as a ghostly apparition for the 30th anniversary, is there a chance Rhys could come back from the dead in the future?
Hmmm, never much liked the idea of Rhys returning as a ghostly apparition, and anyway, who the hell would he rock up to haunt?! It'd have to be Karl I suppose. -In the dead quiet corridors at night, Karl sipping on a nice cup of tea sifting through his paperwork reflecting over his amazing and turbulent relationship with Susan over the decades, when suddenly.. The mocking voice of a long-dead arch-nemesis, is heard on the wind... his paperwork suddenly blows in his face... a chilly silence as Karl’s jaw drops... he is not alone!! Haha, second thoughts, could be amusing!
Were you a fan before joining the show and do you still tune in these days?
There was definitely a time when I watched neighbours, it spanned over a period of a few years, on and off. Around 1997-2000.
Finally, for a show that nearly didn’t make its first anniversary, it’s amazing to see it approach the 30th anniversary. What do you think is the secret of the ongoing success of Neighbours?
For me, I think the ongoing success of the show has to be its charm. And it still has that now. If it were to lose that charm, I think that would be the end. It is called neighbours after all, and I think it’s the little things, like dropping over next door to borrow a lawn mower or share a cuppa, seeing everyday people having their good days and having their bad days, that gives it that charm. We can relate to it and feel at home with it.
Lastly a big big thankyou to all those Rhys fans out there, who went on that ride with us. It was a great pleasure meeting some of you, and though I know I didn't quite make it onto twitter, your letters, birthday messages and cards were happily received. So thankyou
Interviewed March 2015