Soap operas have been a big part of the television industry starting in the '50s. Since then, more than 200 dramas were produced in Australia, ranging from adult-themed to family-friendly content. Many soap operas lasted for decades while some only made it for a couple of seasons. The highest-ranking soap opera, Home and Away, even reached 1.3 million viewers by early 2000. It wasn’t just a big part of the industry; it became a big part of our daily life. Soap operas act as mirrors of the world and reflect relatable, real-life struggles ranging from domestic violence, bankruptcy, health issues, and so on. Let’s take a trip down to memory lane with these stars that you grew up watching back in the day. 

Melissa George As Angel Parrish, Home and Away

Melissa George earned her first major role as Angel Parrish in the 1993 television series, Home and Away. The storyline revolved around Angel Parrish and her romance with Shane Parrish, becoming one of the most loved soap opera couples. Her career soared and landed her lead roles in some classic films such as The Amityville Horror and 30 Days of Night. George juggles her acting career with entrepreneurship. Her investments include the product Style Snaps, an adhesive for adjusting the hem length without sewing. 

Kate Ritchie As Sally Fletcher, Home and Away

Kate Ritchie went back to the limelight with the role of Sally Fletcher in the soap opera, Home and Away. Kate was taking a 2-year break from TV acting before she snagged the role. Despite the long break, Kate still had her charm and loyal fans. She portrayed the role of Sally for 20 years and became one the most loved characters of the show. Kate continued her career in the Australian radio show Kate, Tim & Marty and enjoys the wonders of motherhood with her first baby. 

Stephen Peacocke As Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton, Home and Away

Stephen became notable for his role as Darryl, one of The River Boys, on the hit soap opera, Home and Away. Stephen bagged the Most Popular New Male Talent and Most Popular Actor in the Logie Awards for portraying Darryl. However, Stephen left the show in 2016 and ventured into different projects. In 2016, he starred in the blockbuster film Me Before You alongside Game of Thrones icon, Emilia Clarke. He married his long-time girlfriend actress Bridgette Sneddon in a private wedding ceremony, in 2014. 

Chris Hemsworth As Kim Hyde, Home and Away

His exceptional portrayal of Kim Hyde in Home and Away rocketed Hemsworth into stardom, an opened the door for the true step into the Hollywood A-listers, blockbuster roles, huge earnings, and everything. When he left the show in 2007, different film projects sprung out here and there. Most of his successful films include Thor, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Rush. He married Spanish actress Elsa Pataky and became a parent to three beautiful children.

Heath Ledger As Scott Irwin, Home and Away

Heath made several appearances on TV before his major career breakthrough. In 1997, he starred as Scott Irwin on the hit soap opera, Home and Away. This paved his way into landing more successful film projects, including Brokeback Mountain and 10 Things I Hate About You. He received an Oscar award for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2008, linking his death to prescribed drugs abuse.

Isla Fisher As Shannon Reed, Home and Away

From 1994 to 1997, Isla portrayed Shannon Reed in the soap opera, Home and Away. She delivered exceptional performance in scenes where her character suffers from anorexia. Fisher received a Logie nomination for such portrayal. She made notable comedic appearances in Confessions of a Shopaholic, I Heart Huckabees and Scooby-Doo. In 2016, she published her first children's book, Marge In Charge. 

Tempany Deckert As Selina Roberts, Home and Away

Roberts’ promiscuous character always gave her a bad impression in Summer Bay, but inside, she has a good heart. Tempany Deckert gave justice to Selina Roberts' character and landed her roles in TV and stage productions. Although Deckert left Home and Away with a lot of offers, her focus was more into writing. Deckert has, in her portfolio, several books that she's written and done illustrations for, like The Green-Eyed Monster, Maddy’s Big Break, The Big Fudge, Fashion Police, and Radio Rebels.

Nicolle Dickson As Bobby Simpson, Home and Away

Before vanishing from the limelight, Nicolle Dickson played Bobby Simpson in the soap opera Home and Away. After leaving the show, she had four last TV roles to her credit. In 2006, she participated as a contestant on the reality game show, Australian Celebrity Survivor. To date, her participation in the reality show was her last appearance on TV. Now, she works outside of showbiz as an accountant and bookkeeper. 

Stefan Dennis As Paul Robinson, Neighbours

Since the first episode of the soap opera Neighbors, aired in 1985, Stefan portrayed the role of Paul. Paul Robinson is a cold-hearted and savage businessman in Erinsborough. In 1993, he took a short break and returned to the show in 2004. Stefan has always shown interest in music and acting. In 1989, his song Don’t It Make You Feel Good hit no. 16 at the UK singles chart. Until now, Stefan plays as Paul on the show.

Kylie Minogue As Charlene Robinson, Neighbours

Kylie Minogue started acting when she was only at the age of 11. She got her big break when she earned the role of Charlene Robinson on the long-running soap, Neighbours. She then left the show in 1988 to pursue the career she loved the most - singing. Kylie was able to release 12 albums since her debut album. Unfortunately, Minogue battled breast cancer from 2005 to 2010. Now cancer-free, Minogue launched a campaign entitled 'One Note Against Cancer' in 2014, an organization focused on cancer research. 

Margot Robbie As Donna Freedman, Neighbours

Margot Robbie thought she failed the auditions for the role of Donna Freedman in the soap opera, Neighbours. Margot first appeared as a guest character and soon became a regular on the show. Her career had a successful flow - she earned two Logie Award nominations for her role as Donna Freedman. Margot also gained her first big break in the film, The Wolf of Wall Street. In 2016, she married her long-time boyfriend Tom Ackerley in a private ceremony with only 50 guests. She wore a simple Oscar De La Renta bohemian dress.

Jackie Woodburne As Susan Kennedy, Neighbours

Jackie Woodburne plays the role of Susan Kennedy in the soap opera Neighbours since 1994. Until now, Jackie plays the role of Susan, which is currently the longest-running female character of the show. Susan suffers from retrograde amnesia and multiple sclerosis. Aside from Neighbours, Jackie also narrates for the comedy audio series, Night Terrace. 

Jason Donovan As Scott Robinson, Neighbours

Jason Donovan replaced actor Darius Perkins for the role of Scott Robinson on the soap opera Neighbors in 1988. Jason's character is the love interest of Kylie Minogue’s character, Charlene. Just like Kylie Minogue, Donovan followed his love for music. He released his single Nothing Can Divide Us which hit no. 5 on the UK charts. Donovan admitted in 1995 that he was suffering from a serious drug problem. However, he claimed to be drug-free since the birth of his first child.

Liam Hemsworth As Josh Taylor, Neighbours

Liam made his debut in the soap opera Neighbours as Josh Taylor. Like some cast members, Liam started out as a guest actor and he was able to stay for more than a year in the show. Liam rose to fame when he portrayed the role of Gale in the hit film, The Hunger Games. He made celebrity news headlines after calling off his engagement with singer Miley Cyrus, in 2013.  But recent reports are saying that they are back together and engaged (again!). 

Guy Pearce As Mike Young, Neighbours

Pearce’s career began to take off as he portrayed the role of Mike Young in the soap opera, Neighbours. He first appeared in the television show in 1986, a year after it aired. After his debut on television, Pearce appeared on films Heaven Tonight, Hunting, and Flynn. His success has earned him a spot in Hollywood, starring in films such as The King’s Speech and Iron Man 3. The actor married his long-time girlfriend in 1997 and filed for a divorce after 18 years. 

Alan Dale As Jim Robinson, Neighbours

Alan Dale made his TV debut as one of the twelve original cast members of the soap opera, Neighbours. Alan Dale played Jim Robinson, the patriarch of the Robinson family. Dale appeared in 1,064 episodes of the show and retired in 1993. After his exit from Neighbours, Dale struggled to find an acting job in Australia. Later, he decided to relocate in the U.S where he received wild success. He ended up appearing in TV shows such as the O.C, Ugly Betty, Lost, and The West Wing. Dale now lives with his family in his Manhattan Beach real estate property.

Rowena Wallace As Patricia Hamilton, Sons and Daughters

Viewers of the soap opera Sons and Daughters despised Rowena's character, Patricia Hamilton a lot. The character she portrayed made her one of Australia’s highest-paid actress. However, her career suffered a decline post-Sons and Daughters. She was slammed with charges for social security fraud and given a six-month suspension. In 2010, Today Tonight featured a story of Wallace near bankruptcy and facing possible homelessness. 

Ally Fowler As Angela Hamilton, Sons and Daughters

Angela Hamilton, of Sons and Daughters, became one of the show's driving force with her character's romantic arc with John Palmer. Ally Fowler portrayed the role of Angela Hamilton for 327 episodes. Ally became more popular when she pursued a career in music and formed the group the Chantoozies. The group takes credit for hit songs like He's Gonna Step On You Again. Recently, Fowler became a part of the stage production of Tim Winton’s Shrine. 

Peter Phelps As John Palmer, Sons and Daughters

Sons and Daughters’ viewers were really hooked following John Palmer’s run from a crime - a murder he didn’t really commit. Peter Phelps did John Palmer’s character justice as he delivered exceptional performance in 421 episodes of the show. Phelps’ career soared as he landed numerous roles, such as A Country Practice, Home and Away and Baywatch. In 2015, Peter fell victim to a bad investment adviser named Brad Sherwin and lost more than $400K. 

Alyce Platt As Amanda Morrell, Sons and Daughters

Alyce Platt became a part of Sons and Daughters as Amanda Morrell for two years. She left the show to try a career in theater, film, and music. She appeared in Sale of The Century as a game show co-host. In 2015, Platt found her success in producing her musical ideas and released her third studio album, Funny Little World. 

Robert Mammone As Tim Palmer, Sons and Daughters

Robert Mammone only appeared for a short time on the soap opera Sons and Daughters as Tim Palmer. He later appeared in Wildside, Stingers, and Blue Heelers and several more. In 2016, the court found Robert guilty of assault, and he was put into a two-year good behavior bond without a conviction.

Marton Csokas As Leonard Rossi-Dodds, Shortland Street

Marton Csokas became well-known for his role as the eccentric doctor Leonard Rossi-Dodds on the soap opera, Shortland Street. His successful career has earned him a spot on Hollywood, landing him roles for Xena, Hercules, and The Lord of the Rings. From then on, Csokas starred in bigger films such as The Bourne Supremacy and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. He will also appear in the thriller film, Voice from the Stone. 

Temuera Morrison as Dr. Hone Ropata, Shortland Street

Before becoming the iconic Star Wars character Jango Fett, Temuera Morrison started building his fame  and net worth in the soap opera Shortland Street. Morrison portrayed the role of Doctor Hone Ropata for three years and received wide recognition for this. You can watch him on the upcoming 2018 film Aquaman alongside lead actor Jason Momoa.  

Karl Urban As Jamie Forrest, Shortland Street

Karl Urban broke the record as he appeared as the first gay character on the soap opera, Shortland Street. Urban portrayed the role of paramedic Jamie Forrest, in 1993. His success went on to Hollywood with roles in blockbuster films such as Star Trek and The Lord of The Rings. Urban became an ambassador of KidsCan, a charity that helps children in New Zealand who are desperately in need. His next projects will include films like Hangman and Thor: Ragnarok. 

Martin Henderson As Stuart Neilson, Shortland Street

Martin Henderson, famously known as Dr. Nathan Riggs of Grey’s Anatomy, started his career in Shortland Street. In his teenage years, Henderson starred as the iconic Stuart Neilson for three years. He then left the show to launch his acting career in the US. In 2015, he landed the role of Dr. Nathan Riggs in Grey’s Anatomy, introducing him as the new cardiothoracic surgeon. He also starred as the iconic Noah Clay in the horror film, The Ring. At the rate that he's doing, this actor would soon be able to build a truly enormous net worth.

Anna Hutchison As Delphi Greenlaw, Shortland Street

Anna Hutchison received a great response for portraying the role of tomboy character Delphi Greenlaw in the soap opera, Shortland Street. Like most stars, Hutchison moved to the US to earn a gold spot in Hollywood. She appeared in the hit film The Cabin In The Woods. This year, Anna starred in her most challenging role as an indecent assault victim in Vengeance: A Love Story. 

Craig Parker As Guy Warner, Shortland Street

Craig Parker established his acting career with the help of his character Guy Warner in the soap opera, Shortland Street. He gained huge success after his appearance in The Lord of The Rings as Haldir of Lorien. In some occasions, Craig also narrates for New Zealand documentaries.

Elspeth Ballantyne As Meg Morris, Prisoner

Elspeth lasted eight full seasons in the soap opera Prisoner, logging a total of 669 episodes. Elspeth also appeared in television series such as Neighbours, The Flying Doctors, and Blue Heelers. With so many TV appearances over the years, the actress, who would now be in her 80s, has a total net worth of $1.6 million. 

Kimberley Crossman As Sophie McKay, Shortland Street

Former cheerleader Kimberley Crossman made her acting debut on Shortland Street as Sophie McKay. She received great recognition for her performance in the show, with the fans of Shortland Street even voting Kimberley as one of the best rising stars. Her portfolio includes roles in Young And Hungry, Kevin From Work, and web series, Hashtaggers. 

Ada Nicodemou As Leah Patterson-Baker, Home And Away

For 16 years, actress Ada Nicodemou played the character of Leah Patterson-Baker in the soap opera, Home and Away. Apart from acting, Ada also hosted the reality TV show Please Marry My Boy. She married her longtime boyfriend Chrys Xipolitas in 2007.  After seven years and subsequently after giving birth to their second child, they officially decided to end their marriage. The actress also works as an ambassador for the organization, Save Our Sons. which focuses on research about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Indiana Evans As Matilda Hunter, Home And Away

Indiana discovered her talent at a very young age and decided to attend a performing arts school to hone her skills. However, acting classes (and dancing) didn’t seem to satisfy her, and so she left after two weeks and pursued a real acting career. Indiana portrayed for four years the role of the privileged teen, Matilda Hunter, in the soap opera Home and Away. Her fame went on and later, she became a part of the television show, H20: Just Add Water. In 2012, she earned a leading role in the film Blue Lagoon: The Awakening. 

Luke Mitchell As Romeo Smith, Home And Away

Luke Mitchell started his career in the soap opera Neighbors and later joined Home and Away as Romeo Smith. After four years, he departed the show and snagged a lead role in the CW series The Tomorrow People. He also appeared in TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Blindspot. He often gets injuries from fight scenes - one time, he severed his right hand which required surgery. Recently, Luke has received great recognition for his recurring role on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 

Nic Testoni As Travish Nash, Home And Away

Home and Away fans loved him for his hunky bod and good guy character in Summer Bay. His fans dubbed him as ‘dreambot fisherman’ for his role as Travis Nash. After working for four years on the show, he moved on and went behind the scenes as a filmmaker. He later invested money and built his own company, Real World Productions. In 2004, he received an award as an Emerging Australian Filmmaker.

Kimberley Davies As Annalise Hartman, Neighbours

Kimberly Davis had an interesting storyline during her time in the soap opera, Neighbours. She portrayed Annalise Hartman, a character who often suffered from dramatic plots such as the day she got ditched on her wedding. After 13 years, she decided to leave the show and pursued different ventures. She married Jason Harvey and had three children together.

Holly Valance As Felicity Scully, Neighbours

Holly became known for her role as Felicity Scully on the soap opera, Neighbours. Viewers loved her storyline as she managed to have a very intriguing love life in a span of three years. After her breakthrough in the show, she pursued a music career and her song Kiss Kiss became an instant hit. Holly married billionaire property developer, Nick Candy, and in 2013, they welcomed their first child, Luka Violet.

Rebecca Ritters As Hannah Martin, Neighbours

You probably won’t recognize Rebecca Ritters today from her days in the soap opera Neighbours. Rebecca made her debut as the eight-year-old Hannah Martin and eventually left the show in 1999. Rebecca laid low in her acting career and finished a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations. Now, she lives in Berlin and works for the broadcasting company, Deutsche Welle.

Elaine Smith As Daphne Clarke, Neighbours

During the time she auditioned for Neighbours, Elaine Smith only earned a guest role. However, she later won the hearts of the producers and became a regular on the show as Daphne Clark. In 1988, after her character was killed, she went on to star on Home and Away and Sons and Daughters. The former Neighbours star decided to study again and earn an education degree. Now, she works as a drama teacher for a primary school in Sydney.

Val Lehman As "Queen" Bea Smith, Prisoners

Most people best know her for her role as Bea Smith in the soap opera, Prisoners. However, after logging a total of 400 episodes, she left the show and pursued other roles in series like Good Guys Bad Guys. Val Lehman started her career at National Theatre Drama School and went on to pursue an arts degree at The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Recently, she appeared as a contestant in I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Johnny Barker As Joey Henderson, Shortland Street

Johnny Barker distinguished himself as the most notorious villain, not just on Shortland Street but among New Zealand television. His character, Joey Henderson, delivers unusual murders on Shortland Street which took the show on to a new level. Now, the actor doesn’t fill much of his acting portfolio; he focused on directing and releasing his own music. Earlier in 2018, he released his debut album Sleepwalking which can also be heard on Spotify.

Maggie Kirkpatrick As Joan "The Freak" Ferguson, Prisoner

Kirkpatrick became famous for portraying a sadistic warden in the soap opera, Prisoner. In 2015, Kirkpatrick found herself in rough waters as she was charged with indecent assault against a minor in the 1980s. Kirkpatrick allegedly met the 13-year-old girl in a psychiatric hospital where the victim was receiving treatment, but she appealed the initial court decision and overturned her conviction.

Sheila Florance As Lizzie Birdsworth, Prisoner

Sheila Florance portrayed the role of the iconic elderly alcoholic inmate Lizzie in the soap opera. Prisoner. Florance did a total of 400 episodes for the show. In 1991, Florence starred in a film entitled A Woman’s Tale written specifically for her. A week later, after receiving an award for her role in the film, she passed away due to lung cancer. 

Colette Mann As Doreen Anderson, Prisoner

Colette Mann portrayed inmate Doreen Burns of the famous Wentworth Detention center. After her 3-year stint on Prisoner, Mann joined the cast of Neighbours as Cheryl Clark. Mann was also a part of Blue Heelers, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and Good Morning Australia. In 2002, Mann wrote a book about her life entitled, Give Me A Break.

Fiona Spence As Vera Bennett, Prisoner

Fiora Spence is an actress at the top of her career during the '80s. Spence portrayed another sadistic officer in the soap opera Prisoners known as Vera Bennet. She also appeared in Home and Away from 1988 to 1980. Spence earned an arts degree from Monash University while working on-screen.