We’ve all gotta start somewhere, and for these stars, it was on Channel 7. Home And Away has been running for over 30 years and as a result, it’s spawned some incredible, Aussie stars. So, we thought it was a good idea to rank them for how big of an impact they’ve made in the entertainment industry. Without further ado, here’s our list!
6. Dannii Minogue
While her sister was getting her big break on Neighbours, Dannii Minogue was getting her start in Summer Bay. Before you knew her as the Masked Singer and X-Factor judge, Dannii Minogue played Emma Jackson on Home and Away. From 1989 to 1990, Dannii Minogue was an important figure in Summer Bay. Starring in over 200 episodes, Minogue racked up two Logie nominations for Most Popular Female Talent. It wasn’t exactly her first tv appearance though, as she was a star on Young Talent Time years prior. Since then she had a kickin’ music career spawning the hits “Love and Kisses”, “This Is It”, “Jump to the Beat” and “Baby Love” and now, being the personality we all know and love.
5. Simon Baker
Before we knew him as The Mentalist, Simon Baker was chilling around Summer Bay. The 50-year-old played James Hudson from 1993 to 1994. After this time, he left the show to star in another Aussie series, Heartbreak High, for 6 years. Since the 90’s he moved to the States and made it big in Hollywood. His notable performances include The Guardian, The Devil Wears Prada and Land of the Dead.
4. Isla Fisher
Before she played the shopaholic we all fell in love with, Isla Fisher played Shannon Reed on Home and Away. Her character was a bisexual young woman who developed anorexia and roamed around Summer Bay from 1994 to 1997. Since her time on the show, she’s starred in the hilarious romcoms Wedding Crashers and Definitely, Maybe. She is currently married to Sacha Baron Cohen and the two of them have two children. Love that for her!
3. Chris Hemsworth
While his brother was killing it on Neighbours, Chris Hemsworth got his start on Home and Away. Chris played Kim Hyde on from 2004 to 2007. He was so popular with Aussie audiences, he won Most Popular New Male Talent award at the 2005 Logie Awards! When talking about Home and Away, Chris Hemsworth said, “The role in Home and Away is consistent work for me and is a great experience. It is so fast-paced and basically it allows me to learn a lot about the industry.” Since his lengthy time on the show, he’s joined the Marvel squad as Thor and starred in Snow White and the Huntsman.
2. Naomi Watts
She’s starred in one of the most iconic horror remakes of all time and – not to mention – a movie that many call the best film of all time, but never forget the time Naomi Watts was in Summer Bay. Naomi Watts played the paralysed Julie Gibson on Home and Away for a very brief time in 1991. Since her time on the show, she moved to the States and starred in some of the most iconic films known to this generation. Naomi Watts has been nominated for Academy Awards twice, once in 2003 and another in 2012.
1. Heath Ledger
Topping our list is the one and only, Heath Ledger. Before you knew him as The Dark Knight or one of the gorgeous cowboys in Brokeback Mountain, Heath Ledger played Scott Irwin on Home and Away. In 1997, Heath Ledger played the bad boy of Summer Bay who took Sally Fletcher’s virginity in the back of his van. After two years on the show, this Aussie icon went to star in the unforgettable 10 Things I Hate About You before passing away in 2018 from an accidental overdose. The incredible actor won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the Joker after he passed.
If you loved this list, make sure you check out our Neighbours one too.
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