Original 'Home and Away' Cast Members: Where Are They Now?

It has been nearly 40 years since the Australian soap opera Home and Away first introduced audiences to the fictional Summer Bay. The show, which premiered in 1988, is set to be reaired in its entirety on the new UK channel 5Drama starting October 21, allowing viewers to revisit the early episodes.

Ray Meagher, the sole cast member to have appeared since the first episode, expressed his enthusiasm for the reruns, noting the significant history and memories contained within the early installments. Emily Symons, who joined the cast a year later as Marilyn Chambers, also shared her excitement about UK fans being able to experience the soap's beginnings.

Original Cast Members and Their Journeys

Nicolle Dickson (Bobby Simpson, 1988-1993) Nicolle Dickson portrayed the rebellious foster child Bobby Simpson. Her character's storylines included discovering her parentage, feuding with Roo Stewart, marrying Frank Morgan, and later Greg Marshall. Bobby died in a speedboat accident in 1993, though she briefly reappeared as a ghost in 1995. After leaving the show at the height of her fame, Dickson struggled to find acting roles and retrained as an accountant and bookkeeper. She later participated in Australian Celebrity Survivor in 2006 and renewed her wedding vows in 2015. She and her husband live in New South Wales.

Roger Oakley (Tom Fletcher, 1988-1990) Roger Oakley played the foster father Tom Fletcher, who ran the caravan park with his wife Pippa. His character was the first major one to be killed off, dying from a heart attack while driving with foster children. Oakley, already an established actor in Australia, continued his career in television, film, and theatre, also working as a director and voice-over artist. In recent years, he appeared in Neighbours and the Australian dark comedy Deadloch.

Vanessa Downing (Pippa Fletcher, 1988-1990) Vanessa Downing originated the role of matriarch foster mother Pippa Fletcher. She left the show shortly after her on-screen husband, Roger Oakley. In a notable soap opera event, her character was replaced by Debra Lawrence, with the recasting occurring mid-wedding. Downing continued to appear in Australian television and theatre productions. In the early 2000s, she retrained as a lawyer, graduating in 2006, and specialized in immigration law while continuing to act.

Alex Papps (Frank Morgan, 1988-1989, 1991-1992) Alex Papps was the show's first heartthrob as foster son Frank Morgan. His storylines included a complex relationship with Roo Stewart, leading to a broken engagement and subsequent marriage to Bobby Simpson, which was short-lived. Papps left Home and Away to join The Flying Doctors before returning for another stint. He later joined ABC's children's show Play School in 2006 and released a children's music album in 2014.

Justine Clarke (Roo Stewart, 1988-1989) Justine Clarke played Roo Stewart, known for her on-off relationship with Frank Morgan. Her departure in 1989 led to the character being recast in 2010. Clarke went on to star in films like Blackrock and various television series. She has had a long-running role as a presenter on ABC's Play School since 1999, which also led to her own music series and children's albums. She has three children with her husband, actor Jack Finsterer.

Sharyn Hodgson (Carly Morris, 1988-1991) Sharyn Hodgson joined as foster child Carly Morris at age 17. Her storylines included difficult themes such as rape and alcoholism. After leaving the show with her on-screen fiancé Ben Lucini, Hodgson stepped away from acting to focus on motherhood. She now works as a natural therapist and childcare worker and has also fostered children with her husband.

Judy Nunn (Ailsa Stewart, 1988-2000) Judy Nunn played Ailsa Stewart, who harbored a secret past involving prison time for manslaughter. She ran the local grocery store and later co-owned the Summer Bay diner. Ailsa died of a heart attack in 2000. Following her character's death, Nunn became a successful author, releasing numerous bestselling novels that explore the worlds of television, theatre, and film. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for her contributions to the arts and literature.

Norman Coburn (Donald Fisher, 1988-2003) Norman Coburn portrayed Summer Bay's headmaster Donald Fisher. His character's storylines included being revealed as Bobby Simpson's biological father and marrying Marilyn Chambers. Coburn retired from acting at age 70 after leaving the show and moved to Tasmania. He made a brief return in 2019.

Kate Richie (Sally Fletcher, 1988-2008) Kate Richie starred as Sally Fletcher, the youngest foster child. Viewers watched her character grow up over 20 years on the show, including her marriage and widowhood. Richie won two Gold Logie awards for her role. She now co-hosts a popular drive-time radio show in Australia and has appeared as a judge on Australia's Got Talent and in the drama series The Claremont Murders.

Adam Willits (Steven Matheson, 1988-1991, 1995-1998) Adam Willits played foster son Steven Matheson, whose parents died in a house fire. After his initial run, he returned to Home and Away as a teacher. Willits stepped away from acting in 2014 to pursue a career in insurance and now maintains a low profile with his wife and child.

Peter Vroom (Lance Smart, 1988-1990) Peter Vroom portrayed the comedic character Lance Smart, who had a brief romance with Marilyn Chambers. He left Summer Bay to join the army. Vroom has made guest appearances on the show since his departure. In 2007, he transitioned from acting to become a meditation teacher and runs a YouTube channel focused on mindfulness.