Cassandra Freedman

Cassandra Freedman
Occupation	Receptionist
Years active	2009
Known for	Character on Neighbours

Cassandra Freedman is a character created for the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actress Tottie Goldsmith. She made her first appearance on 10 February 2009. The show's producers cast Goldsmith directly, foregoing an audition, with filming commencing in late September 2008. Initially contracted for a six-week period, her role was extended following a strong reception to her performance. Goldsmith wrapped up filming in January 2009, with Cassandra's last episode broadcast on 29 April 2009.

Cassandra is depicted as the former spouse of Matt Freedman (Benjamin Mitchell) and mother to Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie), Tegan Freedman (Chelsea Jones), and Simon Freedman (Mauricio Merino, Jr.). Goldsmith characterized her as a self-centered troublemaker who behaves more like a jealous sibling than a caring mother. Having had Donna at a young age, Cassandra harbored resentment towards her and teamed up with Tegan in various schemes. Her storyline involved relocating to Ramsay Street with the intention of finding a wealthy partner, setting her sights on Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis).

Casting

On 7 September 2008, Fiona Byrne of the Herald Sun revealed Goldsmith’s casting as Cassandra Freedman, mother to Donna (portrayed by Margot Robbie). At age 46, Goldsmith welcomed the opportunity to portray a "yummy mummy" figure, appreciating the depth of the role beyond conventional maternal parts. The producers’ confidence was evident as they cast her without requiring an audition. Filming began in late September 2008, leading up to her debut on screen on 10 February 2009.

Following positive feedback on her portrayal, the production team extended Goldsmith’s contract by an additional six weeks in November. She completed a three-month tenure in January 2009. Goldsmith reflected that participating in Neighbours was personally fulfilling and offered support during challenging times. Cassandra’s final appearance aired on 29 April 2009.

Characterisation

Prior to appearing on screen, Goldsmith accepted the role due to finding Cassandra "quirky and out-there," considering the character enjoyable and lively. She described Cassandra as "quite fun" and "a risk taker," anticipating a blend of mischief and humor. Darren Rowe from Digital Spy referred to her as "seductive and troublesome," while Yahoo!7 identified her as a cougar. Later, Goldsmith summarized Cassandra as "a real piece of work," highlighting traits such as manipulation, vulnerability, selfishness, and playfulness.

A reporter from the Sunday Mercury portrayed Cassandra as confident and glamorous. Goldsmith mentioned that Cassandra’s dramatic nature elicited mixed reactions from neighbors she found dull, aiming to bring excitement to their lives. Regarding her style, Goldsmith noted that Cassandra dresses reminiscent of her twenties, often opting for revealing clothing that leaves little to the imagination.

Family

Cassandra is mother to Donna, Tegan (Chelsea Jones), and Simon Freedman (Mauricio Merino, Jr.). Upon arriving in Ramsay Street, she was entangled in a difficult divorce from Matt Freedman (Benjamin Mitchell). A writer for Holy Soap described her behavior as more akin to that of a jealous older sister than a nurturing parent. In an interview with Inside Soap, Goldsmith explained that Cassandra lacked maternal instincts and found it hard to bond with her children. Having given birth to Donna at a young age, she resented her daughter and eventually perceived Donna as a rival. Over time, Donna became largely unaffected by her mother’s conduct. Additionally, Goldsmith pointed out that Tegan, Cassandra’s youngest child, often acts as her accomplice in various antics.

Paul Robinson

Goldsmith explained to Herbison that Cassandra relocated to Ramsay Street after hearing about a Salvation Army shelter for families in need, believing her household qualified for assistance. Nevertheless, her actual intention was to seek out a wealthy partner, specifically targeting resident Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). Employing her "feminine charms," she succeeded in winning his affection. Following an April Fool's joke played on Cassandra by Paul's former girlfriend, Rebecca Napier (Jane Hall), Cassandra retaliated by framing Rebecca for selling alcohol to minors. Misjudging Paul's loyalty to Rebecca, Cassandra also accused him of stalking her and filed a harassment complaint, leaving neighbors uncertain about his innocence. Rebecca stood by Paul, and Donna moved in with Cassandra to investigate the situation. Ultimately, Cassandra's deceit was uncovered, compelling her to offer a contrite apology.

Storylines

Upon arriving in Erinsborough, Cassandra visits Charlie's bar where she encounters Paul Robinson, who mistakenly assumes she is a prostitute. She clarifies that she works as a receptionist but insists she is not obligated to dress accordingly. Cassandra takes up residence at the Salvation Army refuge located at Number 24 on Ramsay Street. Her daughter Donna is taken aback and pleads with her not to disrupt her life. Cassandra permits Donna to stay but commits to resolving their conflicts. It is later revealed that Cassandra sent her younger children, Tegan and Simon, ahead to evaluate the residents of Ramsay Street. She subsequently seduces Paul and attempts unsuccessfully to obtain an advertising sales position at his newspaper, ultimately accepting a receptionist job at the hospital.

Viewing Paul's friend Samantha Fitzgerald as a rival, Cassandra accesses Sam’s hospital records and uncovers her bipolar disorder. She exploits this information to blackmail Sam into persuading Donna to give her another chance. When Donna argues with her boyfriend Ringo Brown, Cassandra invites him to live with her, which further upsets Donna. After Paul cancels their date, Cassandra clashes with Sam and inadvertently exposes the truth about Sam’s baby to Stephanie Scully, losing her leverage. Later, Cassandra discovers that Simon sabotaged Paul's date by gluing his car doors shut.

Cassandra interrupts Libby Kennedy and Daniel Fitzgerald's wedding in an attempt to get closer to Paul. She steals wedding attire and offers assistance in creating new dresses. During the reception, Paul's daughter Elle Robinson locks Cassandra in a storeroom to allow Paul time with Rebecca Napier. Feeling that Paul is slipping away, Cassandra contacts Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend Andrew Simpson, reuniting them while comforting Paul. Within her family, Cassandra stirs conflict by encouraging daughter Tegan to wear shorter skirts to attract male attention; this backfires when Tegan experiences bullying from Kyle Canning. Cassandra then flirts with Kyle, worsening family tensions.

Irritated by Simon stealing an iPod and Tegan seeking fashion tips from Bridget Parker, Cassandra insults Bridget and is subsequently thrown out by her mother. After mistakenly purchasing a counterfeit $20,000-winning scratchcard, Cassandra suspects Rebecca of playing a prank and retaliates by accusing her of selling alcohol to minors through Tegan. The community doubts these allegations; Paul turns against Cassandra. Frustrated, Simon and Tegan leave to stay with their grandmother. In response, Cassandra accuses Paul of harassment but soon begins receiving threatening notes and silent phone calls, leading her to issue a public apology.

In an effort to make amends, Cassandra encourages Donna’s audition for the school play but grows envious of her success and sabotages her second attempt. Upon discovering Donna is stalking her, Cassandra reports her to the police despite objections from Elle. She mocks Donna during rehearsals and accuses Daniel of inappropriate conduct when he offers comfort. The Ramsay Street community rallies against Cassandra: she is dismissed for tardiness, banned from local venues by Elle, and reported for misusing Salvation Army housing. Defeated, Cassandra decides to leave after revealing to Donna that Nick—not the man who raised her—is actually her biological father. As she departs Ramsay Street, she knocks over bins on her way out.

Reception

In 2009, Goldsmith earned a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the Inside Soap Awards due to her portrayal of Cassandra. John Burfitt from TV Soap included Cassandra among Neighbours' "most notorious bitches," describing her as "the harshest mother and toughest tart ever seen on Ramsay Street," and dubbing her "Cyclone Cass." A contributor to Holy Soap pointed out a standout scene where Cassandra’s dress became trapped in a car door, revealing her underwear. A reporter from the Daily Record condemned her as both manipulative and vindictive, expressing a desire for her to be driven out of town because of her misdeeds. The Sunday Mercury labeled her as "one of the most irritating figures Ramsay Street has witnessed," while the Western Mail referred to her as the "mother from hell." Additionally, Metro described Cassandra as "manipulative."

The Sunday Mail described her as "among the most aggravating characters ever to appear on Ramsay Street." Tim Elliott of The Sydney Morning Herald provided a favorable perspective, observing that Cassandra brought the kind of melodrama audiences craved amidst suburban storylines. He noted that although many disapproved of her lifestyle as a single mother enjoying herself, she injected much-needed excitement compared to more realistic personas. Gordon Farrer from The Age characterized her as a "yummy mummy." In an Inside Soap poll asking readers which departing character they would miss most, Cassandra placed third with 10% of the votes.

External links

• Character profile at Holy Soap