David D'Angelo
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a renowned Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their debut in 1998, introduced under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The show’s eleventh season premiered on the Seven Network on 12 January 1998. The year opened with the arrival of Will Smith, portrayed by Zac Drayson. Shortly thereafter, the Nash family—consisting of parents Joel and Natalie, along with their children Tom and Gypsy—were introduced. April marked the birth of Olivia Fraser Richards. In September, characters Byron Fisher and Will’s sister, Hayley, played by Bec Cartwright, were added to the cast. October featured a guest appearance by Scott Major as the armed robber Murray, followed by the introduction of David D'Angelo in November.
Will Smith
Will Smith, enacted by Zac Drayson, made his initial appearance on 13 February 1998. He was a series regular from 1998 until 2002, with sporadic guest spots through to 2005. Both actor and character returned in 2010, with Will coming back to the Bay accompanied by his daughter on 14 October. Originally, Drayson was cast for the role of Tom Nash, but producers reassigned him to the more rugged character of Will. The character exited following his marriage to Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), though Drayson continued to make guest appearances until 2005. His comeback in 2010 was confirmed in September that year. Initially depicted as a "hot-headed troublemaker," Will reconnected with his siblings Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan). Over time, he evolved into a dependable "good bloke" prior to leaving Summer Bay.
Natalie Nash
Natalie Nash, brought to life by Angelica la Bozzetta, first appeared on 18 February 1998. Following Debra Lawrance’s departure from the role of Pippa Ross in 1997, producers introduced the Nash family to oversee the caravan park, a central location within the series. This family included Natalie and Joel Nash (David Woodley) alongside their children Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) and Tom Nash (Graeme Squires). La Bozzetta exited the role late in 1998 to prioritize her family commitments, with Antoinette Byron stepping into the part in 1999. Channel 5 (UK) later recognized the episode showcasing the Nash family’s return as one of its standout moments over a 25-year span.
Joel Nash
Joel Nash, portrayed by David Woodley, debuted on screen on 18 February 1998 and left on 11 October 2000. Before pursuing acting, Woodley served as a federal police officer in Melbourne. He had previously appeared on the show in 1996 as Barry, who was Finlay Roberts’ partner.
Gypsy Nash
Gypsy Nash, played by Kimberley Cooper, first appeared on 18 February 1998 and departed in 2002. She made a brief return in September 2011 alongside her daughter Lily. The introduction of the Nash family followed Debra Lawrance’s exit, refreshing storylines centered around the caravan park. The family moved from Hong Kong to Summer Bay. Cooper described Gypsy’s comeback in 2011 as "dramatic." At the 41st Logie Awards, Cooper earned "Most Popular New Female Talent," becoming that award’s inaugural winner. Gypsy’s kidnapping plotline received a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards. Cooper also secured "Best Aussie Actress" in 2000. The soap news outlet Holy Soap ranked Gypsy among the "Sexiest Home and Away girls ever," noting key storylines such as her abduction and role as a mother.
Tom Nash
Tom Nash, portrayed by Graeme Squires, made his debut on 18 February 1998. Initially, the role was intended for Zac Drayson, but producers decided to cast him as Will Smith instead, leading to Squires being chosen for Tom. After two years on the show, Squires departed in early 2000, with his final appearance airing on 16 May of that year. He briefly reprised the role for the special 3,000th episode in 2001. Squires regarded this opportunity as his first significant acting role and expressed appreciation for it.
The official Home and Away website described Tom as a "classic summer cricketer and winter rugby player," characterized by his athleticism, good looks, and reputation as a ladies' man. Squires mentioned sharing some creative traits and an affinity for outdoor activities with Tom, though he considered himself more reserved compared to his character's outgoing nature. His portrayal earned him a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the Logie Awards of 1999.
Critics viewed Tom as a prominent character within the series; Robin Oliver from The Sydney Morning Herald referred to Tom and Gypsy as "attractive youngsters." Steven Murphy of Inside Soap highlighted Tom’s romance with Terri as one of the show's most passionate relationships. Additionally, Claire Brand and Annette Dasey from Inside Soap called him "Summer Bay’s favorite," while Tina Baker of Soaplife labeled him "the appealing Tom."
Olivia Fraser Richards
Olivia Fraser Richards was introduced on 20 April 1998. She is the daughter of Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright), born during the storyline. Following Chloe’s death, Olivia left Summer Bay accompanied by her uncle James (Michael Piccirilli). The character made a return in 2005, portrayed by Ivy Latimer, and came back again in October 2015 with Raechelle Banno taking over the role. Olivia’s 2015 storyline involved her seeking support from her mother’s former foster carer Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) after encountering difficulties at school in London. Upon her arrival, Olivia displayed a confident demeanor by flirting with VJ Patterson (Matt Little).
Hayley Smith
Hayley Smith was played by Rebecca Cartwright from September 1998 until September 2005, after which Ella Scott Lynch briefly assumed the role. Cartwright exited the show due to personal reasons. Hayley became recognized as one of the most beloved figures in Australian television drama, earning Cartwright the 2005 Logie Award for Most Popular Actress alongside a Gold Logie nomination that same year. The character was depicted as "a troubled yet artistic young widow who has overcome issues with graffiti," embodying a multifaceted personality that strongly connected with viewers.
Byron Fisher
Byron Fisher, brought to life by multiple child actors, first appeared on 16 September 1998 as a figment of his mother Marilyn’s (Emily Symons) dream during her pregnancy. Born on 16 February 1999, Byron was portrayed by Brittany Jones and Joel Sanders-Aguius. Later, Nathanial Davey took on the role of an 11-year-old Byron appearing in a vision.
He is the son of Marilyn and Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), with the middle name Vincent honoring Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten), who rushed Marilyn to the hospital during labor. Marilyn initially experienced difficulty bonding with Byron due to post-natal depression and temporarily left both Donald and Byron. Upon returning, she felt overshadowed by Byron’s nanny, Ellen Porter (Anne Grigg), but their relationship improved once Ellen left. The family’s harmony was disrupted when Byron was diagnosed with cancer requiring treatment abroad. Marilyn and Byron moved to America for his care while Donald sold a valuable painting to finance the treatment. Simon Broadhurst (Morgan O'Neill) purchased the artwork but later returned it to Donald. Before Donald could join them overseas, he received news of Byron’s death. Donald attended Byron’s funeral alone after Marilyn disappeared again and subsequently wrote Letter to Byron, which featured illustrations by Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).
Byron reappeared as an 11-year-old in a vision when Marilyn began seeing apparitions of the late Amber Copeland (Mitzi Ruhlman), who introduced him.
The episode featuring Byron’s birth was selected by Channel 5 as one of their "Best Ever" episodes.
Murray
Murray, played by Scott Major, made his first appearance on 20 October 1998. A reviewer from The Advertiser labeled him as "a dangerous and armed young man" who shoots Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after being turned down for employment. Channel 5 recognized Murray's armed robbery at the Bayside Diner as one of the show's most memorable episodes.
Upon arriving at the beach, Murray loads his firearm and proceeds to the diner, where he orders breakfast but claims he lacks money. When Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) attempts to contact the police, Murray secures the door and takes her hostage. Her spouse Alf (Ray Meagher) returns home, and during a confrontation over money, police officers Joel Nash (David Woodley) and Terri Garner (Alyson Standen) enter for coffee. After their departure, Murray panics, fires a shot injuring Sally Fletcher, then escapes.
He conceals himself in a cave and holds Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) captive. Hayley's brother Will (Zac Drayson) and his partner Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) are also taken hostage. Efforts to break free fail until Will persuades Gypsy’s release by surrendering himself. Murray is subsequently arrested by Joel and Constable Barry Dennis (Mark Shaw). Later, he appears as a hallucination in Ailsa’s mind when she encounters a customer resembling him at the diner.
David D'Angelo
David D'Angelo (also known as Robert Perez) first appeared on 9 November 1998, initially portrayed by Valentino Arico. Ross Pennissi provided the shadowy form credited as Mr. X, with Tony Poli assuming the role until the character’s departure on 13 October 1999.
David’s narrative revolves around avenging himself against Joel Nash (David Woodley), who sentenced him to 15 years in a Hong Kong prison. He uses Joel’s daughter Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) as leverage, posing as her tutor before abducting her. Cooper described working with Poli as challenging yet fulfilling, highlighting his supportive demeanor despite playing a threatening character.
Arriving in Summer Bay, David covertly records Nash family conversations while operating under the alias Robert Perez. He begins dating Gypsy and moves into the Caravan Park, advertising himself as a Maths tutor. Joel and Natalie hire him to assist Gypsy academically. David’s manipulation intensifies when he sends incriminating tapes to Natalie and kidnaps Gypsy, holding her captive for three weeks while sending cryptic messages to her relatives.
David later takes Joel hostage, assumes his identity, drains his bank accounts, and sets fire to the Nashes’ residence with Natalie, Tom, and Gypsy inside. During the fire, he holds Natalie hostage but is ultimately captured by Joel after Natalie provides phone clues. Though imprisoned, David taunts Joel during visits by mocking Gypsy.
Months later, David escapes custody seeking stolen money buried in the bush but discovers it has been taken by Duncan Stewart and Gazza Boyd. He threatens Duncan and Ailsa, taking Duncan hostage and attempting to flee with accomplice Lauren Healy. Joel tracks him down; after a pursuit ends with David nearly falling off a cliff, Joel rescues him. David lodges a false complaint against Joel but is re-incarcerated once Joel proves his innocence.
Rachel Browne from The Sun-Herald commended David’s vendetta as one of 1998’s finest television cliffhangers, describing him as a "Hooded Psycho bent on revenge" ahead of the 1999 season. His kidnapping and stalking plot earned a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–20 January | Gordon Macleay | Danny Adcock | Unlawful arms trader discovered floating by Travis Nash (Nic Testoni); transported to medical facility. |
| 22 January | George Baker | James Hagan | Legal counsel for Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) handling a $10,000 settlement out of court with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin). |
| 23 January–2 February | Sludge | Steve Pate | Associate of Sam (Ryan Clark), utilized as an alibi in connection with ram-raid offenses. |
| 22 January | Warren Hickson | Andrew Marshall | Member of Childcare Services advising Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrence) regarding foster care possibilities. |
| 30 January | Christine McKenzie | Linda Newton | Conservative politician promoting deportation of immigrants; encounters local demonstrations. |
| 2 February–30 October 2000 | Barry Dennis | Mark Shaw | Local police officer engaged in law enforcement activities alongside Joel Nash (David Woodley). |
| 3 February | Darren | Jordon Askill | Percussionist auditioning for band formed by Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) and Aaron Welles (Ritchie Gudgeon). |
| 25–27 February | Carol Williams | Diana Davidson | Neighbor creating friction between Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). |
| 10–11 March | Ralph Marchant | Nicholas Garsden | Tour guide involved in boating incident caused by Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten). |
| 18 March–24 April | Jason Duncan | Paul Kelman | Manager at Bonza Burger; affair results in wife Tamara's departure; employs Vinnie Patterson. |
| 18–25 March | Tamara Duncan | Sarah Aubrey | Wife of Jason Duncan; leaves him after uncovering infidelity. |
| 26 March | Chris Brown | Luke Jacobz | Soccer player at Summer Bay High injured due to jealousy from Will Smith (Zac Drayson). |
| 30 March | Geoffrey Burns | Ben Price | Meets Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert) in Africa; escorts her to Ironbridge for recuperation. |
| Bill Burns | Michael Carter | Geoffrey's father; briefly shows interest in Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger); invites her for an extended stay. | |
| Waitress | Lorraine Brown | Waitstaff serving Bill Burns and Irene Roberts at a dining establishment. | |
| George | Richard Clohessy | Colleague of Geoffrey Burns; invites Geoffrey on trip to the Greek Islands. | |
| 31 March–2 April | Pam Edmonson | Rebecca O'Dare | Competitor at surf carnival winning the girls' under-18 race; meets Sam Marshall. |
| 3–6 April | George Berry | Rhiannon Mason | Foster child placed temporarily with Travis and Rebecca Nash; displays difficult behavior. |
| 8 April–28 May | Bruce "Chook" Fowler | Shannon Cooper | Friend of Sam Marshall; involved in drug purchase leading to near expulsion from school. |
| 9–21 April | Sugar O'Donnell | Brooke Gissing | Engages in relationship with Tom Nash, ending when she leaves him for lead singer Ben. |
| 9–17 April | Candy O'Donnell | Bianca Gissing | Sugar's twin sister; shows interest in Aaron Welles, causing school tension. |
| 15–24 April | Nigel Whittaker | Stephen Holford | Interior designer contracted to revamp Bayside Diner for Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn). |
| 17 April | Ben | Tony Gibson | Lead vocalist who becomes Sugar O'Donnell's new partner, ending her relationship with Tom Nash. |
| 20–21 April | Dr Matthew | Alan Lock | Physician delivering newborn Olivia Fraser Richards to parents Lachlan Fraser and Chloe Richards. |
| 22 April | Christina | Marina Finlay | Editor of Cheeky Magazine awarding Joey Rainbow $1000 for essay contest; assisted by Isabella (Kylie Watson). |
| Isabella | Kylie Watson | Assistant to Christina during Cheeky Magazine event. | |
| 22–23 April | Policeman | Reg Cribb | Pulls over Kylie Burton for speeding; Kylie uses alias Rebecca Nash while evading police. |
| 1–20 May | Harry MacKintosh | Sam O'Dell | Year 12 student distributing drugs; intimidates Gypsy Nash and Will Smith, leading to intervention by Natalie Nash. |
| 12 May–5 June | Leila | Michelle Fondacaro | Iranian Year 11 student courted by Aaron Welles and Tom Nash; dates both but ultimately chooses neither. |
| 20–25 May | Professor Dunstan | David Nettheim | Neurosurgeon managing Lachlan Fraser's brain tumor operation; provides updates during critical phases. |
| 22 May–18 February 2000 | Emily O'Kane | Rochelle Eardley | Friend of Rachel McGregor, appearing intermittently over several months. |
| 22 May–12 June | Mardi O'Kane | Kelly Cawley | Emily O'Kane's mother; briefly dates Jesse McGregor before separation due to unresolved issues. |
| 19 June–22 October | Daria Ellis | Tamra Williams | Surfer and Sam Marshall's girlfriend; copes with epilepsy amid family disputes and relationship struggles. |
| 19 June–4 September | Sean Ellis | Mark Gerber | Daria's father; opens surf shop and dates Sally Fletcher despite disapproval; relationship ends amid family conflicts. |
| 24 June–17 March 2003 | John Wilson | Bryan Wiseman | Medical doctor at Northern Districts Hospital appearing over multiple years. |
| "1 July"| | Mark Hollis | Matt Juarez | Kidnaps Rachel McGregor from shopping center with accomplice Jason; Mrs. Hollis also appears briefly. |
Shaun Losesby | | |||
Felicity Soper | | |||
| "9 July–14 August"| |
Rock band Monkey Jam's lead singer; recruits Aaron Welles despite opposition from family and foster carers. Romantic involvement with Tiegan Brook leads to departure on tour.| | ||
| "13–29 July"| |
Benjamin Hawker | Drummer for Monkey Jam critical of Aaron Welles' musical approach.| | ||
| "15–30 July"| |
Lyn Lovett | Store owner at mall annoyed by local youths; falsely accuses Will Smith of assault before retracting charges.| | ||
| "16–27 July"| |
David Whitford | Husband of Judith Wade explaining concerns about teenagers due to previous mugging incident.| | ||
| "20 July–6 August"| |
Conducts computer classes attended by Irene Roberts, who is surprised to learn he is gay.| | ||
| "23 July 1998 – 26 October 2003"| |
Stephen Leeder | Detective Inspector overseeing investigations at Yabbie Creek police station prior to replacement by Peter Baker.| | ||
| "13 August"| |
Steve McCarthy | Douglas Dawson's boyfriend introduced to Irene Roberts at the diner.| | ||
Lynne Turner | Mother of Kylie Burton attending her funeral.| | |||
| "20 August–3 September"| |
Tim McCunn | Chantal's boyfriend involved in blackmailing Marilyn Fisher; both arrested.| | ||
| "24 August–3 September"| |
Sean Ellis's ex-wife and Daria's mother; brief reconciliation with Sean ends amid conflict.| | ||
| "21–30 September"| |
Blind caravan park guest who befriends Alf Stewart and rescues him during a fire before leaving.| | ||
| "22 September–29 October"| |
Lauren Dubois | Year 11 student competing with Justine Welles over Tom Nash and securing Juliet role in school play.| | ||
| "24 September–13 October" | |
School inspector who dates Irene Roberts but frames her for theft following rejection; later exposed and arrested.| | ||
| "25 November" | |
Uncredited | New partner of Lachlan Fraser seen during Thanksgiving meal in California; later marries Lachlan before his death from brain hemorrhage. | | ||
Ben Read | Dana's brother present at family gathering. | | |||
Jim Converse | Clergy member attending family events. | |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
- Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database