Gary Canning

Gary Canning
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2014–2020 (on Neighbours)
Known for	Neighbours

Gary Canning is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actor Damien Richardson. His debut occurred on 7 November 2014, marking Richardson’s return to the series after an earlier appearance in 1992. Initially introduced for a short period, Richardson resumed the role in late 2015 and became a regular cast member from 2016 onwards. Gary is characterized as a laid-back, somewhat idle bogan and was introduced as the estranged father of Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan). Early narratives centered on his attempts to rebuild ties with his family. A significant storyline involved Gary accepting payment from Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to physically assault Ezra Hanley (Steve Nation), which resulted in his incarceration.

A year later, Gary was reintroduced, reuniting with his mother and teenage daughter. His relationship with Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) encountered difficulties including the reappearance of ex-partner Brooke Butler (Fifi Box), Terese’s battle with cancer, and instances of infidelity. Other plots explored Gary’s arrest for assault, conflicts with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), and financial hardships. The character’s storyline concluded with his death on 20 March 2020. Bridget McManus of The Sydney Morning Herald commended Richardson’s acting but remarked that he was "underutilised," while other reviewers expressed empathy for Gary.

Casting

On 15 October 2014, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy announced that the estranged father of established character Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan) would be joining the show for a guest role. The casting of Damien Richardson as Gary was revealed on 3 November.<ref> Richardson had previously appeared in Neighbours portraying Kim White in 1992.<ref>

Characterisation and early storylines

According to the official website, Gary is described as "a relaxed and likable guy" who enjoys spending leisurely time at the pub or fishing. He often uses humor to defuse awkward situations and, although he is capable as a handyman, he prefers avoiding hard labor and looks for quick ways to earn money. In 2016, Gary develops an interest in pigeon racing. Richardson commented that Gary was attempting to stay on the right path and avoid returning to prison.

Gary’s backstory reveals that he abandoned his family when Kyle was eight years old and had no contact with them for sixteen years. After asking his mother Sheila Canning (Colette Mann) for financial help, Kyle’s wife Georgia Brooks (Saskia Hampele) encourages him to reach out to Kyle, who desires a connection with his father.<ref> Milligan explained that Kyle would seek answers about why Gary disappeared. Upon meeting, Kyle struggles emotionally with how to respond. Milligan praised Richardson’s performance, noting that Gary and Kyle share similar traits in attitude and handyman skills.

Gary also reconnects with his sister Naomi Canning (Morgana O'Reilly). Naomi becomes irritated by Sheila’s preferential treatment of Gary and pressures him to disclose a troubling secret. It is revealed that Gary assaulted Ezra Hanley (Steve Nation) after receiving money from Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). As he plans to leave town, Sheila confronts him urging him to turn himself in, but he escapes. Sheila suffers a heart attack; Naomi initially blames herself. At the hospital, Gary admits their argument following her discovery of the assault. Naomi informs Kyle that Gary left because he was involved in a robbery and went on the run. Heartbroken, Kyle contacts the police about Gary. Before incarceration, Sheila visits Gary expressing guilt over his situation; he comforts her by affirming she is a good mother. Later, Kyle visits them both for a final farewell.<ref>

Reintroduction

In October 2015, it was announced that Richardson would return to portray Gary, with his comeback episode scheduled for early 2016. Prior to this, Gary’s teenage daughter, Xanthe Canning (Lily Van der Meer), was introduced to the storyline, initially unaware of her father's incarceration. Following some initial friction, Xanthe visits Gary in prison after Sheila arranges the meeting. During this visit, Gary mentions the possibility of early release and receives an invitation to live with the Canning family once paroled. Nevertheless, Gary’s deliberate involvement in a prison fight results in a postponed parole decision.

Gary made his on-screen return on 14 June 2016. He steps in to defend Paul Robinson from aggression by other inmates—an unexpected development given Paul’s role in Gary’s imprisonment. Although Paul requests protection from Gary, he refuses despite a misleading exchange between them. Subsequently, Paul endures a brutal assault. Richardson expressed enthusiasm about delving deeper into the dynamics between their characters during incarceration.

Several months later, Xanthe accuses her peer Cooper Knights (Charlie Hannaford) of sexual assault. When Cooper is attacked in retaliation, Gary is arrested as the main suspect. Richardson acknowledged that Gary’s history and frustration with how the school managed the situation could provoke violent reactions. Despite Paul providing an alibi, emerging evidence implicates Gary once more, threatening his parole status and potential return to prison. Eventually, it is uncovered that Cooper’s mother orchestrated the attack, exonerating Gary from further legal consequences.

Relationship with Terese Willis

In August 2016, a romantic storyline developed between Gary and Terese Willis (portrayed by Rebekah Elmaloglou). Initially hired by Paul to steal Terese's confidential strategy document regarding the Lassiters Hotel sale, a financially strained Gary complied but soon found himself genuinely attracted to her. Richardson described this as Gary "aiming beyond his usual reach," highlighting Terese’s prominent corporate position as appealing to him. Although he felt remorseful for deceiving Terese, Gary found himself in a complex situation. After winning a pigeon race organized by Terese, he used the prize money to settle his debt with Paul. Terese offered him employment at the hotel but rescinded the offer when his pigeon was disqualified for doping—a mishap caused unintentionally by Xanthe. Amused by the situation, Terese impulsively invited Gary out; however, he later failed to show up due to family matters, with Paul stepping in as his substitute.

Gary and Terese's relationship deepened as they connected over shared parenting challenges. She invited him for coffee and shared intimate moments but insisted their relationship remain discreet and professional. When Terese discovered that the individual responsible for her son's death had been released from prison, she sought comfort from Gary, leading to a kiss witnessed by Paul. Their relationship became public knowledge after Xanthe inadvertently revealed it during a Family Feud appearance, triggering conflict with Sheila—Terese’s employee and Gary’s mother.

Brooke Butler (Fifi Box), Xanthe’s mother, arrived in Erinsborough harboring jealousy toward Gary and Terese's relationship. Pretending romantic interest in Gary, Brooke eventually reconciled with him despite Xanthe’s suspicions that she was scheming. Brooke convinced Gary to hand over his Family Feud winnings under false pretenses before fleeing upon exposure of her selling counterfeit jewellery. Although Gary and Terese reunited, tension arose when Brooke returned and stayed with the Cannings. Terese suspected infidelity due to secretive conversations; Gary explained he was assisting Brooke in reconnecting with her daughter Jessie. Distrust led Terese to end their relationship.

A love triangle unfolded as Brooke admitted her feelings for Gary; he maintained his love for Terese. Brooke encouraged him to propose marriage expecting rejection; instead, Terese accepted his proposal. Their relationship faced challenges when Terese was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially concealing her diagnosis and treatment from both Gary and their daughter Piper caused concern regarding her behavior until she revealed the truth. Elmaloglou noted that during treatment, Gary became "extremely supportive." After chemotherapy proved ineffective, Gary pursued alternative therapies and enlisted help from Terese’s imprisoned brother, Nick Petrides (Damien Fotiou). Upon learning her tumors had shrunk, Terese confided first in Paul; they engaged in an affair before returning home to find a surprise engagement party arranged by Gary. Elmaloglou described Terese’s feelings of guilt but reaffirmed her love for Gary and expressed optimism about their future stability.

During their wedding ceremony, Terese confessed to having been unfaithful with Paul, leaving Gary "shocked and devastated." Following the ceremony, rumors circulated among Lassiters staff regarding their troubled marriage. Paul disclosed that the couch where he and Terese had been intimate was being discarded by Gary. Acting on advice from colleagues, Gary sought revenge by publicly humiliating Terese at Lassiters’ reopening event—placing the couch in a prominent walkway emblazoned with "Cheater."

Conflict and financial troubles

Following Brooke's exit, Gary becomes embroiled in a dispute with his neighbor Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), who unknowingly purchased counterfeit jewellery from Brooke. The Canning and Kennedy families convene to address the problem; although Karl's wife Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) encourages moving past the incident, Gary insists on repaying the debt despite lacking the necessary funds. To settle what he owes, Gary teams up with former convict Kev McNally (Troy Davis) to undertake illicit tasks. His initial assignment requires recovering stolen items from a missing vehicle, prompting him to seek assistance from Tyler Brennan (Travis Burns). In a case of mistaken identity, Gary assaults Karl, confusing him for Kev. Upon admitting his financial troubles to Sheila, who is acquainted with Kev’s father, she seduces Kev as a means to resolve the predicament.

Exit

Gary’s character was written out during the program’s 35th anniversary episodes on 20 March 2020. Daniel Kilkelly (Digital Spy) confirmed Damien Richardson’s departure and removal from the opening sequence. Finn Kelly (Rob Mills) fatally shoots Gary with a bow and arrow while he attempts to save Harlow Robinson and Bea Nilsson (Bonnie Anderson) from a hostage crisis in a mineshaft. After Gary’s death, Kyle informs Sheila, who demands an expedited autopsy for closure. Richardson requested that his character be killed off by either Paul or Finn, a choice Mills appreciated, describing Gary’s exit as going out in a "blaze of glory."

Narrative arcs

Gary reaches out to his mother Sheila Canning requesting financial help. Sheila advises him to visit his son Kyle, which he initially resists but eventually agrees to after Kyle's wife Georgia intervenes. The relationship between Gary and Kyle is strained; Gary reveals he left to shield them after witnessing a robbery. He remains to assist Kyle with his handyman enterprise, keeping their interactions hidden from Kyle. When Gary’s toolbox is stolen, he attempts to replace it and takes on work to repay Kyle. Paul Robinson hires Gary to assault Ezra Hanley, which Sheila uncovers and urges Gary to surrender himself. Following Sheila's heart attack, Naomi discloses that Gary was the getaway driver in the robbery, leading Kyle to report him. Gary admits to the assault and is incarcerated; Paul later compensates him to alter his testimony, but Gary offers the money to Kyle and Naomi, who decline it.

A year later, although eligible for parole, Gary deliberately loses this opportunity by instigating fights. While in prison, Paul seeks protection from other inmates; however, upon release, Gary refuses assistance. At home, he discovers his daughter Xanthe has taken $10,000 from Tom Quill and declines further repayments due to the money's dubious origin. After Paul's release, Gary apologizes and accepts cleaning duties at Paul's motel. Financial difficulties cause him to borrow money from Paul and spy on competitor Terese Willis. He is arrested for assaulting Cooper Knights but later learns Cooper’s mother was responsible. After winning a pigeon race but being disqualified for doping caused by Xanthe, Terese invites Gary on a date.

Gary and Terese maintain their relationship secretly until Xanthe reveals it during Family Feud. Brooke Butler, Xanthe's mother, arrives and scams Gary out of money through fake jewellery sales before fleeing town. To repay his debts, Gary collaborates with Kev McNally moving stolen goods but is framed over missing items and incurs a $30,000 debt. When Brooke returns seeking reconciliation, Gary assists her in reconnecting with her daughter Jessie; this causes Terese to suspect infidelity and end their relationship. Brooke convinces Gary to propose marriage to Terese; she accepts but suffers an allergic reaction to the ring. Consequently, Gary steals a replacement ring from lost property.

Terese discloses her breast cancer diagnosis; Gary supports her treatment efforts including reaching out to her brother Nick Petrides in prison. When Terese’s diagnosis becomes public causing investors to withdraw support, Gary organizes a surprise engagement party. He applies for chef positions but encounters setbacks and realizes Paul tried setting him up with an illegal oyster-fishing job. On their wedding day, Terese admits having been unfaithful with Paul. In retaliation, Gary publicly embarrasses Terese by displaying a "Cheater" couch at Lassiters.

Gary receives advances from Caro Watts but reassures Terese that nothing occurs between them. After inhaling toxic fumes at work resulting in hospitalization, he seeks reconciliation with Terese. When Hamish Roche’s body is discovered in the Cannings' spa, both Sheila and Gary become suspects; Paul offers an alibi only if Gary ends his relationship with Terese. Realizing neither he nor Sheila killed Hamish but that he cleaned the crime scene, Gary faces charges of obstruction of justice. Terese forgives him; they go camping together where she offers him a trial chef position. After making mistakes at work, he enrolls in TAFE and secures employment catering for The Flametree Retreat.

Gary learns that Xanthe is dating Ben Kirk; after interrupting them at the hotel and frightening guest Levi Jansen, Terese bans him from the hotel premises. Despite tensions arising from Terese’s lingering feelings for Paul and orchestrated delays at work, she proposes once more and he agrees. Discovering Terese on a call with Paul prompts Gary to end their relationship. He supports her following cancer check-ups and later manages The Flametree Retreat but faces difficulties when Xanthe and Piper are drugged at a party.

Fay Brennan asks Gary out; Sheila suspects money laundering but Fay is innocent. After overhearing his rejection of Fay’s interest, she feels humiliated.

When Xanthe is struck by Elly Conway’s car but confirms Finn Kelly was driving; Gary vandalizes Finn’s apartment seeking information through Finn’s former cellmate Jeremy Sluggett in exchange for $100,000. Jeremy attacks new employee Sindi Watts during fund collection leading to his arrest and return of money. Gary uses part of the funds for Xanthe’s medical treatment and plans private university fees but secures a bank loan after Steph extends his contract and increases pay. After losing the loan due to conflicts involving Shane Rebecchi, Jeremy’s mother Nance Sluggett attempts to barter free treatments for derailing Jeremy’s parole but withdraws after clashing with Sheila.

Gary confides financial difficulties to Amy Williams; she gifts money covering Nance's fees. He declares love for Amy who leaves boyfriend Rob Carson for him. Steph dismisses Gary upon learning about Jeremy's deal while Paul disapproves of their relationship causing Amy to move in with Gary. Paul attempts setting up Gary using Jeremy; when confronted by Gary, Paul punches him.

Terese hires Gary as barista at The Pavilion coffee hut where he delivers stolen goods for Kev McNally—later realizing these are solar converters stolen from Amy's project. After refusing further jobs from Kev and mistakenly assaulting Dipi Rebecchi during an attempted theft retrieval, Amy ends their relationship.

Encouraged toward reform, Gary persuades Xanthe to study in Toowoomba and reconciles properly with Dipi over recipes despite Shane's jealousy; Dipi later kisses him before returning home after resolving marital issues.

Concerned about Prue Wallace’s involvement with the Restoration Order—a group Prue pressures Harlow Robinson into—Gary rescues Harlow from Prue's influence after Prue returns from England engaged to him but reveals she was expelled rather than leaving voluntarily. He cancels their wedding upon learning this.

On Pierce Greyson’s island retreat while Kyle investigates Finn Kelly's unstable behavior, Gary discovers Harlow trapped in a mineshaft alongside Bea Nilsson but is fatally shot by Finn with an arrow during rescue efforts. Elly Conway finds his body; his funeral follows soon after amid family mourning and ongoing tensions concerning Finn’s placement in the Kennedy household care facility.

Reception

Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy characterized Gary as a "problematic" figure. Bridget McManus of the The Sydney Morning Herald considered Richardson to be "underused" and pointed out that the storyline involving Gary, Kev, and the stolen vehicle bore similarities to the crime drama Underbelly. McManus also remarked that Richardson's "sly expression" was better suited for portrayals like the "somewhat suspicious ex-con Gary" rather than his earlier detective roles. When Terese received a breast cancer diagnosis, a commentator from the South Wales Echo questioned whether Gary was an appropriate source of support, especially given his disagreements with Paul Robinson concerning the diagnosis.

Katie Baillie of the Metro expressed sympathy for Gary in light of Terese's betrayal, describing their relationship as "far from stable". Prior to their wedding, the Liverpool Echo highlighted the couple's turbulent journey toward marriage. Following the cancellation of the ceremony, a reporter from the South Wales Echo empathized with Gary’s public act of revenge, acknowledging his justified frustration after being misled.

In a fan survey conducted by Back to the Bay, Gary was ranked as the 57th most favored character in Neighbours. Nevertheless, a writer from the same publication criticized him as "one of those irritating characters who seemed impossible to remove," frequently involved in poorly thought-out plots or chasing inappropriate partners. The writer added that when villain Finn Kelly killed Gary with an arrow, it surprisingly enhanced his popularity among viewers.

External links

• Gary Canning at the Official Neighbours website