Kim Hyde
Kim Hyde | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2004–2007 (Home and Away) |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Kimberly "Kim" Hyde is a fictional figure featured in the Australian television soap Home and Away, brought to life by actor Chris Hemsworth. His first appearance was on 17 February 2004, with his final episode airing on 3 July 2007.
Casting
Chris Hemsworth originally tried out for the character Robbie Hunter, a role ultimately given to Jason Smith. Subsequently, he was invited to audition for Kim Hyde, secured the part, and moved to Sydney to film the series. Hemsworth regarded the role as steady employment that provided significant industry exposure. After portraying Kim for three and a half years, he exited the show in 2007 to concentrate on his movie career.
In November 2014, Hemsworth made a brief return to the Home and Away set as an extra, appearing in a background scene at the Pier Diner, without reprising his original character. This cameo was broadcast on 19 May 2015.
Storylines
Kim arrives in Summer Bay following his father Barry’s (Ivar Kants) appointment as principal of Summer Bay High. Their already difficult relationship deteriorates further, prompting Kim to move in with Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) and Irene Roberts. His former partner, Brooke McPherson (Alyssa McClelland), alleges Kim fathered her son Charlie; however, it is later revealed this is untrue. Kim leaves school and takes up work at a gym after Tasha purchases a share for him, much to Barry’s displeasure. He eventually returns to education after Noah Lawson's death and participates in a commemorative concert.
Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans) pretends to drown to capture Kim’s attention but is saved. Confusion arises when Matilda overhears Kim mentioning plans to ask out "his sister," referring instead to Kit Hunter (Amy Mizzi), Matilda’s elder sibling, with whom Kim begins dating before she departs for Paris. After obtaining his driver’s license, Kim supports Robbie through fears related to HIV infection, although their friendship becomes strained. Additionally, Kim briefly becomes involved with Noah’s widow, Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright; Ella Scott Lynch).
Kim starts dating Eve Jacobsen (Emily Perry), who uses the alias Zoe McCallister and is later unmasked as the Summer Bay Stalker. Following Eve’s presumed death, Kim discovers Hayley is pregnant and possibly carrying his child; however, Hayley’s boyfriend Scott Hunter (Kip Gamblin) could also be the father. When Scott and Hayley separate, Kim proposes marriage to Hayley but is left at the altar after she realizes her feelings for Scott remain. An initial paternity test names Kim as the father but is later discredited due to tampering by Eve. Scott and Hayley then relocate to Paris with their baby, leaving Kim heartbroken.
Kim forms a friendship with Kylie Kopperton (Leah Etkind), who introduces him to ecstasy; after overdosing, Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) discovers and revives him, becoming both his counselor and later romantic partner. Their relationship encounters difficulties when Rachel’s superior attempts to blackmail her over their affair, though she manages to keep her job. Despite Barry being revealed as the murderer of local mayor Josh West (Daniel Collopy), Kim continues to support him. Meanwhile, Charlie McKinnon (Matt Levett) develops a dangerous obsession with Kim and Rachel; after kidnapping Rachel, Charlie is placed in psychiatric care.
Eve reappears during Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) and Martha MacKenzie’s (Jodi Gordon) wedding, triggering an explosion that kills Eve along with others, leaving Kim among those injured. They are airlifted to the city but their helicopter crashes in the wilderness. While stranded, Kim and Kit share an intimate encounter that eventually comes to Rachel’s attention; she chooses to forgive him.
After being falsely accused of sexual assault by Tara O'Neill (Cashelle Dunn) and marrying Rachel, tensions escalate when Kit returns over Christmas pregnant with Kim’s child. Rachel finds it difficult to accept this development following failed plans to adopt Lee Morton’s (Natasha Lee) newborn son Joe. As Kim grows closer to Kit and their baby Archie, his marriage with Rachel becomes increasingly strained. When Rachel confesses to an affair with Hugh Sullivan (Rodger Corser), Kim decides to leave her and move in with Kit in the city.
Reception
Hemsworth was honored with the Most Popular New Male Talent award at the 2005 Logie Awards for his portrayal of Kim and also secured a nomination for Most Popular Actor. The subsequent year, he received another nomination in the Most Popular Actor category. At the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards, Hemsworth was recognized with a nomination for Best Exit. Hannah Rand from The Daily Telegraph commended Hemsworth, describing him as "perfectly cast as the attractive high school dropout" Kim, emphasizing his physical presence and charm.