Marlene Kratz
Marlene Kratz | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Character on the Australian television soap opera Neighbours |
Marlene Kratz is a character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actress Moya O'Sullivan. She first appeared on-screen on 5 July 1994 as the long-absent mother of Cheryl Stark (Caroline Gillmer). Although often depicted as meddlesome and prone to disputes with Cheryl, Marlene’s underlying nature is caring. She establishes a bric-a-brac shop and becomes involved in various schemes and wagers, also briefly engaging in a romantic relationship with Colin Taylor (Frank Bren). The character departed the series in October 1997 after embarking on a three-month cruise but made a comeback for the show’s 20th anniversary episode in July 2005, where it was revealed she continued her sailing adventures.
Casting
Despite her preference for Sydney and her dislike of Melbourne’s frequent rainfall, O'Sullivan moved from Sydney to Melbourne to film the series. Her commute to the studio took about an hour, and she occasionally endured filming days lasting up to 14 hours, starting as early as 6:15am.
In August 1997, it was announced that O'Sullivan would be leaving Neighbours. A spokesperson commented on her popularity but emphasized that her storyline had reached its conclusion. Her departure coincided with the return of characters Madge (Anne Charleston) and Harold Bishop (Ian Smith), who had previously lived in Marlene’s house. Although reportedly saddened by her exit, O'Sullivan had by then resettled in Sydney. In April 2005, she reprised her role as Marlene for the show’s 20th anniversary special alongside other returning cast members.
Development
Just before Marlene’s initial appearance on screen, she acquires Number 24 and sends her grandson, Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve), to evaluate the property, hoping he will connect with his cousins in Ramsay Street. Upon arriving in Erinsborough, Marlene aims to mend her fractured relationship with her daughter, Cheryl Stark (Caroline Gillmer), whom she abandoned at the age of eleven. Josephine Monroe, author of Neighbours: The First 10 Years, observed that Cheryl had "demonized her mother" and wished to avoid any contact with her, while Victoria Ross from Inside Soap noted that there was longstanding animosity between them. Their interactions involve disputes over child-rearing methods and baking before they manage a temporary reconciliation. However, tensions escalate when Cheryl discovers that Marlene has enrolled her infant daughter Louise Carpenter (Tessa Taylor) at a nearby school; Ross described this moment as when "all hell breaks loose!" O'Sullivan acknowledged Cheryl’s criticisms of Marlene’s intrusive behavior, labeling her as "a real bossy boots," yet maintained that Marlene had good intentions and was "an enormously caring woman" who could be relied upon during difficult times. Despite this, Cheryl continued to hold Marlene responsible for leaving her father, despite his infidelities.
Ross pointed out that Cheryl appeared to be the only person in Erinsborough not won over by Marlene's charm and expressed hope for reconciliation before Marlene’s departure would deeply affect grandchildren Brett Stark (Brett Blewitt) and Danni Stark (Eliza Szonert). O'Sullivan described Marlene’s exit as a "big blow" for viewers, praising her portrayal as a loving grandmother who connected well with younger audiences. As their relationship develops, Cheryl admits she likes Marlene but finds it difficult to address her as "mum." Prior to opening the bric-a-brac shop, Marlene worked selling cosmetics and would create imaginative backstories for items in her quirky store. Monroe characterized Marlene as scatterbrained and always ready for a gamble or scheme.
In 1996, writers paired Marlene romantically with Colin Taylor (Frank Bren) in a brief whirlwind romance. Colin returns to Erinsborough determined to win over Marlene’s affections. O'Sullivan told Inside Soap that their connection was based on shared interests rather than intense passion; they enjoyed companionship with peers their own age. She described their relationship as happy and affectionate. Nevertheless, Dave Lanning of The People criticized this plotline, describing Colin as "terminally boring" and questioning the suitability of their pairing.
Storylines
Marlene moves to Ramsay Street after acquiring Number 24 from Madge Bishop, accompanied by her grandson, Sam. She bought the property to be nearer to her distant daughter, Cheryl, who initially refuses to accept her but gradually warms up after Marlene knits booties for Cheryl's newborn.
Once settled, Marlene forms a friendship with pensioner Helen Daniels (Anne Haddy), operates a bric-a-brac store, and takes on a motherly role for teenage runaway Bianca Zanotti (Anna Gagliardi). After Bianca departs, Marlene offers lodging to Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies) and Cody Willis (Peta Brady). Following Cheryl’s split from Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), she moves into Number 24 with her children Louise and Darren Stark (Todd MacDonald). Cheryl later dies in a car crash, leaving Marlene to mediate conflicts between Lou and Darren. When Madge returns to patch things up with her husband Harold, Marlene relocates next door with Lou and leases the house to the Bishops.
Marlene takes a job with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) and vies against Sarah Beaumont (Nicola Charles) for the Receptionist of the Year award. She eventually departs on a three-month cruise, reappearing eight years later in Annalise’s documentary about Ramsay Street, where she reveals she is still at sea.
Reception
A writer from the BBC identified Marlene’s reunion with Cheryl as a pivotal moment. For Neighbours' 20th anniversary, BBC Online users placed her tenth among lesser-known characters, noting her exit on a cruise and subsequent disappearance. Inside Soap described her as "the grooviest granny in Erinsborough," recognized for her activism and generosity in opening her home to others. John Millar of the Daily Record referred to her as an "ageing cabbage patch doll."
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, British Sky Broadcasting listed Marlene among the 25 most unforgettable characters, commending her evolution from a serious estranged mother figure to delivering humorous storylines involving grandchildren Sam, Brett, and Dannii. Her unique '90s fashion sense and passion for Elvis Presley added to her appeal during her three-year tenure before leaving on a cruise in 1997.
Alex Fletcher from Digital Spy labeled Marlene a "DS Icon," praising her legendary status as a wheeler-dealer—selling VCRs, managing a bric-a-brac shop—and for her sharp exchanges with Cheryl and Lou Carpenter. Fletcher emphasized that Marlene played an essential role during Neighbours’ '90s Golden Age. Her unconventional departure and prolonged absence created intrigue; a brief 2005 appearance revealed she was still sailing, dispelling rumors about her fate while sparking curiosity about her ongoing journey.
References
- Monroe, Josephine. Neighbours: the first 10 years. Penguin Group, 1996. ISBN 978-0-7181-4212-4.
External links
- Marlene Kratz at the BBC