Noah Lawson
Noah Lawson | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2000–2004 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Noah Lawson is a character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, broadcast on Channel Seven, brought to life by actor Beau Brady. His first appearance was on 6 September 2000.
Characterization
According to Jacqueline Maley of The Sydney Morning Herald, Noah fits the archetype of a "bad boy" personality.
Backstory
Noah's early years were marked by hardship following his father's departure from his mother, Jill (Tracy Mann), who single-handedly raised him and his brother Jude (Ben Steel). Jill's intense religious convictions alienated Jude, causing him to distance himself, while Jill became excessively protective of Noah. A fire incident caused by candles igniting Noah’s bedding led to Jill being institutionalized, prompting Noah to move in with Jude.
2000–04
Noah’s initial introduction involves rescuing Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) from assailants at a nightclub by offering her a ride on his motorcycle. They begin dating and repeat their final year of high school after failing. Their relationship deteriorates when Noah shares a kiss with Skye Patterson (Angela Keep) at Hayley’s 18th birthday party, resulting in their breakup and Noah developing alcoholism. With guidance from Flynn Saunders (Martin Dingle-Wall), he embarks on a program of controlled drinking.
Noah and Hayley reconcile but face challenges when Jill returns and influences Hayley following the death of her father, Ken. Concerned for Hayley’s wellbeing, Jude, Noah, and foster mother Irene Roberts step in. Jill consents to additional psychiatric treatment and is eventually forgiven.
After completing his HSC, Noah takes up a counselling role at the Drop-in Centre alongside Flynn, Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), and Shelley Sutherland (Paula Forrest). He and Hayley share an apartment called "The Palace" with Dani Sutherland (Tammin Sursok) and Josh West (Daniel Collopy). Their relationship ends again after Hayley kisses Josh. Kit Hunter (Amy Mizzi) expresses interest in Noah due to his support during her battle with alcoholism, but he declines her advances.
They reunite following Hayley’s amnesia caused by a car accident involving Brodie Hanson (Susie Rugg). Once her memory returns, Hayley is distressed to discover Alex Poulos (Danny Raco) left her for Brodie. On her 21st birthday, Noah proposes marriage; they wed in an outdoor ceremony alongside Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell) and Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes), who renew their vows.
Noah’s life ends tragically when he is fatally shot attempting to stop Sarah Lewis (Luisa Hastings-Edge), who terrorizes Summer Bay seeking vengeance for her boyfriend Felix Walters’ death. After Sarah shoots Detective Peter Baker (Nicholas Bishop) and takes hostages, Noah confronts her but is mortally wounded. Sarah subsequently takes her own life. Posthumously, Noah appears in visions experienced by Hayley during her mourning period and makes a final appearance in the 2004 season finale.
Reception
Brady earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2001 Logie Awards. He also received consecutive Silver Logie nominations for "Most Popular Actor" from 2003 through 2005. The episode depicting Noah’s funeral won writer Louise Crane-Bowes an Australian Writers Guild award in 2005, while the installment featuring Noah as a ghost bidding farewell to Hayley was nominated in the same category that year.
Mark Juddery of The Sun-Herald labeled Noah’s death at the hands of Sarah Lewis as the series’ "Biggest Event," emphasizing its significant role in increasing viewership ratings.