Robbie Hunter (Home and Away)
Robbie Hunter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robert George Hunter |
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2003–2006 (in Home and Away) |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Robert George "Robbie" Hunter is a character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Jason Smith. He made his first appearance on 25 November 2003. Major plotlines involving Robbie include adjusting to life with a new stepfamily, confronting an HIV scare, his romantic involvement and marriage to Tasha Andrews, standing trial for his grandfather’s homicide, and becoming a parent. Robbie's final episode aired on 10 October 2006.
Casting
Chris Hemsworth initially auditioned for the role of Robbie but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Jason Smith won the part of Robbie and expressed excitement about portraying such a dynamic character within a well-established program featuring a talented ensemble.
Storylines
Robbie moves to Summer Bay to live with Beth and her fiancé Rhys Sutherland. Early tension arises from a misunderstanding with his soon-to-be stepsister Jade. He forms a close friendship with Tasha Andrews after saving her during a snake bite incident. Despite obstacles, including competition from Kim Hyde for Tasha’s attention, their bond strengthens over time.
On his 17th birthday, Robbie is gifted a car; however, the celebration is disrupted by an incident involving stolen keys that leads to an accident with Jade and her boyfriend. Later, Robbie confronts Duncan Stewart over Duncan’s harassment of Tasha related to her mother’s identity, resulting in escalating conflict until Duncan departs the area.
Robbie and Tasha’s relationship encounters difficulties such as intimacy concerns and Tasha’s rejection by her biological father. After a needlestick injury causes an HIV scare, Robbie undergoes testing that ultimately confirms he is uninfected. Following a seaplane crash, they reaffirm their dedication to each other and agree to abstain from sex until marriage, which they hold privately.
Tasha introduces Robbie to Jonah Abraham and The Believers cult. Initially doubtful, Robbie is persuaded by cult members but soon becomes alarmed after discovering their history of abuse. When Tasha refuses to leave the group, Robbie tries to intervene during a cyclone but becomes trapped with them. After surviving being swept away in floodwaters, he seeks assistance from mayor Josh West, who is later revealed to be involved with the cult.
Robbie faces family turmoil when his grandfather Graham Walters suffers a heart attack; he honors Graham’s wish to withdraw life support despite objections from Graham’s wife Amanda Vale. Following Tasha’s escape from the cult, they plan their wedding; Tasha discloses she is pregnant due to an assault orchestrated by cult leader Mumma Rose.
Robbie and Tasha become suspects in the murder of Josh West; Robbie destroys evidence that could implicate Tasha. Both confess to protect one another but are exonerated when the true perpetrator is identified as Barry Hyde.
An explosion at Jack and Martha's wedding causes injuries and results in a helicopter crash that leaves survivors stranded for weeks. During this crisis, Robbie admits to turning off Graham’s life support. After being rescued, he stands trial for this action; though found guilty, he avoids incarceration. Subsequently, Robbie and Tasha move to America after receiving tickets from Tasha’s relative based in Boston.
Reception
For his portrayal of Robbie, Smith earned a nomination in the category of Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2005 Logie Awards.