Stonefish Rebecchi
Kevin "Stonefish" Rebecchi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kevin Rebecchi |
| Other names | Stonefish, Stonie |
| Occupation | Fictional character on soap opera |
| Years active | 1994–1996, 2003, 2007, 2015–2018 |
| Known for | Character on Neighbours |
| Notable work | Neighbours |
Kevin Rebecchi, widely recognized by his nicknames "Stonefish" or "Stonie", is a fictional persona from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, portrayed by actor Anthony Engelman. He made his first appearance on 31 March 1994 as the initial member of the Rebecchi family introduced, with his mother, father, and siblings joining the storyline later. Stonefish exited the show in 1996 but made brief comebacks in 2003 and 2007, with his final departure on 28 August 2007. He also appeared as a guest character between 2015 and 2018.
Creation and casting
Anthony Engelman’s first involvement with the series was as a minor antagonist before he was cast in the role of Stonefish. The nickname "Stonefish" was predetermined due to his physical likeness to the marine creature, a detail established prior to Engelman’s casting. Initially anticipating a limited role, Engelman became a regular cast member following positive audience feedback. He acknowledged that the producers expanded his character’s presence, offering him more complex storylines and boosting his confidence. The introduction of Stonefish marked the beginning of the Rebecchi family’s broader inclusion in the show.
Development
A contributor to Inside Soap characterized Stonefish as someone who found enjoyment in stirring up trouble and frequently found himself at the center of conflicts. His arrival on Ramsay Street stemmed from a misunderstanding—he believed Brett Stark (Brett Blewitt) was involved with his girlfriend Sassy Patterson-Smythe (Defah Dattner). Engelman described Stonefish as generally laid-back but prone to jealousy. Following Sassy’s departure, Stonefish and Brett developed a strong friendship. When academic challenges arose for Stonefish, Cody Willis (Peta Brady) offered assistance, which he mistakenly interpreted as romantic interest. Engelman commented, "He’s really into her, but when he makes a move at a party, everything falls apart." The actor related personally to Stonefish’s educational difficulties and romantic misfortunes.
Engelman suggested that Stonefish’s circumstances would improve over time, including potential romantic developments, though he would retain his quirky personality. Subsequently, Stonefish engaged in dishonest behavior by stealing exam papers from Erinsborough High and selling them to Rick Alessi (Dan Falzon), who intended to aid Cody’s revision; however, she ultimately declined to cheat. Over time, Stonefish evolved into a "reformed bully." Alongside his family—mother Angie (Lesley Baker), father Kevin (Don Bridges), and brothers Shane (Greg O'Meara) and Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney)—he moved into Number 32 Ramsay Street. An Inside Soap columnist described the Rebecchis as somewhat "dodgy," advising neighbors to safeguard their valuables and daughters. The character left the series in 1996.
Stonefish made a brief return in 2003 during brother Toadie’s wedding to Dee Bliss (Madeleine West). After Toadie accidentally drove their wedding car off a cliff, Stonefish assisted in rescuing him. In August 2007, he came back amid Toadie’s marital struggles and his own issues with drugs; after being expelled by Toadie, Toadie’s partner Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner) allowed him to stay. Engelman embraced this more intense storyline, noting that previous plots mainly revolved around romance or get-rich-quick schemes without much depth.
In August 2015, Engelman returned once more after being motivated by the documentary Neighbours 30th: The Stars Reunite. His agent soon informed him about an opportunity for a short-term role. Stonefish reappeared on 9 September to support Toadie following his paralysis caused by a fall. Inside Soap commended Stonefish as exactly the "tonic" Toadie needed during this difficult period. Lesley Baker (Angie) expressed delight at reuniting with Engelman and Moloney, praising them as enjoyable colleagues. Engelman expressed hope that future appearances would focus more on family relationships.
Stonefish reemerged on 4 May 2016 and later that year showed Toadie a photograph of a woman he believed might be Dee. On 17 January 2018, Engelman reprised this role for a feature-length special broadcast on 12 February, which centered around Toadie’s long-overdue 21st birthday celebration.
Storylines
Stonefish mistakenly assumes his girlfriend, Sassy, is involved with Brett Stark and reacts by striking him. Later, Brett's friend, Michael Martin (Troy Beckwith), seeks revenge. Eventually, Stonie calms down and becomes part of a local teen band alongside Brett, Michael, Brett’s sister Danni (Eliza Szonert), and Cody Willis. When Sassy is voted out due to weak vocal performance, Stonie threatens to leave the group. At the Debutante Ball marking Erinsborough's centenary, Stonie attends with Sassy, but the event ends tumultuously after a confrontation involving Cody and Rick Alessi.
Stonie relocates to Ramsay Street with his family. In 1995, he unknowingly participates in a school captain election scheme orchestrated by Brett and newcomer Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine). Upon discovering the ruse, Stonie swaps roles with Brett—becoming the candidate while Brett manages the campaign—but ultimately loses to Keiran Wallace. He then develops feelings for Cody, who is still dating Rick; their romance faces difficulties due to their differing educational levels.
Stonie moves in with Danni and her boyfriend Malcolm Kennedy (Benjamin McNair) and is soon joined by his mother Angie and brother Toadfish. Number 32 becomes the Rebecchi family home after Mal and Danni move back in. While preparing for his HSC exams, Stonie hires Annalise Hartman (Kimberly Davies) as a tutor. A brief romantic involvement between them is uncovered by Angie, leading to tension with Annalise’s boyfriend Sam Kratz.
Starting university, Stonie pursues Catherine O'Brien (Radha Mitchell) and adopts vegetarianism along with environmental activism to impress her. Catherine eventually returns to Tasmania to care for her mother, ending their relationship.
Stonie and Malcolm buy a car previously owned by drug dealers; during a police stakeout, a shootout occurs causing Cody to be shot through the window of Number 30. She later dies in hospital, leaving Stonie devastated; he organizes her memorial service. Catherine briefly comes back but ends things with him. Stonie then moves north with Angie to reunite with his father Big Kev.
He returns as best man at Toadie's wedding to Dione Bliss and admits feeling envious of his brother’s successes while he has been working at the family Roadhouse. After a car crash leaves Dee presumed drowned, Stonie stops Toadie from attempting suicide before returning home with his family.
Four years later, Stonie comes back to Ramsay Street separated from his wife Chantelle (Claire Chitham) and battling marijuana use alongside fertility struggles. After Frazer Yeats (Ben Lawson) catches him smoking, he confesses to Toadie and Steph. Chantelle arrives with an ultimatum: choose between her or drugs. He opts for Chantelle, discards the marijuana, and they return together to Port Keats.
Following Toadie's paralysis from an accident, Stonie visits him and encourages attendance at a hospital seminar which turns out to be a benefit held in Toadie's honor. Afterward, Stonie returns home but later stops by at Toadie's request while searching for someone in Newcastle. Unable to locate the individual, he urges Toadie to communicate with Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey). During a subsequent visit from Colac, Stonie sends Toadie a photo of a woman resembling Dee, prompting Toadie to ask him to come back to Erinsborough.
Reception
Sue Malins from the Daily Mirror referred to Stonefish as "one of the least appealing male characters on the show." Tony Purnell described him during his relationship with Annalise as "a romeo sporting an earring." Jon Peake of Inside Soap considered Stonefish to be "annoying," while Larissa Dubecki of The Age commented on his "unfortunate name." When the character made his comeback in 2007, a reporter from the Evening Chronicle observed that Stonefish continued to be a troublemaker and a negative influence on his younger sibling, Toadie. A correspondent from Channel 5 referred to him as a "larrikin." Furthermore, What's on TV critiqued his romantic endeavors but hinted that he might have finally met his match in Cody.