Sugar O'Donnell
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. This compilation outlines characters who made their debut in 1998, introduced under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The series' 11th season premiered on the Seven Network on 12 January 1998. The first new addition that year was Will Smith, brought to life by Zac Drayson. Soon after, the Nash family arrived, consisting of parents Joel and Natalie, alongside their children Tom and Gypsy. In April, the storyline included the birth of Olivia Fraser Richards. September introduced both Byron Fisher and Will’s sister Hayley, portrayed by Bec Cartwright. October featured a guest appearance by Scott Major as the armed robber Murray, followed by the introduction of David D'Angelo in November.
Will Smith
Will Smith, portrayed by Zac Drayson, made his initial appearance on 13 February 1998. He remained a regular character until 2002 and returned for guest spots up to 2005. In 2010, both Drayson and the character reappeared, with Will arriving in Summer Bay accompanied by his daughter on 14 October. Originally, Drayson was cast to play Tom Nash, but shortly before filming commenced, producers reassigned him to the more "rough-edged" role of Will. The character's storyline concluded with his departure from Summer Bay after marrying Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper). Drayson’s intermittent guest roles between 2003 and 2005 kept viewers engaged until his official comeback in 2010.
Initially, Will was characterized as a "hot-headed troublemaker" reconnecting with siblings Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan). Over time, he evolved into a dependable "good bloke" before leaving the Bay.
Natalie Nash
Natalie Nash, played by Angelica la Bozzetta, first appeared on 18 February 1998. After Debra Lawrance departed from her role as Pippa Ross in 1997, producers brought in the Nash family to oversee the caravan park, which was considered a central element of the show. The family included Natalie and Joel Nash (David Woodley) along with their children Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) and Tom (Graeme Squires). La Bozzetta exited late in 1998 to dedicate more time to her daughter; Antoinette Byron replaced her in 1999. Channel 5 (UK) recognized the episode featuring the Nash family's return to Summer Bay as one of the most memorable moments in the show's 25-year history.
Joel Nash
Joel Nash, enacted by David Woodley, debuted on 18 February 1998 and departed on 11 October 2000. Prior to his acting career, Woodley served as a federal police officer in Melbourne. He had previously appeared on the series in a guest role as Barry, Finlay Roberts' partner, back in 1996.
Gypsy Nash
Gypsy Nash, portrayed by Kimberley Cooper, first appeared on 18 February 1998 and initially left the show in 2002. She made a brief return between September and October 2011 with her daughter Lily. The introduction of the Nash family followed Debra Lawrance’s exit as part of efforts to refresh the caravan park narrative. The family relocated from Hong Kong to Summer Bay. Cooper resumed filming in May 2011, describing Gypsy’s comeback as "dramatic, true to Gypsy’s style". For this role, Cooper earned the inaugural "Most Popular New Female Talent" Logie Award in 1999 and later received honors such as "Best Aussie Actress" at the Inside Soap Awards. Gypsy’s kidnapping plotline was nominated for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the same awards that year. Holy Soap ranked her among the "Sexiest Home and Away girls ever," highlighting her kidnapping ordeal and motherhood as defining moments.
Tom Nash
Tom Nash, brought to life by Graeme Squires, made his debut on 18 February 1998. Initially, the role was intended for Zac Drayson, but producers reassigned him to the character Will Smith, which led to Squires being cast as Tom. After a two-year stint, Squires departed from Home and Away in early 2000, with his final appearance airing on 16 May 2000. He briefly returned for the show's milestone 3,000th episode special in 2001. Squires regarded this role as his first significant acting opportunity and expressed his appreciation for it.
According to the official Home and Away website, Tom was depicted as an athletic, attractive "ladies' man," actively involved in cricket and rugby. Squires mentioned he shared certain traits with Tom, such as creativity and a love for nature, although he considered himself more reserved and less extroverted than the character. For his portrayal, Squires earned a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the Logie Awards of 1999.
Critics recognized Tom’s charm; Robin Oliver from The Sydney Morning Herald described Tom and Gypsy as "good-looking children," while Steven Murphy of Inside Soap identified Tom and Terri’s relationship as one of the show's most passionate romances. Claire Brand and Annette Dasey from Inside Soap referred to Tom as "the darling of Summer Bay," and Tina Baker of Soaplife labeled him "tasty Tom."
Olivia Fraser Richards
Olivia Fraser Richards first appeared on-screen on 20 April 1998, born to Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). Upon her return in 2005, the role was taken over by Ivy Latimer. Following Chloe’s death, Olivia left Summer Bay with her uncle James (Michael Piccirilli). In October 2015, Olivia re-entered the storyline portrayed by Raechelle Banno. She came back to Summer Bay seeking support from her mother’s former foster carer Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) after experiencing difficulties at her school in London. Upon arrival, Olivia flirted with VJ Patterson (Matt Little), with Banno commenting on her character’s boldness in trying to attract his attention.
Hayley Smith
Hayley Smith was originally played by Rebecca Cartwright from September 1998 until September 2005, after which Ella Scott Lynch assumed the role until November 2005 due to Cartwright’s personal departure. Described by The Sun-Herald as one of Australian drama's "most beloved characters," Cartwright won the 2005 Logie Award for Most Popular Actress for this role and received a nomination for a Gold Logie in the same year. The character was portrayed as "trouble-prone" and an "artistic young widow who has overcome a graffiti problem," highlighting her dramatic depth and resilience within the series.
Byron Fisher
Byron Fisher, played by multiple child actors, was first introduced on 16 September 1998 as a figment of his mother Marilyn's (Emily Symons) dream during her pregnancy. Born on 16 February 1999, Byron was portrayed by Brittany Jones and Joel Sanders-Aguius, with Nathanial Davey later appearing as an 11-year-old Byron in a vision.
He is the son of Marilyn and Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) and was given the middle name Vincent after Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) rushed Marilyn to hospital during labor. Marilyn initially faced challenges with post-natal depression and bonding with Byron, feeling overshadowed by his nanny Ellen Porter (Anne Grigg). After Ellen left, Marilyn developed a closer relationship with Byron as their family settled into routine life—until Byron was diagnosed with cancer. To finance treatment abroad, Donald sold a valuable Streeton painting; however, the buyer Simon Broadhurst (Morgan O'Neill) later returned it to him. Although Donald planned to accompany Marilyn overseas, he was informed of Byron's passing before leaving. Donald attended Byron’s funeral in America but returned alone after Marilyn departed again. He subsequently wrote Letter to Byron, which featured illustrations by Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).
Byron reappeared as an 11-year-old apparition to Marilyn during her encounters with the late Amber Copeland (Mitzi Ruhlman), briefly greeting her.
The episode depicting Byron's birth was honored by Channel 5 as one of their "Best Ever" episodes.
Murray
Murray, played by Scott Major, made his first appearance on 20 October 1998. A reviewer from The Advertiser labeled him as "a young man armed and dangerous" who shoots Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after being turned down for employment. Channel 5 singled out Murray's diner hostage situation as one of the show's most memorable episodes.
Murray arrives at the Bayside diner and orders breakfast but quickly reveals he lacks funds. When Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) tries to alert the police, he takes her hostage at gunpoint. Her spouse Alf (Ray Meagher) attempts to intervene, but Murray escapes with cash taken from the register.
In a moment of panic, Murray fires a shot that wounds Sally Fletcher. He then holds several patrons hostage before fleeing and hiding inside a cave. There, he captures Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright), later also taking Hayley's brother Will (Zac Drayson) and his girlfriend Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) hostage. After an unsuccessful escape effort, Will negotiates Gypsy's release and surrenders himself. Officers Joel Nash (David Woodley) and Constable Barry Dennis (Mark Shaw) ultimately apprehend Murray. He subsequently appears as a figment in Ailsa's subconscious during a diner scene.
David D'Angelo
David D'Angelo (also known as Robert Perez) first appeared on 9 November 1998, initially portrayed by Valentino Arico, then depicted in shadow form as Mr. X by Ross Pennissi, and later played by Tony Poli until the character exited on 13 October 1999.
David’s narrative revolves around seeking revenge on Joel Nash (David Woodley), who had imprisoned him for fifteen years in Hong Kong. Using Joel's daughter Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) as leverage, David assumes the identity of her tutor before abducting her. Cooper described working with Poli as intense yet rewarding, praising his supportive demeanor despite the threatening nature of his character.
Arriving in Summer Bay under the pseudonym Robert Perez, David covertly records conversations involving the Nash family while beginning a relationship with Gypsy. Advertising himself as a Maths tutor, he is hired by Joel and Natalie to assist Gypsy academically. David sends Natalie a tape containing Joel’s private discussions, stirring conflict within the family. Suspicious of his motives, Travis Nash and his wife alert Joel and Natalie. David then kidnaps Gypsy, holding her captive for three weeks while sending cryptic messages to the Nashes. Later, he takes Joel hostage, assumes his identity, empties his bank accounts, and sets fire to the Nashes' home with Natalie, Tom, and Gypsy trapped inside. During the fire, David holds Natalie hostage but is captured by Joel after Natalie provides clues via phone.
Following imprisonment, David escapes months later to retrieve stolen money buried in the bush but discovers it has been taken by Duncan Stewart and Gazza Boyd. He threatens Duncan and his mother Ailsa (Judy Nunn), taking Duncan hostage and attempting to flee alongside accomplice Lauren Healy (Merridy Eastman). Joel pursues them; David falls during the chase but is rescued by Joel. David files a complaint against Joel but is ultimately returned to prison.
David’s vendetta was named one of 1998’s best television cliffhangers by The Sun-Herald. Prior to the 1999 season, he was characterized as a "Hooded Psycho bent on revenge." His abduction of Gypsy and harassment of the Nash family earned a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–20 January | Gordon Macleay | Danny Adcock | Arms trafficker discovered drifting by Travis Nash (Nic Testoni); transported to hospital for treatment. |
| 22 January | George Baker | James Hagan | Attorney advising Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) on a $10,000 settlement with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin). |
| 23 January–2 February | Sludge | Steve Pate | Associate of Sam (Ryan Clark) and student at Summer Bay High; serves as an alibi during involvement with a ram-raiding gang. |
| 22 January | Warren Hickson | Andrew Marshall | Member of Childcare Services informing Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrence) about foster care alternatives. |
| 30 January | Christine McKenzie | Linda Newton | Conservative politician campaigning for deportation of immigrants; encounters local opposition. |
| 2 February–30 October 2000 | Barry Dennis | Mark Shaw | Local police officer frequently collaborating with Joel Nash (David Woodley) on law enforcement matters. |
| 3 February | Darren | Jordon Askill | Drummer auditioning for the band led by Joey Rainbow and Aaron Welles. |
| 25–27 February | Carol Williams | Diana Davidson | Neighbor creating friction for Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). |
| 10–11 March | Ralph Marchant | Nicholas Garsden | Tour guide whose boat excursion ends in an accident caused by Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten). |
| 18 March–24 April | Jason Duncan | Paul Kelman | Manager of Bonza Burger; involved in an affair that leads to separation from his pregnant wife Tamara; briefly employs Vinnie Patterson. |
| 18–25 March | Tamara Duncan | Sarah Aubrey | Wife of Jason Duncan; leaves him upon discovering his infidelity and denies him contact with their unborn child. |
| 26 March | Chris Brown | Luke Jacobz | Summer Bay High soccer player intentionally injured by Will Smith out of jealousy. |
| 30 March | Geoffrey Burns | Ben Price | Encounters Selina Roberts in Africa and brings her to Ironbridge for malaria recovery. |
| Bill Burns | Michael Carter | Geoffrey’s father; shows interest in Irene Roberts and later invites her for an extended stay. | |
| Waitress | Lorraine Brown | Serves Bill Burns and Irene Roberts at the Ironbridge café. | |
| George | Richard Clohessy | Colleague of Geoffrey Burns who invites him on vacation after Selina reconnects with Steven Matheson. | |
| 31 March–2 April | Pam Edmonson | Rebecca O'Dare | Competitor at surf carnival winning the under-18 girls' race; meets Sam Marshall. |
| 3–6 April | George Berry | Rhiannon Mason | Crisis care foster child temporarily placed with Travis and Rebecca Nash; shows difficult behavior before transfer. |
| 8 April–28 May | Bruce "Chook" Fowler | Shannon Cooper | Friend of Sam Marshall involved in pranks and drug use; nearly expelled but reinstated by Donald Fisher. |
| 9–21 April | Sugar O'Donnell | Brooke Gissing | Begins relationship with Tom Nash despite opposition; leaves him for band frontman Ben. |
| 9–17 April | Candy O'Donnell | Bianca Gissing | Twin sister to Sugar, interested in Aaron Welles; experiences relationship difficulties at school. |
| 15–24 April | Nigel Whittaker | Stephen Holford | Interior designer hired by Ailsa Stewart to renovate the Bayside Diner. |
| 17 April | Ben | Tony Gibson | Band lead singer who attracts Sugar O'Donnell, prompting breakup with Tom Nash. |
| 20–21 April | Dr Matthew | Alan Lock | Physician who delivers Lachlan Fraser and Chloe Richards’ daughter Olivia Fraser Richards. |
| 22 April | Christina | Marina Finlay | Editor of Cheeky Magazine awarding Joey Rainbow a $1000 essay prize. |
| Isabella | Kylie Watson | Assistant to Christina during the essay award ceremony. | |
| "22–23 April" | Policeman | Reg Cribb | Officer who pulls over Kylie Burton for speeding; Kylie uses the alias Rebecca Nash. |
| "1–20 May" | Harry MacKintosh | Sam O'Dell | Year 12 student dealing drugs, intimidates Gypsy Nash and Will Smith; conflict averted by Natalie Nash. |
| "12 May–5 June" | Leila | Michelle Fondacaro | Iranian Year 11 student courted by Aaron Welles and Tom Nash, ultimately declines both. |
| "20–25 May" | Professor Dunstan | David Nettheim | Neurosurgeon performing brain surgery on Lachlan Fraser; manages complications including coma. |
| "22 May–18 February 2000" | Emily O'Kane | Rochelle Eardley | Friend of Rachel McGregor. |
| "22 May–12 June" | Mardi O'Kane | Kelly Cawley | Emily O'Kane’s mother; briefly dates Jesse McGregor before ending due to his unresolved feelings. |
| "19 June–22 October" | Daria Ellis | Tamra Williams | Surfer and Sam Marshall’s girlfriend; copes with epilepsy diagnosis and family issues before breaking up. |
| "19 June–4 September" | Sean Ellis | Mark Gerber | Daria’s father and owner of surf shop; dates Sally Fletcher but relationship ends after wife returns. |
| "24 June–17 March 2003" | John Wilson | Bryan Wiseman | Physician practicing at Northern Districts Hospital. |
| "1 July" | Mark Hollis | Matt Juarez | Kidnaps Rachel McGregor from Yabbie Creek mall alongside Jason. |
| Jason | Shaun Losesby | ||
| Mrs Hollis | Felicity Soper | ||
| "9 July-14 August"| | "Brendan Cowell"| | ||
| "13-29 July"| | |||
| "15-30 July"| | |||
| "16-27 July"| | |||
| "20 July-6 August"| | "Ivar Kants"| | ||
| "23 July 1998 – 26 October 2003"| | |||
| "13 August"| | |||
| "20 August-3 September"| | |||
| "24 August-3 September"| | "Antonia Murphy"| | ||
| "21-30 September"| | "Belinda Giblin"| | ||
| "22 September-29 October" | | |||
| '24 September-13 October' | | 'Bryan Marshall' | | ||
| '25 November' | | |||
External links
- Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the official United Kingdom Home and Away site
- Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database