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Neighbours: A look back at some of the biggest stars - where are they now?

With the curtain falling on Aussie soap Neighbours after 37 years, we look back at the famous faces who did their acting apprenticeships on Ramsay Street.

Liam Hemsworth played Josh Taylor (2007-08)

Following in brothers Luke and Chris's footsteps, Liam Hemsworth started his acting career with a guest role in Home and Away, but it was as paraplegic athlete Josh Taylor in Neighbours that he made his mark.

His big break in Hollywood almost didn't materialise after losing the role of Thor to his older brother Chris, but that same week he landed the lead role in Nicholas Sparks' film, The Last Song.

Liam Hemsworth with the cast of The Hunger Games; the cast of Isn't It Romantic; living the good life in Byron Bay; and with former wife Miley Cyrus.
Liam Hemsworth got his break on Neighbours and, with brother Chris, is now a Hollywood heart throb. Photo: instagram/@liamhemsworth

It was The Hunger Games that finally catapulted him into the big league in 2011.

From there he has starred in The Dressmaker with Kate Winslet, Isn't It Romantic with fellow Aussie Rebel Wilson and Independence Day: Resurgence.

He is starring in the TV series Most Dangerous Game.

Margot Robbie played Donna Freedman (2008-11)

Margot Robbie has an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations; Forbes said she was one of the highest-paid actresses in 2019, and she was among Time Magazine's 100 most influential people – that's a long way from her childhood farm in the Queensland hinterland.

Margot Robbie with hubby Tom Ackerley; as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and in a selfie.
Margot Robbie may have started on Neighbours, but now she's now Hollywood royalty. Photo: instagram/@margotrobbie

Her role as Donna in Neighbours was supposed to be as a guest, but her talent shone through and they made her a cast member.

It wasn't long before greater things beckoned.

Margot is happily married to British director and producer Tom Ackerley and they live in Venice Beach, California.

Jason Donovan played Scott Robinson (1986-89)

In the 80s and 90s, Jason Donovan was every teen girl's dream after playing Scott Robinson in the Aussie soap and then launching a pop career.

While he briefly dated co-star Kylie Minogue (let's face it we all wanted them to be a real-life couple), the romance was not meant to be and Jason went on to fame on London's West End stage.

The dad of Jemma, Zac and Molly has been with wife Angela since 2000 and they married in 2008.

Jason Donovan as Scott marrying Charlene in Neighbours; pursuing his music dreams; and with wife Angela recently. Photo: instagram/@jdonofficial
Jason Donovan played Scott in Neighbours before launching a singing and musical theatre career. He is pictured with wife Angela recently. Photo: instagram/@jdonofficial

Kylie Minogue played Charlene Robinson (1986-88)

How can you discuss Neighbours without talking about Kylie Minogue?

All the girls wanted to be her character Charlene and all the boys wanted to be with her.

But the Aussie soap couldn't contain her star power and it wasn't long before she was seeking international audiences as a singer and actress.

Before long she was simply known as Kylie and remains Australia's highest-selling female artist!

Kylie is now happily loved up with British magazine creative director Paul Solomons.

ylie launching her new wine; at the start of her recording career; and her very first episode on Neighbours.
Every girl wanted to be Charlene, Kylie Minogue's character in Neighbours. Kylie has gone onto launch a wine, among other products. Photo: instagram/@kylieminogue

Jesse Spencer played Billy Kennedy (1994-2000)

With his boyish charms and good looks, it's no wonder Jesse Spencer's character Billy Kennedy was so popular.

But, like those who went before and after, Hollywood came calling for this talented star.

While he has appeared in several films, it is his work in television that made him so popular.

His role as intensive care specialist Dr Robert Chase in House made him a household name internationally.

He went on to star as Lieutenant Matt Casey in fire fighting drama Chicago Fire.

He is happily married to research scientist Kali Woodruff, his partner of seven years.

Montage of photos of Jesse Spencer back in his Neighbours days; Jesse and wife Kali; with his House  co-star and ex-fiancée Jennifer Morrison and on the set of Chicago Fire.
Jesse Spencer back in his Neighbours days; Jesse and wife Kali; with his House co-star and ex-fiancée Jennifer Morrison and on the set of Chicago Fire. Photo: instagram/@jesse___spencer

Delta Goodrem played Nina Tucker (2002-04)

While Delta Goodrem had her heart set on a musical career, she was struggling to make inroads, so decided to raise her profile in Neighbours in 2002.

Playing singer Nina, she quickly became Australia's sweetheart and revitalised her pop career.

Montage of Delta Goodrem, including in top hat and tails on silver piano, in jeans and midriff top on an album cover and in the judge's chair on The Voice.
While she played Nina on Neighbours, Delta Goodrem is better known for her musical career. Photo: instagram/@deltagoodrem

Alan Dale played Jim Robinson (1985-93)

Who would have thought Scott's dad could go on to be one of Australia's biggest exports?

It's more a matter of what Alan Dale hasn't been in, from The O.C., Lost and Ugly Betty to NCIS and Once Upon A Time.

He has been married to former Miss Australia Tracey Pearson since 1990 and they live in California but keep a house in Australia.

Alan Dale with wife Tracey in 2019 and inset image of when he appeared in Neighbours.
Alan Dale with wife Tracey in 2019 and when he appeared in Neighbours. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images and instagram/@neighbours

Guy Pearce played Mike Young (1985-1989)

He was the mullet-sporting, troubled, but gentle best friend of Scott Robinson, but it wasn't long before Guy Pearce left his Neighbours character Mike Young behind.

His breakout role was the fabulously flamboyant Felicia, a drag queen in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

He went on to lead roles in critically acclaimed Hollywood films such as LA Confidential, Momento, The Hurt Locker and The King's Speech – the last two winning Best Picture Oscars.

Guy Pearce as Mike Young in Neighbours and recently on a talk show wearing a suit and vest with narrow-rimmed glasses.
Guy Pearce played Mike Young in Neighbours. Photo: Getty Images & Network 10

Russell Crowe played Kenny Larkin (four episodes in 1987)

He is now known for his heavy-hitting roles, but Russell Crowe also did his apprenticeship on Neighbours.

He appeared in four episodes as an ex-con mate of Henry Ramsay's.

But it was Aussie movie Romper Stomper that got Hollywood's attention.

Since then he has starred in blockbusters such as Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, The Insider, LA Confidential (with Guy Pearce) and Master and Commander.

He has an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Russell Crowe in Neighbours and recently on Instagram
Russell Crowe may have only been in Neighbours for four episodes but he was still on it! Photo: Instagram/@russellcrowe & Network 10

Natalie Imbruglia played Beth Brennan (1992 - 1994)

Natalie Imbruglia was another Neighbours star who favoured a musical career after leaving the Aussie soap.

Her debut album Left of the Middle sold seven million copies and featured the singles Torn and Big Mistake.

She recently won the British version of The Masked Singer as Panda!

Natalie Imbruglia in Neighbours and a recent shot from her Instagram account against a snowy lake shore with mountains.
Natalie Imbruglia has made a mark for herself as a singer since leaving Neighbours. Photo: Getty Images & Instagram/@natalie_imbruglia

Bella Heathcote played Amanda Fowler (2009)

From Ramsay Street to Hollywood elite, Bella is one to watch.

She got her big break in Tim Burton's film Dark Shadows and was named as an actress to watch at the 2012 Hamptons International Film Festival.

She has since had roles in Fifty Shades Darker and The Man In The High Castle and can currently be seen in the Netflix thriller Pieces of Her with Toni Collette.

Bella Heathcote in Neighbours in school uniform and in Netflix drama Pieces Of Her with Toni Collette.
Bella Heathcote started out on Neighbours and can currently be seen in Netflix drama Pieces Of Her with Toni Collette. Photo: Instagram/@bellaheathcote & Network 10

Peter O'Brien played Shane Ramsay (1985- 1987)

Is there an Aussie show Peter O'Brien hasn't been on?

He was one of the original cast members on Neighbours as Shane Ramsay, cousin to Henry and Charlene, and always seemed to be getting in trouble.

And now he's coming back to the show, according to The Sun, to reprise his role as Shane as the soap says goodbye.

Peter O'Brien on Neighbours and recently on Instagram looking away from the camera and wearing sunglasses.
People may forget prolific actor Peter O'Brien was an original cast member on Neighbours. Photo: Instagram/@peterobrienofficial & Network 10

Holly Valance played Felicity 'Flick' Scully (1999-2002)

Holly Valance was cast in Neighbours at just 16 and three years later followed in the footsteps of previous stars, launching a pop career with the catchy tune Kiss, Kiss.

In 2004 she went to LA and returned to acting in shows such as Prison Break, CSI: Miami and Entourage.

She now lives in London with her husband, British property billionaire Nick Candy, and their two daughters.

Holly Valance pictured as Flick Scully in Neighbours and recently on Instagram
Holly Valance played Flick Scully before leaving the soap to pursue a career in music. Photo: Instagram/@hollyvalanceofficial & Getty Images

Eliza Taylor played Janae Timmins (2005-08)

Not only did Eliza Taylor get a career out of her big break in Neighbours, she also got a husband (kind of).

She and fellow actor Bob Morley both started on the soap before acting in CW's post-apocalyptic drama The 100, in which Eliza stars.

Eliza and Bob are now expecting their first child together.

Eliza Taylor in Neighbours and with husband, fellow actor Bob Morley.
Eliza Taylor and future hubby, fellow actor Bob Morley, both started in Neighbours. Photo: Instagram/@elizajaneface & Network 10

Dichen Lachman played Katya Kinski (2005-07)

After appearing on Neighbours, it wasn't long before Hollywood spotted Dichen's talent.

Roles in The 100, Dollhouse, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D followed.

She can currently be seen in Apple TV+ series Severence and in the upcoming Jurassic World Domination film.

Dichen Lachman playing Katya on Neighbours and in a recent picture from Instagram with her long wavy hair worn loose and in a black lace top.
After playing Katya on Neighbours, Dichen has gone on to roles in Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and Being Human. Photo: YouTube & Instagram/@dichenlachman

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