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Interviews
> Lorraine Bayly
One of Australia's best-loved actresses, Lorraine Bayly played Faye Hudson,
the infuriating sister of Doug Willis in 1992. Lorraine's career has seen
many exciting roles and she has won numerous awards. Here, she chats to us
about her time with Neighbours and her thoughts on the show.
Could you give us some background on your career before your role in
Neighbours?
I've been performing for approximately 60 years - 45 as an actress. Mostly theatre
work - from Fairytales of New York to Death of a Salesman, although I also
did two drama series, The Sullivans and Carson's Law. I did three years on the
former, playing Grace Sullivan and two years on the latter. Also a few
mini-series and a few movies, including The Man From Snowy River, but mainly
theatre.
How did the role of Faye come about? How would you describe the
character?
I only did Neighbours for about six months, so it wasn't really a major
part of my career. I went into it because I had friends in it and had not
seen much of it beforehand. I found Faye good fun to play in contrast to so
many serious roles I had done. She was girly, shallow, self-absorbed but
also a little pathetic.
Were there any of Faye's storylines that you remember especially fondly?
I'm afraid I can't remember any storylines - it was 13 years ago - I vaguely
remember her singing "Red River Valley" in a talent quest, and I also
remember her in a big wedding dress being jilted and heartbroken.
Which
members of the cast did you particularly enjoy working with?
Are you still in touch with any of them?
Most of the cast were lovely to work with - I don't know where
some of them are now, the current cast is quite different.
Also it is shot in Melbourne and I live in Sydney. I saw Terence
Donovan (Doug Willis) recently when he was up in Sydney doing
a show, and I was very fond of Anne Haddy (Helen Daniels)
who has now sadly passed away. Tom Oliver (Lou Carpenter)
was also a favourite and a friend, and I found the young actors
a delight.
Could
you ever envisage a return to Ramsay Street for Faye? What
do you think she might be up to these days?
I don't see Faye returning. She's probably happily married
to someone she could twist around her little finger - but
would totally dote on him. She would have a cat. Or she is
totally alone, sad, withdrawn, living in her own little fantasy
world. She would have a cat.
Do
you watch Neighbours now, and if so, what do you think
of it?
I don't watch the show, but my niece-in-law does, and has
for years and I'm sure will continue to do so.
Where
has your career taken you since your stint on Neighbours?
Mainly theatre, most recently Birthrights, a play at
the Sydney Opera House. I was awarded an A.M (Member of the
Order of Australia) in the Australia Day Honour's List 2001,
and I officially retired on the 2nd August - the closing night
of Birthrights.
After
more than 18 years on Australian screens, what do you think
accounts for the enormous success Neighbours has seen?
From what I remember, I think the show sets good moral guidelines,
and the characters and storylines are easy for a viewer to
identify with. I see no reason why it can't go on and on.
To read a full character biography of Faye Hudson, click
here
Interview by Steve. Added on 11th October 2003
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