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Interviews
> Chris Lloyds
Back in 1992, Beth Brennan shocked family and friends by returning from her mother’s wedding with a fiancé of her own, the much older Rod Baker. Here, actor Chris Lloyds tells us about the role which he still remembers fondly, as well as his other acting roles and his career in the music industry…
Can you tell us a little about your acting career before your appearance in Neighbours in 1992?
Most of my life has been involved in the music industry, as you can see if you visit my web site at www.chrislloyds.com. Acting-wise, prior to Neighbours, I had appeared in 2 episodes of GP, and an episode of E Street.
How did the role of Rod Baker come about? Did you enjoy playing him?
I was asked to go to a casting at Maura Fay by my then agent, Stacey Testro. I read for it and a couple of days later was told I got the part! I was thrilled. Yes, I did enjoy playing him. Who wouldn’t when you are playing opposite Alan Dale and the gorgeous Natalie Imbruglia!
What was it like to work so closely with Natalie Imbruglia?
It was wonderful. Natalie was totally professional and lovely. I sang a song I was about to release on Bert’s Good Morning Australia during that stint, and Natalie commented on how good she thought I sang. To think now she is an international recording star.
Were there any other actors you particularly enjoyed working with?
The whole cast were terrific. Alan Dale though was very supportive.
Would you ever consider a return to the series if the opportunity arose?
Absolutely. I would love to.
Having worked on other Australian dramas, such as E Street, how did Neighbours compare?
Well, the thing is, my stint on Neighbours was a lot longer than the appearances on other shows I’ve done, and they were all shot on location, where as my time in Neighbours was shot in the studios of Network 10 in Melbourne. But the process and the way everything is done is basically the same.
How did it feel to be working alongside such an established cast?
I felt very privileged.
You've been a member of several bands and had a successful solo music career - do you prefer acting or singing?
I really enjoy both, however, being that I have been singing for so long, that would probably win by a nose!
Have you ever been a viewer of the series yourself?
On and off. When my family would watch it.
What have you been doing since your appearance as Rod?
I did a movie, went back to LA for a while, released a couple of singles and then a complete CD throughout Asia that did well (it was never released in Australia, yet one song, Forever, went to number 5 in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia) and have done lot of recording session work. I did the Long Way To The Top Australian tour, which was great, I took Graeme Goble’s place for a little while when he was ill, (Birtles, Shorrock, Goble who used to be The Little River Band) and these days I do conference and event performances singing the great jazz standards.
With Neighbours now entering its 23rd season on Australian television, do you have any thoughts on why the show has lasted so long?
I think a lot of people relate to the issues in some way that get written into the show. Fans cross many generations and people get touched by the cross section of characters and the storylines.
Interview
by Steve. Added on 27th January 2007
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