List of Shortland Street characters (1993)

The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street in 1993, by order of first appearance.

Rachel McKenna

Main article: Rachel McKenna

Rachel McKenna was the spoilt teenage daughter of CEO - Michael (Paul Gittins) and Alex McKenna (Liddy Holloway). She arrived in early 1993 as part of the McKenna family unit and has been portrayed by Angela Bloomfield for numerous stints.

Leonard Dodds

Dr. Leonard Rossi-Dodds
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Marton Csokas
Duration 1993–95
First appearance 21 January 1993
episode 174
Last appearance 18 January 1995
episode 678
Introduced by Brian Lenanne (1993)
Tony Holden (1994)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Owner of Stromboli Cafeteria
Doctor

Dr. Leonard Ralph Carlton Rossi-Dodds was the love interest and eventual husband to Gina Rossi (Josephine Davison). He arrived as the eccentric new doctor in early 1993 and soon started to date the equally eccentric - Gina. However Leonard soon left and when he returned, was shocked Gina had moved on to Hone Ropata (Temuera Morrison). The two reconciled and ended up getting married, something Leonard's best man - Lionel Skeggins (John Leigh) nearly put an end to. The couple bought a houseboat and after Leonard recovered from his sea sickness, the two tried for children. The attempts proved useless and the two moved to America. They returned later in the year as best man and bridesmaid to Lionel and Kirsty (Angela Dotchin) and ended up leaving in early 1995. In late 1995 it was announced Gina had given birth to a boy named Leonardo.

Reception

The character has been named as iconic.[1]

Alex McKenna

Alex McKenna
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Liddy Holloway
Duration 1993–95, 1996, 2002
First appearance 26 January 1993
Last appearance 1 May 2002
Introduced by Brian Lenanne (1993)
Simon Bennett (1996)
Harriet Crampton (2002)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Owner of Kennedy's bar (1993–96)

Alexandra "Alex" McKenna was the wife of Michael McKenna (Paul Gittins) who was portrayed by Liddy Holloway from 1993 until 1995 and again for a guest roles in 1996 and 2002. Liddy Holloway, who had previously been a writer for the show, was cast as the matriarch of the new family unit, the McKennas. Paul Gittins who portrayed Alex's husband, Michael, would jokingly accuse Holloway of giving her character the best lines of the two.[2]

Alex arrived in early 1993 and instantly got under the skin of estranged husband - Michael McKenna (Paul Gittins). Alex had a brief fling with 16-year-old Stuart Neilson (Martin Henderson) but fell back in love with Michael and the two renewed their vowels. She purchased "Kennedys" bar and whilst managing it, had a brief affair with Greg Feeney (Tim Balme). Sensing Michael was also having an affair, Alex had plastic surgery and as a result of a forged prescription, fell into a coma. Michael was accused of trying to murder his wife but their daughter - Rachel (Angela Bloomfield) unveiled the truth. The couple went on holiday but Alex suffered a nervous breakdown and upon their return, the two left Ferndale for the country side. However Alex returned the following year and announced the marriage was over. She continued to run the bar and took up with the much younger - Cameron Scott (Glen Drake). However they broke up and Alex gave the bar to Rachel so that she could attempt a reconciliation with Michael.

Two years later, Michael reported to Rachel that Alex had died whilst overseas from illness. In 2002 Rachel was shocked when Alex returned to her life and revealed she had faked her death in a ploy to escape her family. However it soon turned out Alex wanted Rachel's boyfriend - Chris' (Michael Galvin) money to create a new identity and she was sent packing. In both 2009 and 2011 it was stated that Alex had died.

Laurie Brasch

Laurie Brasch
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Chic Littlewood
Duration 1993–96
First appearance 5 February 1993
Last appearance 1 July 1996
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Book appearances Marj's Story - Shortland Street Books (1996)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Policeman

Laurie Brasch was the policeman behind the disappearance of Marj Neilson's (Elizabeth McRae) husband - Tom (Adrian Keeling). The two ended up getting married the following year. Laurie arrived in early 1993 when he investigated the disappearance of Tom Neilson (Adrian Keeling) from his inner city home. He grew close to Tom's wife Marj (Elizabeth McRae) and the two started to date. However Tom showed up and Marj's son Darryl (Mark Ferguson) scared Laurie off. Tom died and Marj broke it off with Laurie after she feared she would lose her money dating Laurie because of Tom's will. Nick Harrison (Karl Burnett) realized Marj was lonely and helped get the two back together at New Year's Eve. In 1994 Laurie nearly killed Marj by exposing her to chemicals and the resulting worry pushed Laurie to propose to Marj and following Laurie's recovery from a brain tumour, they married in a ceremony combining both Catholic and Jewish traditions. Laurie's daughter Ruth (Joanna Briant) opposed of the marriage but was won over by Marj.

In 1995 Marj and Laurie fostered a daughter, Lulu (Meighan Desmond) after she was abused by her father. Darryl took up security work but when he accidentally seriously injured Fergus (Paul Ellis), his job was on the line. In December a truck crashed through the hospital, Laurie helped the survivors but suffered a huge heart attack and narrowly scraped death. In 1996 Laurie departed with Marj to move closer to her job in Wellington.

Amanda Warner

Amanda Warner
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Stephanie Jack (1993)
Marissa Stott (2005)
Duration 1993, 2005
First appearance March 1993
Last appearance 12 October 2005
Introduced by Brian Lenanne (1993)
Jason Daniel (2005)
Classification Former; recurring
Profile
Residence Ferndale, New Zealand

Amanda Warner was the disabled twin sister of Chris Warner (Michael Galvin). The Warner's had grown up believing Amanda had died at birth however Guy (Craig Parker) discovered in 1993 that Bruce Warner (Ken Blackburn) had covered up her birth in fear of the shame she would bring to the family. Chris initially struggled to accept his sister but within weeks, found her a place at the hospital to stay. However it was clear she needed full-time nursing and was sent overseas.

Amanda returned in 2005 when her carer - Liam Todd (Campbell Cooley) kidnapped her from her hospital and took her to Chris and his wife Toni (Laura Hill) in an attempt to show them she was more than a vegetable. Chris soon became convinced when Amanda touched him but Toni believed Liam had more sinister plans and the two discovered Liam had spent time in a psychiatric ward. Chris and Toni eventually decided to have Amanda put into a local home but surprised all by allowing Liam visiting rights. In 2007 Guy, Chris, Toni, Harry (Henry Williams) and Tuesday (Olivia Tennet) visited Amanda and took her for a picnic.

Jamie Forrest

Main article: Jamie Forrest

Jamie Forrest was the show's first openly gay character and eventual boyfriend of Jonathon McKenna (Kieren Hutchison).

Jo Jordan

Joanna Jordon
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Greer Robson
Duration 1993–94
First appearance May 1993
Last appearance 19 September 1994
episode 606
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; regular

Joanna Jordon was the ignorant young nurse who was portrayed by Greer Robson from 1993 to 1994. At first Jo had her sights set on Steve (Andrew Binns) but the two ended up best friends instead and Jo ended up getting molested by Paul (Simon Prast). Jo grew close to Stuart Neilson (Martin Henderson) after her brother got in a car crash and the two ended up dating. They broke up following the car crash that killed Steve but again got back together. Paul returned and successfully harassed Jo to drop her charges against him. She eventually broke up with Stuart and fled town with new boyfriend - Greg Feeney (Tim Balme).

Declan Kennedy

Declan Kennedy
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Kevin J. Wilson
Duration 1993
First appearance May 1993
Last appearance 19 October 1993
episode 367
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring
Profile
Occupation Manager of Kennedy's (1993)
personal trainer

Declan Kennedy was the dodgy father of Steve Mills (Andrew Binns). He arrived in mid-1993 and quickly caught the attention of Jenny Harrison (Maggie Harper), who he trained at the gym. Steve was reluctant to the newcomer and the staff soon realised Declan was Steves father. Steve blamed Declan for the suicide of his mother but the two eventually patched things up. Jenny was upset when Declan chose Carrie (Lisa Crittenden) over her and Declan ended up getting married to Carrie in Las Vegas. Upon their return, the two purchased the local bar and Declan started to run it. When Carrie gave birth to her three children, Declan offered little support and started to appear withdrawn. It soon turned out he had attempted a bank robbery but it had gone terribly wrong. He realized his life was in danger and fled New Zealand, leaving Carrie in the wake of his dangerous associates.

Carmen Roberts

Carmen Roberts
Portrayed by Theresa Healey
Duration 1993–95
First appearance June 1993
Last appearance 25 December 1995
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Nurse at Shortland Street Hospital (1993–95)
Prostitute (until 1991)

Carmen Roberts first appeared in a guest stint in mid-1993 before returning several months later as a core character. Carmen arrived as a new nurse but when her addiction to prescription pills came to light, she was fired. She returned months later completely rehabilitated but director of nursing - Paul Churchill (Simon Prast) revealed she was formerly a prostitute and was at odds with the clinics staff. When Carmen innocently claimed a dead patients lottery ticket, she discovered she had won thousands of dollars and guiltily spent a lot of it before she started to date Guy Warner (Craig Parker). Carmen discovered she was pregnant and in October gave birth to Tuesday Warner (Kelly Tate) amidst a massive storm. In December a truck ploughed through the clinic reception and Carmen received what appeared to be minor bruising. However, later Carmen collapsed and died, having developed a brain hemorrhage.

Carmen was very popular amongst the public and was openly mourned upon her death.[3] In 2012, Carmen's death was voted by fans as one of the show's most iconic moments.[4]

Te Aniwa Ryan

Te Aniwa Ryan
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Moana Maniapoto-Jackson
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 20 August 1993
Last appearance June 1994
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Dr. Te Aniwa Ryan first appeared in mid-1993. She was up against Hone Ropata (Temuera Morrison) in a televised debate and it was clear they had largely differing opinions. Hone began to get stalked but it turned out to be Te Aniwa, desperate to express her love. The two began a relationship though it was on the rocks when Hone encouraged Te Aniwa's brother to continue boxing. The two broke up when Te Aniwa discovered Hone had cheated on her with Hilary Sturgess (Susan Brady).

Shane Raskin

Shane Raskin
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Richard Hanna
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 1 September 1993
Last appearance 1 January 1994
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Shane Raskin was the businessman boyfriend of Kirsty Knight (Angela Dotchin). The two dated for several months before Kirsty broke up with Shane over the new year.

Nat Aleni

Nat Aleni
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Joe Naufahu
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 10 September 1993
episode 340
Last appearance 30 March 1994
episode 483
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Nat Aleni was the gang affiliated teenage brother of Sam Aleni (Rene Naufahu). Sam did not realize until it was too late how serious the problem between Tongan and Samoan gangs were and Nat ended up becoming hugely involved in gang life. Nat's best friend Willy ended up getting murdered by the Tongan gangs and Nat promised to end his affiliations. Nat helped Jamie Forrest (Karl Urban) in his attempt to bring together Sam and T.P (Elizabth Skeen) and later attended their wedding. Nat later spoke at T.P's funeral and consoled his brother.

TP Aleni

TP Aleni
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Elizabeth Skeen
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 20 September 1993
episode 346
Last appearance 25 March 1994
episode 480
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Talita "TP" Aleni (née Palele) was the Tongan wife of Sam Aleni (Rene Naufahu). TP originally wanted nothing to do with Sam when his brother - Nat (Joe Naufahu) fought with her brother in gang-wars. However, with the help of Jamie Forrest (Karl Urban), the two realized they had fallen in love and without their families approval, married. The two struggled with married life but stayed in love nonetheless. However TP was shocked to learn Sam had dated a drug addict. Unfortunately for the couple, TP was involved in a car accident in early 1994 and tragically died in the subsequent explosion. 20 years to the date of TP's death, Sam emotionally broke down to Ula Levi (Frankie Adams), explaining the impact TP's death had on his life and the subsequent loss of his second wife.

Paul Churchill

Paul Churchill
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Simon Prast
Duration 1993, 1994, 1995
First appearance 11 October 1993
episode 361
Last appearance 1995
Introduced by Brian Lenanne (1993)
Tony Holden (1994)
Gavin Strawhan (1995)
Classification Former; recurring

Paul Churchill was the villainous director of nursing who covered for Carrie Burton (Lisa Crittenden) whilst she was on leave. He recognized Carmen Roberts (Theresa Healey) as a prostitute and reported her. He started to harass both Jo (Greer Robson) and Jaki (Nancy Brunning), eventually molesting Jo. Carmen reported Paul and had him fired. Nonetheless Paul returned the following year and harassed Jo into dropping her allegation. He ended up getting a job at the hospital but Carmen realized he was the man behind several severe beatings on women and had him arrested. In 1995, Paul escaped prison and attempted to kill both Carmen and Guy (Craig Parker) by setting their houseboat out to sea. He failed and was arrested.

Finn Connelly

Main article: Finn Connelly

Sass Connelly

Sass Connelly
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Unredited actor (1993)
Lucy Lovegrove (2016—)
Duration 1993, 2016—
First appearance 11 October 1993
Introduced by Brian Lenanne (1993)
Maxine Fleming (2016)
Classification Present; recurring
Profile
Other names Sarah Burton (birth name)

Sarah "Sass" Connelly was born onscreen on 11 October 1993. Desperate to have children but with no stable partner in her life, Shortland Street clinic's head of nursing Carrie Burton (Lisa Crittenden) accepted sperm donations from nurse Steve Mills (Andrew Binns), Guy Warner (Craig Parker), Dr. Hone Ropata (Temuera Morrison) and Dr. Chris Warner (Michael Galvin); refusing to disclose whose sperm she used. She fell pregnant and married Steve's father Declan Kennedy (Kevin J. Wilson). Carrie gave birth to triplets during good friend Meredith Fleming's (Stephanie Wilkin) leaving party and named them, Finbar, Frank, and Sarah. Declan proved to be a useless father and ended up fleeing the country to escape criminal associates he had, leaving Steve to be a surrogate parent. It turned out Sarah had a hole in her heart and came close to death during surgery. Carrie decided to flee Ferndale after receiving threats from Declan's criminal past, taking her triplets with her and leaving Steve (who had decided the children were likely his) heart broken. Several months later Steve was devastated to realise Chris had discovered he was the father and had been visiting Carrie and the triplets in Australia. This caused a rivalry between the two that ultimately lead to Steve driving off the road and dying in an explosion. In November 1995 Chris visited Carrie and the triplets so that he could introduce his father Bruce (Ken Blackburn) to them before he succumbed to terminal cancer.

In 2016, TK Samuels (Benjamin Mitchell) was approached by a woman identifying herself as "Sass." After being humiliated by the doctor who was not wanting a relationship so fresh off the heels of his break-up with Kylie Brown (Kerry-Lee Dewing), Sass began to act rude in regards to TK's niece, Esther (Ngahuia Piripi). Venting to Finn Connelly (Lukas Whiting), Esther made several insults about Sass, after which Finn revealed that the newcomer was in fact his sister Sarah!

Katherine Blake

Katherine Blake
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Margaret Umbers
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 15 October 1993
Last appearance 28 January 1994
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; regular

Dr. Katherine Blake (formerly named Wendy Mulligan) was the psychotic girlfriend of Chris Warner (Michael Galvin). She arrived as the replacement for Meredith Fleming (Stephanie Wilkin) and quickly got on Chris' good side. However, when she failed to save the life of Tom Neilson (Adrian Keeling), she made an enemy of Darryl Neilson (Mark Ferguson) and ended up showing her true colours when she overpowered and threatened him when he dove into her private life. Katherine started to date Chris but some started to see her true self when a British patient named Nora recognized her from a news article in England and Katherine attempted to murder her whilst a young patient - Sarah-Jane (Lauren Porteous Morcom) watched. Kirsty (Angela Dotchin) began to research Katherine's past and found herself framed for robbery. She eventually discovered Katherine was really named Wendy, had murdered her husband and was not really a doctor. A desperate Katherine attempted to flee the country but when confronted by Chris, attempted to murder him. Katherine was arrested and upon release from bail, announced to Chris that one day she would become a doctor before leaving.

Jonathon McKenna

Main article: Jonathon McKenna

Dr. Jonathon Alexander McKenna was the homosexual brother of Rachel McKenna (Angela Bloomfield). The character's gay storyline broke ground with Kieren Hutchison reprising the role for numerous stints throughout the series.

Kim Furious

Kim Furious
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Sassy Acorn
Duration 1993
First appearance 1993
Last appearance 1993
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; guest
Profile
Occupation Rock Star

'Kim Furious was a rock star who went into Shortland Street for minor surgery. Nick had a crush on her, and when he heard she was at the clinic, snuck into her room a few times to try to meet her. The two became friends, and Kim would eventually give Nick a kiss before she departed.

Lionel Skeggins

Main article: Lionel Skeggins

Lionel Skeggins was the eccentric friend of Leonard Dodds (Marton Csokas). He arrived in a guest role for Leonard's wedding in 1993 and returned in a regular role the following year. He stayed on the show for 5 years and since his departure has become iconic and a fan favourite.

Patrick Neilson

Patrick Neilson
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Uncredited Actor
Duration 1993
Appears on 12 November 1993
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; guest
Profile
Occupation Business Manager

Patrick Neilson was the second eldest son of Marj Neilson (Elizabeth McRae) and Tom Neilson (Adrian Keeling). He made a single guest appearance, portrayed by an uncredited actor for his father's funeral in November 1993.

Jean-Luc Mafart

Jean-Luc Mafart
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Pierre Foret
Duration 1993
First appearance December 1993
Last appearance 27 December 1993
episode 416
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; guest

Jean-Luc Mafart was the French husband of Alison Raynor (Danielle Cormack). The two married following Alison's departure from Shortland Street however it was not long before Alison had returned to Ferndale with the claim her husband was an international terrorist and was abusive. Jean-Luc himself showed up in town and was quick to suss out the locals in his search for Alison. Steve (Andrew Binns) was shocked when he discovered Jean-Luc had broken into his house and Hone (Temuera Morrison) was forced to pretend he dyed his hair black to explain Alison's hair dye that Jean-Luc discovered. Jean-Luc eventually found Alison and followed her to her parents farm. The two had a showdown on the barn roof and Jean-Luc slipt and fell to his death. Alison and Darryl (Mark Ferguson) covered up the crime before Alison fled New Zealand.

Adam Brady

Adam Brady
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Jeremy Brennan
Duration 1993–94
First appearance 21 December 1993
episode 412
Last appearance 18 January 1994
episode 432
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Adam Brady was the mentally disturbed possible son of Jenny Harrison (Maggie Harper). Nick (Karl Burnett) began to get annoyed when Adam followed him home after school and Jenny eventually confronted Adam on Christmas. It soon turned out Adam believed he had been swapped with Nick when the two were newborns in hospital. Jenny started to get to know Adam, something which annoyed Nick and made him question his identity. Jenny brought Adam's concerns to his mother who revealed Adam was a sufferer of schizophrenia. Jenny attempted to cut ties with Adam to spend time with Nick and Adam failed to cope, losing his mind completely. He was institutionalized in early 1994.

Benjamin Marshall

Benjamin Marshall
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Graham Puddle
Duration 1993–2005
First appearance 1993
Last appearance September 2005
Introduced by Brian Lenanne
Classification Former; recurring

Dr. Benjamin Marshall was a long running extra who was for several years, one of the show's longest running characters.[5][6] Benjamin appeared in several notable scenes including the 1996 earthquake, Michael McKenna's (Paul Gittins) wake and Kirsty Knight's (Angela Dotchin) final scene. The character received a cult following and received lines after being requested by fans.[5]

Others

Date(s) Character Actor(s) Circumstances
11 October–11 November Frank Burton Uncredited actor Frank was one of Carrie Burton's triplets born during Meredith's leaving party. He moved alongside Carrie, and his siblings Finbar and Sarah to Australia when he was 1 years old. His father Chris Warner visited him in November 1995. In 2016 it was stated by his brother Finn (Lukas Whiting) that Frank was spending time in prison.

References

  1. ↑ Grant, Frances (3 July 2003). "Bringing the geek back to Shortland Street". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  2. ↑ "Liddy Holloway dies, aged 57". One News. Television New Zealand. December 2004.
  3. ↑ Galvin, Michael; Bloomfield, Angela; Burnett, Karl (May 2007). "Shortland Street 15th anniversary DVD Volume 1 Disc 1" (Interview).
  4. ↑ Philpot, Chris (27 March 2012). "Shorty: vote for your favourite moments". stuff.co.nz. Fairfax Media.
  5. 1 2 Black, Eleanor (25 May 2002). "Silent Shortland Str doctor to speak out for many fans". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  6. ↑ Mather, Mike (4 December 2005). "Seasoned extra says goodbye to Street, hello to Rotorua". Rotorua Daily Post. APN News & Media.
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