The popular Aussie star plays Ruth ‘Roo’ Stewart on the soap.
As Ruth “Roo” Stewart, the daughter of Alf Stewart, Georgie Parker first joined the ensemble of Home and Away in 2010, taking Justine Clarke’s place. Although the star is regarded as a member of the main cast, she rarely travels away from Summer Bay.
The reason for her absences is frequently given by the writers of the scripts, with Georgie’s character occasionally traveling on vacation or visiting her mother, Martha Stewart in Merimbula. This week, the actress admits openly to Yahoo Lifestyle that she is presently taking a break from the soap opera.
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Since Home and Away shoots five months in preparation, viewers can anticipate Georgie’s character to vanish around the month of August. She isn’t really gone though—she’s just coming back to perform for the next seven weeks in Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, a drama by David Williamson.
The 58-year-old actress is adamant about her gratitude to the directors for giving her enough time off each year to return to the stage.
“I’ve been fortunate that I kind of put it out there — if it’s going to be long term, that I need time out for plays,” she says of her involvement in TV projects like Home and Away or other ones. Channel Seven has always been very accommodating in allowing me to do that and request [time off]. I simply have it included in my contract.
The Aussie actress says the show tends to “revolve around the younger cast members”, so her character is easily written out.
“It doesn’t break any storylines in half if I take time out to go, so I’m lucky in that way,” she adds.
Georgie spills about her newest project
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While the former All Saints star adores working on TV productions, she admits that there’s something special about getting back to her roots and stepping on stage.
“It’s the most natural medium for an actor because you start at the beginning of the story and you end, at the end. It suits my energy levels [and] I love the connection with the audience,” she explains.
“It’s the immediacy of [theatre] that I love, and always have, I started in theatre.”
‘Wouldn’t that be fun?’: Georgie teases theatre collaboration with co-star
Many former members of the Home and Away cast are still active in the theater. For example, Oscar Maguire’s Jake Speer recently spoke with Yahoo Lifestyle about his upcoming play, and Rose Delaney’s Kirsty Marillier wrote an original play called Orange Thrower, which had its world debut at Griffin Theatre Company last year.
Georgie acknowledges that she has discussed performing on stage with James “Jimmy” Stewart, who portrays Justin Morgan, on occasion.
“If Jimmy wanted to do something, I would certainly work with him. Wouldn’t that be enjoyable? She ponders. “I discuss it a little with Jimmy.”