Revealed: TV WEEK’s 60 biggest stars of ALL TIME

#60 Bonnie Sveen

Former Home And Away star Bonnie became a TV WEEK cover star thanks to her character Ricky Sharpe’s relationships with Brax (Stephen Peacocke) and Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor). “I adored that time of my life,” Bonnie, 29, tells TV WEEK.

#59 Paula Duncan

Long before she was the face of the Ajax Spray ’N’ Wipe ads, Paula was one of our biggest TV stars. She played Detective Danni Francis in 1970s police drama Cop Shop. The role won her two Logies for Most Popular Actress. During this time, Paula, now 65, married her co-star, John Orcsik. Earlier in the 1970s, Paula rose to fame as nurse Lisa Brooks in The Young Doctors.

58 Richard Roxburgh

Rake character Cleaver Greene is a scoundrel who gives the legal profession a bad name but TV fans love him. As Cleaver, Richard, 55, has created a strong TV character, despite him being all chaos, emotion, bad deeds and regrets. And Rake itself may well be one of the sharpest series ever put on screen in Australia.

#57 David Wenham

During the late 1990s, SeaChange was one of the biggest shows on TV. Part of the appeal was David’s character, Diver Dan. In a show full of quirky characters, Dan was a laidback guy with plenty of charm. And he was charming enough to win Laura’s heart in season one. David, 52, has gone on to other things, but his role in SeaChange remains a favourite with fans.

#56 Hamish and Andy

Part of the attraction of Hamish Blake, 35, and Andy Lee, 36, is throughout their TV efforts, they still seem like two mates clowning about. Speaking to TV WEEK in 2013, Hamish says, “I still look at everyone else and get the feeling they know what they’re doing, and they’re good on TV – but I’m not, and I’m an imposter.”

#55 Peter Phelps

Eagle-eyed TV fans will recall Peter popped up at the end of 1991 film Point Break but it’s his TV roles that made him famous. In the 1980s, Peter, now 57, made a name for himself as John Palmer in Sons And Daughters. His most famous role outside of the soap was Stingers, where Peter played a member of an undercover unit of Victoria police.

#54 Samuel Johnson

It started back in 1995 with his role as Gus Bishop in Home And Away. Five years later, he was cast as Evan Wylde in The Secret Life Of Us. Further success came in 2008 with Rush but it was his ability to become Ian “Molly” Meldrum for 2016’s Molly that earned Samuel, 39, a Gold Logie in 2017.

#53 Margot Robbie

Neighbours has an amazing track record when it comes to its stars going on to bigger things. When Margot, now 27, first arrived in the show, her character, Donna Freedman, was an obsessed fan of musician Ty Harper (Dean Geyer). Margot took all storylines in her stride – her professionalism holding her in good stead for Hollywood.

#52 Lorraine Bayley

She was part of Play School in the 1960s and Division 4 and Homicide in the 1970s. But it’s for her award-winning role as Grace Sullivan in classic drama The Sullivans that Lorraine is best known. The series captivated audiences and earned Lorraine two Silver Logies – Most Popular Australian Lead Actress in 1978 and Most Popular Australian Lead Actress In A Series in 1979.

#51 Val Lehman

She was the original “top dog”, Bea Smith, in Prisoner. Joining the show in 1979, Val quickly became a fan favourite for her portrayal of the cigarette-smoking murderer. She picked up three Logies for the role – Most Popular Actress and Best Lead Actress In A Series in 1982, and Best Lead Actress In A Series in 1983.

#50 Rob Sitch

He debuted with the rest of his Working Dog Productions cohorts in 1986 with sketch show The D-Generation. Rob, now 55, has since gone on to write, star, produce, direct – and sometimes all three – series such as Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures, Thank God You’re Here, Kath & Kim, Frontline and Utopia, to name a few.

#49 Danielle Cormack

When New Zealand native Danielle played gangster Kate Leigh in Underbelly: Razor, Aussie audiences asked, “Who’s that girl?” We didn’t wait long to find out. Danielle, 46, followed up with pivotal roles in Rake and Deep Water. But it was donning the teal as Bea Smith in prison drama Wentworththat cemented her place in TV fans’ hearts.

#48 Justine Clarke

While Georgie Parker has taken over the role of Roo Stewart on Home And Away, Justine, now 46, has kept busy since leaving Summer Bay. She appeared in TV films Come In Spinner and Tracks Of Glory before taking on Play School in 2000. Also on Justine’s glittering CV are All Saints, Love My Way, Tangle, Rake, House Husbands and Hoges.

#47 Michala Banas

When Michala found herself in TV WEEK during her time in Always Greener, the actress says her childhood wish came true. “It was a big moment,” Michala, 40, says. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God – I buy and read TV WEEK!’” Little did she know she’d be featured many more times. Roles such as Kate in McLeod’s Daughters have ensured she remains a TV WEEK favourite.

46 Garry McDonald

He broke the mould as the gormless reporter and TV personality Norman Gunston on The Aunty Jack Show. Norman was so popular, he got his own variety show. In The Norman Gunston Show, Garry pioneered what became known as the “ambush interview”, surprising stars with deliberately provocative and oddball questions.

#45 John Waters

A hosting role on Play School is hard-fought in the industry. But John was lucky to have hosted the children’s show for nearly 20 years. But it’s not just Play School that’s seen the British-born actor and musician remain a TV WEEK favourite. John, now 68, stole hearts as cavalier Dr Miklos “Mike” Vlasek in All Saints. He’s since romanced a few more medicos when he entered Offspring as ladies’ man Darcy Proudman.

#44 Jessica Marais

It’s hard to believe that when she landed the role of Rachel Rafter at 22, Jessica was an unknown NIDA student. But Packed To The Rafters, and Jessica won hearts and ratings. It quickly made the actress a go-to leading lady. She’s since led the way in hit series Love Child and The Wrong Girl.

#43 Ryan Moloney

Stepping onto the set of Neighbours for the first time over 22 years ago, Ryan couldn’t have known Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi would still be on TV today. He probably also didn’t imagine his mullet would become almost as legendary as his character!

#42 Deborah Mailman

When Deborah debuted as Kelly Lewis in The Secret Life Of Us, fans couldn’t get enough of the relatable, loveable uni student or the woman who played her. The fact both were Indigenous was a breakthrough TV moment. She slides seamlessly between dramatic roles such as Mabo and Redfern Now and more loveable, relatable characters such as Offspring’s Cherie Butterfield.

#41 Jane and Gina (Kath & Kim)

It was 2002 when Jane Turner and Gina Riley arrived as “foxy ladies” Kath and Kim. The show, which also saw the pair play snobby shop owners Trude and Prue, produced some of Aussie TV’s most quotable lines. And it turned Jane and Gina into comedy icons. Fifteen years on and fans still can’t get enough of the “cardonnay”-loving ladies.

#40 Carrie Bickmore

From radio to presenting primetime TV, Gold Logie winner Carrie, 36, has garnered a nationwide profile. In 2006, Carrie became the quirky newsreader on popular talk show Rove Live. Moving on to host The Project alongside Peter Helliar and Waleed Aly, she’s become known as the “Golden Girl” of Aussie TV.

#39 Sigrid Thornton

Since the age of 18, Sigrid has worked on a vast range of iconic television series and films. Highlights include All The Rivers Run, The Man From Snowy River, SeaChange, The Sullivans and Underbelly. Now, the 58-year-old finds herself back behind bars in Wentworth, as she was in her breakout role in Prisoner in 1979.

#38 Martin Sacks

His role as Detective “PJ” Hasham in Blue Heelers saw Martin become one of Australia’s biggest TV stars. During his 11-year stint, he won five consecutive Logie Awards for Most Popular Actor. After leaving Blue Heelers in 2005, Martin went on to star in Underbelly. More recently, the 58-year-old has been in A Place To Call Home and Wentworth.

#37 Lisa Chappell

McLeod’s Daughters dominated TV screens in Australia from 2001 to 2009. Her portrayal of farmer Claire McLeod won the actress praise – and Logie Awards in 2002 and 2004. When Lisa, now 49, decided to leave the show in 2003, her character’s death became one of the series’ most memorable moments.

#36 Alan Fletcher

Playing Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours for the past 23 years has been the role of a lifetime for veteran Alan. Prior to his arrival in Ramsay Street, Alan appeared in Aussie dramas such as Cop Shop, as well as US series The Love Boat. Alan, 60, and Jackie Woodburne, who plays his on-screen wife, are the longest-serving duo in Neighbours.

#35 Stefan Dennis

Every story has a villain, and nobody does it better than Neighbours actor Stefan. Since the show’s inception in 1985, Erinsborough residents have suffered at the hands of ruthless businessman Paul Robinson. Luckily, down-to-earth Stefan, 58, is nothing like his character!

#34 Jason Donovan

Any Neighbours fan worth their salt will recall the iconic union between Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell. The characters, played by Jason and Kylie Minogue, were considered a “super couple” in the ’80s, and fronted the cover of TV WEEK regularly. In fact, their wedding was one of the most-watched scenes in Australian drama history. Jason, 49, left Neighbours to pursue a career in music.

#33 Delta Goodrem

Just like a proud parent, Aussie fans have supported Delta from the very beginning. The actress and singer stole our hearts in 2002 as shy schoolgirl Nina Tucker in Neighbours, who found love with Jack Scully (Jay Bunyan). She debuted her hit single “Born To Try” on the soap and won the Logie for Most Popular New Talent in 2003. Since then, Delta has embraced her role as a coach on reality singing show The Voice.

#32 Bec Hewitt

In the early 2000s, 15-year-old Bec shot to fame playing teenage runaway Hayley Smith in Home And Away. With blonde hair and blue eyes, the quintessential beach babe became a fan favourite. She won a Logie for Most Popular Actress in 2005. The same year, the actress left H&A and married Aussie tennis star Lleyton Hewitt.

#31 Shane Withington

These days, we know Shane, 59, as Home And Away’s John Palmer. However, A Country Practice fans still fondly recall Shane’s portrayal of Brendan Jones from 1981 to 1986. The nation mourned when Brendan’s wife, Molly (Anne Tenney) died of leukaemia while watching him and the couple’s daughter, Chloe flying a kite.

#30 Jackie Woodburne

From suffering amnesia to countless affairs, Jackie, 61, has brought us plenty of unforgettable moments as Susan Kennedy in Neighbours. Susan arrived in Ramsay Street in 1994 with husband Karl (Alan Fletcher) and three children. Prior to this, Jackie played Julie Egbert in Prisoner from 1985 to 1986. She also had small roles in The Young Doctors and A Country Practice.

#29 Claudia Karvan

You know Claudia from her performances in The Secret Life Of Us and Love My Way, but the actress is also a talented producer and writer. Claudia was inducted into the Australian Film Walk Of Fame in 2007. She’s worked behind the scenes on some of the country’s most-loved dramas, including Nine Network hit Doctor Doctor, on which she’s a producer.

#28 Asher Keddie

As the star of one of Australia’s biggest dramas and a Gold Logie winner, Asher has become part of the TV WEEK family. The 43-year-old kicked off her career in the 1985 TV series Five Mile Creek. For seven seasons since 2010, the actress has played obstetrician Nina Proudman in Offspring. Asher admits Offspring’s success was a surprise. “It’s the only long-running series I’ve done,” she says. “I’m really thrilled.”

#27 Lynne McGranger

A former teacher, Lynne has been in Home And Away for almost 25 years. The 64-year-old took over the role of foster carer and former alcoholic Irene Roberts in 1993, her character’s ockerisms making her a fan favourite. Lynne is the second-longest serving actor in Home And Away, as well as the longest-serving female cast member of a TV series in Australia.

#26 John Wood

Best known for his role as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in long-running police drama Blue Heelers and as magistrate Michael Rafferty in Rafferty’s Rules, John is a veteran of the stage and small screen. “I love the business and being an actor,” the Gold Logie winner says of his career. John, 71, says his 12-year stint in Blue Heelers was his most memorable.

#25 Denise Drysdale

There’s nobody in Australian showbiz quite like Denise. Affectionately known as “Ding Dong”, Denise’s career took off in 1974, when she became Ernie Sigley’s barrel girl on The Ernie Sigley Show. Since then, the all-round entertainer has been admired in the industry for her singing, dancing and sense of humour.

#24 Ada Nicodemou

She’s portrayed Leah Patterson-Baker in Home And Away for the past 17 years. And thankfully for fans of the drama, Ada has no plans to give up the role that has made her a household name anytime soon. In fact, the three-time Gold Logie nominee and regular TV WEEK cover star admits there’s nowhere she’d rather be.

#23 Gary Sweet

Gary’s big break was playing Leslie “Magpie” Maddern in The Sullivans in the early ’80s. He’s been a familiar face on our screens ever since. Gary starred as cricket great Don Bradman in 1984 miniseries Bodyline. But his signature role was playing Sergeant Steve “Mickey” McClintock in Police Rescue, for which he won Logie Awards in 1993 and 1994. Drama House Husbands is the 60-year-old’s most recent success.

#22 Bridie Carter

TV WEEK readers fell hard for half-sisters Tess and Claire in McLeod’s Daughters. The outback drama was a huge hit when it debuted in 2001 and made Bridie, now 46, a household name. The character’s memorable storylines included the death of Claire in a car accident, and her romance with fellow farmer Nick (Myles Pollard).

#21 Chris Hemsworth

Before he was a Hollywood superstar, Chris was simply a young Aussie actor looking to get his big break in Home And Away. And what a break it was! Chris, now 34, portrayed Kim Hyde from 2004-2007 and became an instant pin-up. “He may as well have worn a ‘I’m going to be successful in Hollywood hat’, because it was that obvious,” H&A veteran Ray Meagher recalls of former co-star Chris.

#20 Melissa George

As one half of Home And Away power couple Shane (Dieter Brummer) and Angel in the early ’90s, Melissa graced the cover of TV WEEK many times. Fans rejoiced when the much-loved Summer Bay duo headed down the aisle in 1995. Melissa, now 41, picked up two Logies before leaving in 1996 to forge a career overseas in shows such as In Treatment and Alias.

#19 Ian “Molly” Meldrum

There’s no doubt Molly has done more for Australian pop music than anyone. For many, he was the guy who hosted Countdown in the ’70s and ’80s, introducing us to the latest hip-swivelling musical acts. In a time way before the internet and digital downloads, he brought international stars into our lounge rooms. Interviews with everyone from Elton John to Madonna entertained us all.

#18 Kylie Minogue

When it comes to Kylie, we’ll never stop spinning around. The actress found fame as mechanic Charlene Mitchell in Neighbours in the ’80s. It was a role audiences adored, and saw Kylie, now 49, become the youngest person ever to win a Gold Logie in 1988. Charlene and Scott’s (Jason Donovan) wedding was an iconic moment in Australian TV history – and a hugely successful cover for TV WEEK.

#17 Kerri-Anne Kennerley

Kerri-Anne was delighted to be inducted into the Logies Hall Of Fame this year. She made her TV debut as a children’s TV host in 1967, before acting in soap opera The Restless Years. But it was hosting shows such as Good Morning Australia, Midday with John Burgess and Kerri-Anne that made Kerri-Anne, now 64, a firm favourite among readers of TV WEEK.

#16 Daryl Somers

A triple Gold Logie winner, Daryl rose to fame as the host of weekly variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday. It enjoyed a successful run from 1971-1999. The 66-year-old has also hosted Family Feud, The Daryl Somers Show and Dancing With The Stars.

#15 Erik Thomson

After making a name for himself on TV in New Zealand, Erik made the move to our shores in the ’90s. Since then, the 50-year-old has starred in All Saints, Packed To The Rafters and 800 Words. Readers were gripped by the romance between Erik’s All Saints character, Dr Mitch Stevens, and his colleague Terri (Georgie Parker). The pair appeared together on numerous TV WEEK covers.

#14 Don Lane

After emigrating from the US to Australia in 1965, Don worked on several variety programs before becoming the host of The Don Lane Show. The show made Don a TV legend, and he went on to win eight Logies during his career. The star was inducted into the Logies Hall Of Fame in 2003. Sadly, he passed away in 2009.

#13 Ray Meagher

As the only remaining original cast member in Home And Away, Ray’s been gracing our screens as Alf Stewart since 1988. That’s a lot of quips of “Stone the flamin’ crows” and “Strike me roan” he’s uttered. Before joining Summer Bay, Ray worked in series including Number 96 and Prisoner.

#12 Noni Hazlehurst

In a career that has spanned nearly 50 years, Noni has entertained us in kids’ shows, hosted lifestyle programs, and starred in some of the country’s best TV dramas. In recognition of her achievements in the television industry, Noni was inducted into the Logie Hall Of Fame in 2016. Most recently, Noni has played matriarch Elizabeth Bligh in A Place To Call Home. But she credits hosting Play School in the late 1970s with changing her life.

#11 Craig McLachlan

Craig and his mullet made many TV WEEK covers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The hunk starred as Henry Ramsay in Neighbours and played Grant Mitchell in Home And Away.Fans were also fixed on his romance with co-star Rachel Friend. Thanks to The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Craig has now developed a more mature fanbase.

#10 Stephen Peacocke

It seems everyone loves a bad boy – especially when that bad boy is played by former Home And Away hunk Stephen. TV WEEK readers were mad for anything featuring the labourer-turned-actor as Summer Bay’s Darryl “Brax” Braxton. The actor has had an impressive 50 covers for the magazine. There could never be too many shirtless shots showing off Brax’s “Blood And Sand” tattoo – and those pecs.

#9 Ray Martin

The standout TV WEEK cover featuring Ray has to be from 1987, where he and Dame Edna Everage both clutch a Gold Logie. The well-respected journalist had been a surprise choice to take over Midday, but daytime viewers quickly warmed to him. When Ray switched to A Current Affair, the Logies kept coming. TV WEEK readers have awarded Ray, now 72, five Golds.

#8 Rebecca Gibney

In the 1980s, Rebecca first became a TV WEEK cover star. She was playing Emma Plimpton in The Flying Doctors, and Emma’s relationship with Sam Patterson (Peter O’Brien) was hot! During the 1990s, when Rebecca starred in All Together Now, readers wanted to know all the details of her real-life romance with Jack Jones from Aussie rock band Southern Sons. But her star shone brightest in 2008 as suburban mum Julie in Packed To The Rafters.

#7 Rove McManus

When Rove burst onto the scene, it took us back to the days when variety shows ruled Australian TV. The TV presenter and comedian, now 43, brought fun and a sense of charm to his series, Rove Live. In response, TV WEEK readers showered him with Logie Awards, including three Gold. Today, Rove’s production company, Roving Enterprises, continues to produce Logie-winning shows such as The Project.

#6 Paul Hogan

Long before 1986 international hit Crocodile Dundee made him a superstar, Hoges, now 78, was a legend in Australia. In the 1970s, the then Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger went on talent show New Faces, followed by a stint on A Current Affair with Mike Willesee. Then, with manager John “Strop” Cornell by his side, Hoges turned his larrikin humour into sketch comedy series The Paul Hogan Show.

#5 Kate Ritchie

Home And Away fans grew up with Kate. But it was in Sally Fletcher’s final years in Summer Bay that the actress scored her strongest storylines: Flynn’s (Joel McIlroy) cancer, her near-fatal stabbing and the return of “Milco” (Josh Quong Tart). The double Gold Logie winner says her favourite TV WEEK cover was with fellow H&A teens Isla Fisher, Tempany Deckert and Kristy Wright.

#4 Lisa McCune

Viewers fell for Lisa when she landed on our screens as fresh-faced Constable Maggie Doyle in Blue Heelers. During the 1990s, the four-time Gold Logie winner featured on the cover of TV WEEK issue after issue. Fans couldn’t get enough of Lisa – and Maggie’s romance with PJ (Martin Sacks).

#3 Graham Kennedy

In the first two decades of TV in Australia, there was no bigger star than Graham “The King” Kennedy. After winning the inaugural TV Star Of The Year Award in 1959, Graham suggested the little statue be called “the Logie”, after the inventor of television, John Logie Baird. Graham then went on to win five of the Gold gongs himself. He sadly passed away in 2005.

#2 Georgie Parker

A Country Practice was already the biggest show on Australian TV when Georgie joined the cast in 1989. As quirky nurse Lucy Gardiner, she quickly became a fan favourite. As nurse Terri Sullivan in All Saints, Georgie inspired a devoted following. All Saints fan clubs sprang up. Viewers bought TV WEEK religiously, sharing the highs and lows of Terri’s relationship with Dr Mitch Stevens (Erik Thomson), until Mitch died of a brain tumour in 2003.

#1 Bert Newton

Our number one biggest star of TV WEEK is… Bert Newton! Bert made his TV debut in August 1957 and ever since, he has played a pivotal role in every decade of Australian television. He has remained a key force throughout, never performing at anything less than the top of his game.