It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since Australians were captivated by the debut season of Underbelly.
The 13-part hit true crime series, which was loosely based on the real events of the 1995–2004 gangland war in Melbourne, became an overnight sensation when it premiered back in February 2008.
Viewers were shocked by the show’s explicit sex scenes, brutal killings and brazen drug deals involving notorious murderer Carl Williams.
In fact, the show was so controversial it was even banned in Victoria due to the portrayal of real life gangsters and murderers.
While the criminals and family members depicted in the show became household names in the media, the cast portraying them were some of Australia’s biggest biggest stars.
Since the show originally aired, many of the lesser known actors’ careers have taken off, while others have entered into other areas of show business.
Keep scrolling to see what the Underbelly season one cast are up to now.
Gyton Grantley – Carl Williams
Gyton portrayed “baby faced” criminal and protagonist Carl Williams, making the actor the breakout star of Underbelly‘s debut season.
Since 2008, Gyton’s acting career has soared. The father-of-two played Kane in House Husbands from 2012 until 2017.
He also starred alongside Kate Winslet and Liam Hemsworth in the acclaimed drama The Dressmaker.
The 41-year-old dipped his toe back into the Underbelly world in 2014 for the show’s spinoff Fat Tony and Co, where he reprised his role of Carl Williams.
And if you’re watching ads on TV and hear a familiar voice, chances are it’s Gyton. He’s also done a heap of voiceover work for Subway, Holden, Bupa and McDonald’s commercials.
Kat Stewart – Roberta Williams
Kat gave such an impressive and believable performance as the foul-mouthed wife of gangster Carl that it took a while to get used to seeing her in other roles, which is major props to her acting skills!
Since Underbelly, Kat’s career has also gone from strength to strength.
The 49-year-old starred Liz Wendell on the hit TV drama Five Bedrooms alongside Home and Away alum Stephen Peacocke.
Aside from her memorable portrayal of Roberta, Kat is best known for her role as Billie Proudman on Offspring, which earnt her an AACTA Award for Best Guest or Actress in a Television Drama in 2014.
Who interviews Kat Stewart the AACTAs
Rodger Corser – Constable Steve Owen
Rodger starred as the no-nonsense cop constantly on Carl and his gang’s heels. Since then, he has become become one of Australia’s most recognisable and renowned actors.
He regularly appears in leading roles on the small screen, including Puberty Blues, a small part in McLeod’s Daughters, Glitch and Five Bedrooms.
Undoubtedly his most notable recent role as protagonist Hugh Knight on Doctor Doctor. For his performance on the drama, he was nominated for the TV WEEK Gold Logie three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Since June 2021, the 49-year-old has regularly filled in for David Campbell on Today Extra.
In his personal life, Rodger shares 19-year-old daughter Zipporah with ex Christine Anu. He also has three kids; Budd, Cilla and Dustin, with his actress wife Renae Berry.
Vince Colosimo – Alphonse Gangitano
Vince’s character, gun-happy gangster Alphonse Gangitano, may have been killed off in episode two, but he remained one of the most memorable actors to appear in the series.
Long before Underbelly, Vince was already an established and hugely successful Aussie actor, appearing in Blue Heelers, A Country Practice and City Homicide.
Since 2008, Vince has landed roles on *Doctor Doctor, Offspring, Janet King and the documovie Schapelle*, based on real-life drug trafficker Schapelle Corby.
Like Gyton, he also reprised his Underbelly role for Fat Tony & Co in 2014.
Damian Walshe-Howling – Andrew ‘Benji’ Veniaman
Damian’s character Benji was probably best known for his affair with his best mate Carl’s wife Roberta.
So good was Damian’s portrayal of the real life gangster that he earnt himself an AFI award for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama.
Since Underbelly, the 51-year-old has appeared in horror shark movie The Reef alongside his former co-star Gyton, as well as Bite Club, Janet King and Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms.
Callan Mulvey – Mark Moran
Callan showcased his impressive acting chops while playing Mark Moran, who was infamously shot dead outside his home by former associate Carl.
In the 14 years since Underbelly first hit screens, Callan has appeared in several shows alongside his former co-stars, including Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms.
He’s also landed roles on the big screen, most notably in the 2020 horror movie Children of the Corn and alongside Jessica Chastain in the Zero Dark Thirty, which was nominated for five Academy Awards.
And if Callan looks familiar but you can’t figure out why, you’ve probably seen him on Home and Away. The 47-year-old had guest spots in Summer Bay as Johnny Cooper from 2006 to 2008.
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