Matt Wilson (Home and Away): Difference between revisions
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==Casting== |
==Casting== |
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On 10 January 1988, one week before ''Home and Away'' debuted, ''[[The Sun-Herald]]'' announced that model and actor Benson would be starring in the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quietly does it...|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=greg+benson&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news880110_0139_8820|first=Mark|last=Patrick|work=[[The Sun-Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|date=10 January 1988|accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> |
On 10 January 1988, one week before ''Home and Away'' debuted, ''[[The Sun-Herald]]'' announced that model and actor Benson would be starring in the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Quietly does it...|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=greg+benson&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news880110_0139_8820|first=Mark|last=Patrick|work=[[The Sun-Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|date=10 January 1988|accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> Benson auditioned for a small part in the serial's pilot episode. He went onto play an extra and was credited as "Surfer". However, producers decided to sign Benson to appear in the series on an episodic basis as Matt. Benson was later employed as a "fully fledged" regular cast member. <ref>[[#refnicholls|Kesta and Nicholls 1992]], p.38.</ref><ref name=twofive>[[#reforam|Oram 1989]], p.125.</ref> Benson used to appear as a model in advertisements, he credited this as the reason he managed to secure his role in the serial.<ref name=twofive/> |
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In 1990 Benson and co-star Craig Thomson who plays [[Martin Dibble]] travelled to the UK in an attempt to secure a record deal.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cockington|first=James|title=Today's people|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=Amanda+Newman-Phillips&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news900209_0280_5539|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=6 December 2011|date=9 February 1990}}</ref> However, Benson later said that he wanted to remain in the serial “for a while” but would not rule out the possibility of a career in music.<ref>[[#refdesmond|Desmond 1990]], p.39.</ref> |
In 1990 Benson and co-star Craig Thomson who plays [[Martin Dibble]] travelled to the UK in an attempt to secure a record deal.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cockington|first=James|title=Today's people|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=Amanda+Newman-Phillips&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news900209_0280_5539|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|accessdate=6 December 2011|date=9 February 1990}}</ref> However, Benson later said that he wanted to remain in the serial “for a while” but would not rule out the possibility of a career in music.<ref>[[#refdesmond|Desmond 1990]], p.39.</ref> By 1991 he was one of only seven original cast members still appearing in ''Home and Away''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Home and Away on Seven at 6.30PM|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=greg+benson&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news910204_0048_4857|first=Robin|last=Oliver|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|date=4 February 1991|accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> |
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==Character development== |
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By 1991 he was one of only seven original cast members still appearing in ''Home and Away''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Home and Away on Seven at 6.30PM|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=greg+benson&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=entire&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=news910204_0048_4857|first=Robin|last=Oliver|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|publisher=([[Fairfax Media]])|date=4 February 1991|accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> |
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{{cquote|Matt Wilson is a happy-go-lucky young man of nineteen. He grew up in Summer Bay and now divides his time between chasing girls and chasing waves. Matt is an enthusiastic surfer and has managed to combine his love for the sea with his job as the local beach inspector.|4=''Kesta Desmond on Matt''. <ref name=character>[[#refnicholls|Kesta and Nicholls 1992]], p.13.</ref>}} |
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Matt initially moved to the city to live with his parents. They had previously moved there after living all their lives in Summer Bay. Matt is described as having a dislike for city life, so he soon moved back to the town. Matt also tried to work in the Bayside Diner, but his love of the sea meant that he could not stick with it.<ref name=character/> In the ‘’Home and Away Annual”, Kesta Desmond said that Matt is the serial’s “hunky beach boy” who wears a permanent tan. Matt is also “most at home” when he is on a surf board.<ref>[[#refdesmond|Desmond 1990]], p.11.</ref> Matt is a confident character, Benson said that Matt is “well sure of himself”.<ref>[[#refdesmond|Desmond 1990]], p.55.</ref> As Matt is a keen surfer, the role worked well for Benson who grew up on the coast and learned to surf.<ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.34.</ref> |
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Matt went onto be one of the serial’s “major pulling powers” because of the “hunk” categorisation the producers were determined to keep the character in the series as long as possible. The thought of being ‘’Home and Away’s’’ “sex symbol” made Benson cringe because he decided that the label was more associated with Hollywood actors. <ref>[[#refjclayden|J Clayden 1989]], p.34.</ref> Benson lived about an hours away by car from the ‘’Home and Away’’ studios. He said he chose to drive to work instead of taking the quickest travel option of a train to avoid the many female fans of Matt. Benson said “It’s quite embarrassing when you’re not used to it”. <ref name=thirty>[[#refjclayden|J Clayden 1989]], p.37.</ref> After the producers renewed Benson’s contract he admitted that he wanted to see Matt to have more character development.<ref name=thirty/> |
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Matt is later paired with fellow character [[Adam Cameron]] ([[Mat Stevenson]]), who fills the role of his best friend. Kesta Desmond wrote in the serial’s authorised annual that despite the fact they are good friends, “their personalities are quite different”. <ref name=character/> Adam is characterised as a “a bit of a layabout”, <ref>[[#refnicholls|Kesta and Nicholls 1992]], p.55.</ref> while Matt has “a very responsible attitude to finance and work matters, always turning up for work on time and paying his rent when it is due.” <ref name=character/> |
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==Storylines== |
==Storylines== |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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Clive Hopwood in the book ''Home and Away Special'' said that Matt was "the local lifeguard and ace surfer" who had good looks that were "enough to make any female volunteer want to be rescued and given the kiss of life, preferably several times."<ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.8.</ref> Hopwood also said that Benson’s portrayal of Matt was natrual. He said it was no surprise he took to the role “like a duck, or rather a lifeguard, to water”. <ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.13.</ref> |
Clive Hopwood in the book ''Home and Away Special'' said that Matt was "the local lifeguard and ace surfer" who had good looks that were "enough to make any female volunteer want to be rescued and given the kiss of life, preferably several times."<ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.8.</ref> Hopwood also said that Benson’s portrayal of Matt was natrual. He said it was no surprise he took to the role “like a duck, or rather a lifeguard, to water”. <ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.13.</ref> |
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Off-screen Benson was in a relationship with Amanda Newman-Phillips who played [[Narelle Smart]]. The character of Matt was very popular with female viewers due to his appearance. Newman-Phillips said that she tried to hide their relationship; to avoid “breaking the hearts” of Matt’s fans. <ref>[[#refhopwood|Hopwood 1990]], p.35.</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 17:25, 19 January 2012
 |
 | This article consists almost entirely of a plot summary. (January 2012) |
| Matt Wilson | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home and Away character | |||||||||||
 | |||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Greg Benson | ||||||||||
| Duration | 1988-91, 2002 | ||||||||||
| First appearance | 17 January 1988 | ||||||||||
| Last appearance | 29 May 2002 | ||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||
| Introduced by | Alan Bateman (1988) Julie McGauran (2002) | ||||||||||
| Book appearances | The Matt Wilson Story | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Matt Wilson is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by Greg Benson. He appeared in the pilot with one line of dialogue, credited as "Surfer", but the decision was taken to make him a recurring character, with him eventually being added to the show's title sequence.He disappeared from the show after 1991 without any explanation but returned for a guest stint in 2002.
Casting
On 10 January 1988, one week before Home and Away debuted, The Sun-Herald announced that model and actor Benson would be starring in the series.[1] Benson auditioned for a small part in the serial's pilot episode. He went onto play an extra and was credited as "Surfer". However, producers decided to sign Benson to appear in the series on an episodic basis as Matt. Benson was later employed as a "fully fledged" regular cast member. [2][3] Benson used to appear as a model in advertisements, he credited this as the reason he managed to secure his role in the serial.[3]
In 1990 Benson and co-star Craig Thomson who plays Martin Dibble travelled to the UK in an attempt to secure a record deal.[4] However, Benson later said that he wanted to remain in the serial “for a while” but would not rule out the possibility of a career in music.[5] By 1991 he was one of only seven original cast members still appearing in Home and Away.[6]
Character development
Matt Wilson is a happy-go-lucky young man of nineteen. He grew up in Summer Bay and now divides his time between chasing girls and chasing waves. Matt is an enthusiastic surfer and has managed to combine his love for the sea with his job as the local beach inspector.
— Kesta Desmond on Matt. [7]
Matt initially moved to the city to live with his parents. They had previously moved there after living all their lives in Summer Bay. Matt is described as having a dislike for city life, so he soon moved back to the town. Matt also tried to work in the Bayside Diner, but his love of the sea meant that he could not stick with it.[7] In the ‘’Home and Away Annual”, Kesta Desmond said that Matt is the serial’s “hunky beach boy” who wears a permanent tan. Matt is also “most at home” when he is on a surf board.[8] Matt is a confident character, Benson said that Matt is “well sure of himself”.[9] As Matt is a keen surfer, the role worked well for Benson who grew up on the coast and learned to surf.[10]
Matt went onto be one of the serial’s “major pulling powers” because of the “hunk” categorisation the producers were determined to keep the character in the series as long as possible. The thought of being ‘’Home and Away’s’’ “sex symbol” made Benson cringe because he decided that the label was more associated with Hollywood actors. [11] Benson lived about an hours away by car from the ‘’Home and Away’’ studios. He said he chose to drive to work instead of taking the quickest travel option of a train to avoid the many female fans of Matt. Benson said “It’s quite embarrassing when you’re not used to it”. [12] After the producers renewed Benson’s contract he admitted that he wanted to see Matt to have more character development.[12]
Matt is later paired with fellow character Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), who fills the role of his best friend. Kesta Desmond wrote in the serial’s authorised annual that despite the fact they are good friends, “their personalities are quite different”. [7] Adam is characterised as a “a bit of a layabout”, [13] while Matt has “a very responsible attitude to finance and work matters, always turning up for work on time and paying his rent when it is due.” [7]
Storylines
Matt was first seen when Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), Lynn Davenport (Helena Bozich) and Sally Keating (Kate Ritchie) are exploring Summer Bay, with Carly in particular being immediately taken by him. In order to get his attention, Carly follows Bobby Simpson's (Nicolle Dickson) advice and pretends to drown, only to nearly end up drowning for real. Matt is in Carly's year at school and it is partly because she is trying to impress him that Carly feels embarrassed that her foster father Tom Fletcher (Roger Oakley) is working with the road gang, unaware Matt's father is a garbage collector. Matt and Carly are cast as the leads in the school play, an experience that Carly, who had been raped not long before, finds uncomfortable. Matt has to leave Summer Bay when his family move away but he returns a few months later to take Carly to the school formal. The pair move to the city together but a few weeks later Matt returns to town and tells Carly's foster brother Steven Matheson (Adam Willits) that Carly has moved out of their flat and is hanging around with a bad crowd and drinking.
Matt tries to support Carly when she tries to kick her alcohol addiction but no longer has feelings for her. He hangs around with Roo Stewart (Justine Clarke) to avoid her and then dates former school bad girl Alison Patterson (Kathryn Ridley), even though he does not like her. When Alison reveals that Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) is Bobby's mother, Matt breaks up with her to show her what it is like to be treated badly. He dates Carly again, thinking her family are going to move to London and the relationship will end naturally, but when she offers to stay in the Bay with him he decides end their relationship. Matt takes a job working for Bobby and Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) at the new Diner. When Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence) try to set up a counselling service in the back room, Matt joins Steven and Dodge Forbes in playing tricks on her by pretending he was in love with an older woman and describing Celia herself. He later applies for a job as a life saver and finds himself in competition with Adam. There is initially some ill-feeling when Matt secures the job but he and Adam sort it out and end up sharing a flat.
Some years earlier, Matt's elder brother Shane had been shot and killed. Al Simpson, Bobby's adopted father, returns to town and tries to blackmail Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) by claiming he is the killer. Instead Donald, convinced of his guilt, turns himself in but Matt and Bobby refuse to believe it and manage to expose Al as the real murderer.
Matt and Adam begin renting the beach house and invites Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) to move in with them. Matt's stay at the house is beset by problems, including crooked landlord Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) repeatedly trying to evict them and Adam and Marilyn's on-off romance, which saw them asking Matt to decide which of them would have to move out. When a botched DIY job by Adam leaves Matt trapped in the bathroom for hours, He moves into Grant Mitchell's (Craig McLachlan) flat. Matt and Adam play a joke on Blake Dean (Les Hill) when he asks to join the surf club by setting him up with a punishing training regime that leaves him exhausted. Grant decides to tell Blake the truth. Matt and Steven are later responsible for working out that Grant's sister Kim Mitchell (Rachael Beck) is a drug addict. Matt is shocked when an old girlfriend comes to town and turns out to be terminally ill and ends up spending her last weeks with her.
In 1991, Matt walks into a cupboard and is not seen again until 2002, when he returns for Summer Bay's sesquecentenary celebrations. Even though they are both now married to other people, he is Carly's date for the celebratory boat cruise. When the boat capsises, they are quickly rescued and Matt joins the hunt for the missing passengers and crew. He is part of the team that find Sally, Blake and Sophie Simpson (Rebekah Elmaloglou), but has to return home before the search is completed.
In other media
Matt was the main category in The Matt Wilson Story, one of a series of tie-in novels published in 1989 chronicling the characters' lives prior to the series.
Reception
Clive Hopwood in the book Home and Away Special said that Matt was "the local lifeguard and ace surfer" who had good looks that were "enough to make any female volunteer want to be rescued and given the kiss of life, preferably several times."[14] Hopwood also said that Benson’s portrayal of Matt was natrual. He said it was no surprise he took to the role “like a duck, or rather a lifeguard, to water”. [15]
Off-screen Benson was in a relationship with Amanda Newman-Phillips who played Narelle Smart. The character of Matt was very popular with female viewers due to his appearance. Newman-Phillips said that she tried to hide their relationship; to avoid “breaking the hearts” of Matt’s fans. [16]
References
- ^ Patrick, Mark (10 January 1988). "Quietly does it..." The Sun-Herald. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 19 January 2012.
- ^ Kesta and Nicholls 1992, p.38.
- ^ a b Oram 1989, p.125.
- ^ Cockington, James (9 February 1990). "Today's people". The Sydney Morning Herald. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 6 December 2011.
- ^ Desmond 1990, p.39.
- ^ Oliver, Robin (4 February 1991). "Home and Away on Seven at 6.30PM". The Sydney Morning Herald. (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 19 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d Kesta and Nicholls 1992, p.13.
- ^ Desmond 1990, p.11.
- ^ Desmond 1990, p.55.
- ^ Hopwood 1990, p.34.
- ^ J Clayden 1989, p.34.
- ^ a b J Clayden 1989, p.37.
- ^ Kesta and Nicholls 1992, p.55.
- ^ Hopwood 1990, p.8.
- ^ Hopwood 1990, p.13.
- ^ Hopwood 1990, p.35.
Bibliography
- Desmond, Kesta (1990). Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd. ISBN 0-86227-787-6.
- Desmond, Kesta (1992). Home and Away Annual Authorised Edition. Grandreams Ltd. ISBN 0-86227-863-5.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Hopwood, Clive (1990). Home and Away Special. World International Publishing LTD. ISBN 0-7235-6899-5.
- J Clayden, Melanie (1989). Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd. ISBN 0-86227-687-X.
- Oram, James (1989). Home and away: behind the scenes. Angus & Robertson. ISBN 0-20716-315-4.