Ty Harper

Last updated

Ty Harper
Neighbours character
TyHarper.jpg
Portrayed by Dean Geyer
Duration2008–2009
First appearance27 March 2008
Last appearance30 April 2009
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Susan Bower
In-universe information
OccupationLaw student
Musician
Barman
Gym assistant
Builder
Uncles Brad Jordan
First cousins Taylah Jordan

Ty Harper is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours , played by singer Dean Geyer. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 27 March 2008. He was introduced to the show as the cousin of Taylah Jordan (Danielle Horvat) and as a potential love interest for Rachel Kinski (Caitlin Stasey). He departed on 30 April 2009.

Contents

Casting

During 2008, Neighbours underwent a major revamp and former Australian Idol contestant Dean Geyer joined the show as regular cast member, Ty Harper. [1] Producers also recruited models Imogen Bailey (Nicola West) and Erin McNaught (Sienna Cammeniti) in a bid to "sex up" the cast. [2] [3]

Geyer had to undertake a screen test with Caitlin Stasey who plays Rachel Kinski to secure the role. [4] He also worked with the Neighbours drama coach, Mike Bishop, for four months to help prepare for the role and took vocal lessons to help with his South African accent. [1] On joining Neighbours, Geyer said that it was "definitely a stepping stone." [1] Commenting on his first day on set Geyer stated: "The first day was pretty nerve-racking, but I was doing a performance with the band and that's something I'm obviously very familiar with." [4]

Geyer quit the role of Ty in November 2008, so he could pursue his music career. [5] He also admitted that he had struggled with some of the sexier storylines involving his character. Geyer, who is a Christian, said "In some instances my personal beliefs maybe were contradicting with what the character was doing". [5] However, he also added that the storylines had no influence over his decision to leave the show. [5] Geyer filmed his final scenes in December 2008. [6]

Character development

Whilst interviewed by TV Week Geyer described Ty stating: "He's a singer. Ty was doing law at uni, but decided to drop out because music is so close to his heart. He wants to be a rock star. He's the cousin of one of the regular characters." [4] Speaking of possible romances he added: "The first girl he meets is Rachel. There may be a bit of chemistry there, but we'll have to see. Ty may set his sights on an older woman." [4] The Daily Telegraph said "Ty is a university drop-out with musical aspirations." [1]

Network Ten describe Ty as being "charismatic, talented and impossibly handsome." [7] His cousin, Taylah, tries to set him and Rachel up, but they do not get on well at first and when Rachel tries to initiate a conversation with him, she is "thwarted at every turn." [7] Ten added "now that he has landed himself a job behind the bar at Charlie's it can only be a matter of time before he's an integral part of the Erinsborough community." [7]

Storylines

Ty is first seen at an all-ages music gig attended by his cousin Taylah and her friends. Ty speaks to Rachel at the bar, commenting on the poor service before getting on stage to perform with his band. Taylah decides to play cupid and bring Rachel and Ty together, but Rachel rejects every move that she makes. Ty is unhappy to see Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie) at Charlie's as she had been following him for a while. Ty explains to Rachel that Donna is an obsessive fan and Rachel helps him to get Donna to back off. Ty is later offered a job by Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner), after he is caught sleeping behind the bar. He explains that he does not have a job or anywhere to live and he is invited to move in with her and Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine). Ty develops a crush on Libby and they almost share a kiss, but Libby tells Ty that it would be wrong to pursue a relationship when he liked Rachel. At the Erinsborough High school formal, Ty allows Rachel to sing a song that he wrote, called "Unforgettable". [8] Although Ty develops feelings for Rachel he does not act on them due to Rachel's on-going love for Angus Henderson (Jonathan Wood). After Angus leaves Rachel for a job in South Australia, Ty gives her an electric keyboard to make her feel better. Rachel thinks the keyboard is from Angus and decides that she does not want it. Ty explains that he is the one who brought it for her and Rachel is angry that Ty is buying her gifts so soon after Angus left. Ty apologises for upsetting her and tells her that the only reason he wants her to be happy is that he cares about her.

One night while Rachel is babysitting Ben Fitzgerald (Blake O'Leary) and Charlie Hoyland (Jacob Brito) someone sends her text messages and turns off the power. Armed with a cricket bat, Rachel hits the stalker when they come into the house. When the lights come back on Rachel sees that she has attacked Ty who was coming home. Rachel accuses Ty of being the stalker and he is taken to the hospital to get checked over. Ty questions how anyone thought that he could do that to Rachel and he asks her how she does not know how he feels about her. Rachel discovers that a classmate is responsible for stalking her and she apologises to Ty. He does not accept the apology and tells Rachel that he is hurt. Rachel invites Ty to a mystery gig at Charlie's and when he turns up, they kiss. They then begin a relationship. When Rachel's brother, Zeke (Matthew Werkmeister), goes missing following a rafting accident, Rachel turns to Ty for support. Rachel receives a scholarship to a school in London and she nearly declines as she could stay with Ty. Zeke encourages Ty to break up with her, which he does. However, he realises his mistake and races to the airport to say goodbye to Rachel properly. Ty misses Rachel and almost gives up his music career, but he is eventually talked out of selling his guitar. When he receives a text from Rachel meant for her cousin, Ty jumps to the conclusion that she is seeing someone else. However, Libby tells him that he is being silly and that he should tell Rachel how he feels. Ty is invited to join Rachel in London and the younger Ramsay Street residents have a small party for Ty. They sing to him as he leaves the street.

Reception

For his portrayal of Ty, Geyer was nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2009 Logie Awards. [9] In the same year, the actor won the "Fave Aussie Hottie" award from the Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards and received a nomination for "King of Teen" from the Dolly Teen Choice Awards. [10] [11] [12]

The decision to add Geyer, McNaught and Bailey to the Neighbours cast outraged the acting industry, with some agents accusing the show of "sacrificing quality in favour of ratings". [13] A Daily Record reporter stated "If you're into eye candy, it doesn't come much better than Ty Harper. There's no denying he's a good looking, kind-hearted lad. When he first arrived in Erinsborough, he was an aspiring musician who swept Rachel Kinski off her feet. Since she left to continue her studies in London, Ty has been moping around like a lost puppy." [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caitlin Stasey</span> Australian actress (born 1990)

Caitlin Jean Stasey is an Australian actress. She is known for her role as Rachel Kinski in Neighbours. Previously she played Francesca Thomas in The Sleepover Club, although her breakthrough film role came in Tomorrow, When the War Began, a 2010 film adaptation of the teen novel of the same name in which she played lead protagonist Ellie Linton. She also played Lady Kenna in the CW series Reign from 2013 to 2015 and had a recurring role in the ABC2 series Please Like Me from 2013 to 2016. In 2017, Stasey starred as Ada on the Fox television drama APB, which was cancelled after one season in May 2017. In 2020, she starred in the short film Laura Hasn't Slept and had a brief role as the same character in the feature film version Smile (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephanie Scully</span> Fictional character in Neighbours

Stephanie "Steph" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first screen appearance during the episode that was broadcast on 20 October 1999. Following Bonner's decision to quit the show after eleven years, Steph departed on 24 November 2010. In November 2012, it was announced that Bonner would be reprising the role for a two-month guest stint and Steph returned on 15 April 2013. Bonner reprised the role permanently in July 2015 and made her on-screen return on 2 October 2015. On 17 May 2018, it was confirmed that Bonner would be departing the show imminently and Steph made her final appearance on 7 June 2018. Bonner made a cameo in the show's final episode broadcast on 28 July 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karl Kennedy</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Karl Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Alan Fletcher. The actor previously appeared in the soap in 1987 as mechanic Greg Cooper. He made his first screen appearance as Karl during the episode broadcast on 20 September 1994. Karl and his family were created by Neighbours storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Karl was given the job of local GP to provide him with immediate links to other characters. Debuting shortly before his wife, Susan Kennedy, he is the longest running continuously appearing character in the series' history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katya Kinski</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Katya Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Dichen Lachman. She made her first on-screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 12 December 2005. Lachman originally auditioned for the role of Elle Robinson. But producers asked her to play Katya instead. Katya is characterised as a "bitchy nasty person" with a "dark past". She arrives in Erinsborough to visit her terminally-ill father Alex before he died. She reunites with her younger siblings Rachel and Zeke Kinski. Katya feuds with Susan Kennedy and Karl Kennedy over custody of her siblings. Lachman believed that her flawed character disliked Susan to justify her own failings as a sister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Kennedy</span> Fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Susan Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jackie Woodburne. The character and her family were created by storyliners in an attempt to bring the show back to its roots. Susan made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1994, along with her eldest son and daughter. The storyliners made Susan a teacher at Erinsborough High to give her immediate links with other characters. Since her introduction, Susan's personality and appearance have been through several changes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Kinski</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Rachel Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Caitlin Stasey. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 August 2005. She is the middle child of Alex Kinski and sister to Zeke and Katya Kinski. Rachel's storylines ranged from parental bereavement and first love to an inappropriate relationship with an older man. Rachel departed on 11 March 2009, following Stasey's decision to quit the series to focus on her studies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zeke Kinski</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Zeke Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Matthew Werkmeister. He made his first on-screen appearance on 22 August 2005. Zeke is the son of Alex Kinski and the younger brother of Katya and Rachel. His storylines have included the death of his father, being trapped in the warehouse collapse, developing an anxiety disorder, joining Pirate Net and forming many romantic relationships. In October 2010, it was announced that Werkmeister and his character were to leave Neighbours. Zeke made his final appearance on 11 March 2011. In February 2014, it was announced that Werkmeister would be returning to Neighbours for a brief guest stint and Zeke returned on 7 April 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dean Geyer</span> Australian singer-songwriter and actor

Dean Stanley Geyer is a South African Australian singer-songwriter, actor and martial artist who finished third in the 2006 season of the talent show television series Australian Idol, and has had a notable role in the Australian soap opera Neighbours as Ty Harper. He joined the cast of the US show Glee in the 4th season as NYADA Junior Brody Weston and appeared in Terra Nova as Mark Reynolds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ringo Brown</span> Fictional character

Ringo Brown is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sam Clark. Clark was given the role after he entered and won a Dolly magazine competition. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 24 January 2007. Ringo's storylines have included his ongoing battle with an eating disorder, a bus crash, a relationship with an older woman, the collapse of a warehouse roof at an illegal dance party and his on-off relationship with Donna Freedman. In July 2010, it was announced that Clark had decided to leave Neighbours. He filmed his final scenes at the end of the month and Ringo made his last credited appearance on 1 October 2010, but was killed off-screen in the next episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samantha Fitzgerald</span> Fictional character in Australian TV series: Neighbours

Samantha "Sam" Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Simone Buchanan. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 21 March 2008. After departing on 25 June 2008, she made a brief return on 24 November 2008. Samantha's main storylines focused on her marriage to Daniel Fitzgerald, her bipolar disorder, which was triggered by a miscarriage prior to her introduction, and a pregnancy. In June 2010, executive producer Susan Bower announced that Buchanan had reprised her role and Samantha returned on 1 November 2010. She was the lead prosecutor in Stephanie Scully's culpable driving trial. The character departed on 24 November 2010. Buchanan reprised the role ten years later, and returned on 6 April 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donna Freedman</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Donna Freedman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Margot Robbie. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 2 June 2008. Donna was initially introduced as a guest character, but Robbie was promoted to the regular cast shortly after she made her debut. Donna was originally portrayed as an obsessive fan of musician Ty Harper and someone who had a desire for friends and acceptance. After befriending the teens of Ramsay Street, Donna changes her ways and matures into a warm, loveable girl. She has been described as being fiery, beautiful, kooky and confident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sienna Cammeniti</span> Soap opera character

Sienna Cammeniti is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by model Erin McNaught. McNaught was cast in the role to help boost falling ratings in Australia. The character made her first screen appearance on 2 May 2008. Sienna was introduced as the cousin of the established Carmella Cammeniti. In July 2008, McNaught decided to cut her contract short and Sienna departed on 3 October 2008. During her time on Neighbours, McNaught's casting and acting were negatively received by critics, acting agencies and viewers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Kirk</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Ben Ian Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, last played by Felix Mallard. The character was previously played by Noah Sutherland, Sean Berends and Blake O'Leary. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 14 December 2001. Ben is the son of Libby Kennedy and Drew Kirk. Ben and Libby departed Ramsay Street in 2003, returning briefly the next year before moving to Shepparton with Darren Stark. The family returned in 2007, with Libby and Ben remaining permanently. Ben departed Neighbours on 2 September 2010. In March 2014, it was announced that Ben and Libby would return, with Mallard cast as Ben. He made his screen return on 11 June 2014. The character returned again from 23 July 2015 until 16 November before making a permanent return on 31 March 2016, moving in with his grandparents. Mallard left the show in late 2017, with his on-screen departure airing on 10 April 2018. The character made two guest appearances on 31 December 2018 and 7 January 2019.

The Kennedy family are a fictional family from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. They have been a large part of the show since 1994, when the five-strong family moved into Ramsay Street. Both Karl Kennedy and his wife Susan celebrated 20 years on the show in 2014, and are stalwarts of the fictional Erinsborough community, with Karl serving as the area's doctor and Susan as principal of Erinsborough High. They have earned multiple award nominations for their roles. The Kennedy family has expanded to introduce several others since its conception, although plays a relatively minor role as of 2014, with Karl and Susan as the only members of their family still residing in Ramsay Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elly Conway</span> Fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Eleanor "Elly" Conway is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jodi Gordon. She was originally played by Kendell Nunn from her first appearance on 13 December 2001, until her departure in May 2002. Neighbours marked Nunn's first television role. The character was introduced as Susan Kennedy's teenage niece, giving her instant connections within the show. Nunn said Elly had "a lot of attitude", while she was also billed as being rebellious and spirited. Elly did not like living in Ramsay Street, but she eventually befriends her neighbour Michelle Scully. A notable storyline for the character focused on her relationship with her estranged father Ian Conway. When she gets in contact with Ian, he leads her to believe that Susan's husband Karl Kennedy is actually her real father.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Moran, Jonathon (4 November 2007). "Dean Geyer to join Neighbours". The Daily Telegraph . Queensland Newspapers. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  2. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (6 July 2008). "Model completes work on 'Neighbours'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  3. ↑ "Imogen Bailey joins Neighbours cast". The Daily Telegraph . 28 January 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Brygel, Jackie (5–11 January 2008). "Ramsay Street Arrivals". TV Week : 14–15.
  5. 1 2 3 Byrne, Fiona (22 November 2008). "Dean Geyer quits Neighbours, admitting he struggled with sexy storylines". Herald Sun . Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  6. ↑ "The goodbye boy". Holy Soap . Channel 5. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. 1 2 3 "Ty Harper". Neighbours.com. Network Ten. Archived from the original on 7 June 2008. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  8. ↑ "Neighbours: Music page". Neighbours.com. Network Ten . Retrieved 24 May 2008.
  9. ↑ "Logie Awards nominees". The Age . 30 March 2009. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  10. ↑ "Nickelodeon Winner's Gallery". Nickelodeon . Retrieved 16 December 2009.
  11. ↑ "Kids, Vote for Margot!". Neighbours.com. Network Ten . Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  12. ↑ "Home and Away dominates Teen Choice awards". The Sydney Morning Herald . 13 August 2008. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  13. ↑ Davies, Hannah (11 May 2008). "Uproar over incest storyline". Courier Mail . Queensland Newspapers . Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  14. ↑ "Soap stories". Daily Record . 27 June 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2012.(subscription required)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.