Rachel Kinski

Last updated

Rachel Kinski
Neighbours character
RachelKinski.jpg
Portrayed by Caitlin Stasey
Duration2005–2009
First appearance18 August 2005
Last appearance11 March 2009
Classification Former; regular
Introduced byRic Pellizzeri
In-universe information
OccupationStudent
Singer
Father Alex Kinski
MotherFrancesca Kinski
Stepfather Karl Kennedy
Stepmother Susan Kennedy
Brothers Zeke Kinski
Sisters Katya Kinski
Libby Kennedy (step)

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.

Contents

Casting

Former The Sleepover Club star Caitlin Stasey was offered the part of Rachel Kinski when she was fifteen years old. [1] She said "I was either very lucky or very good, but it's been a fantastic experience for me." [1] Stasey left school after she won the role of Rachel and decided to study using a distance education programme. [2]

Development

Characterisation

Rachel was introduced along with her brother Zeke (Matthew Werkmeister) and their widower father Alex (Andrew Clarke). Stasey initially described Rachel as "an introverted girl who has had a sheltered life, but she's a really sweet girl." [3]

Relationships

Stingray Timmins

In 2006, writers paired Rachel with her older neighbour Stingray Timmins (Ben Nicholas). Stasey thought they were well suited and said they were "sweet together". [4] Stasey explained, "She's mature for her age, and Stingray is immature, so they meet in the middle." [4] She also described their relationship as innocent and added that they were best friends, who happened to have strong feelings for one another. [4]

Angus Henderson

Rachel falls for her teacher Angus Henderson (Jonathan Wood); they later embark on an affair. [5] Stasey spoke to TV Week and stated: "She's so taken with him. I don't know if she's really in love with him – it's more that she's totally besotted by him. But she hasn't been thinking straight. At the same time, Angus would have known that he shouldn't have got involved with Rachel. He's the adult in the relationship, not Rachel." [5] Their relationship causes controversy amongst the residents and tests her relationships with family, of this Stasey adds: "It'll turn Rachel's life upside down & it will be something she'll never forget. It will actually destroy the relationship she has with Susan & Karl, as well as many of her friendships. And Rachel's heart will get broken, too." [5]

Departure

On 19 September 2008, a reporter for the Herald Sun confirmed Stasey had decided to end her contract with the show, so she could return to her school and focus on Year 12. [6] Stasey said while it had been a difficult decision to make, she knew it was right. [6] She explained, "I want to know that when I finish my exams and get my score, it is representative of my abilities. My exams start in November and I want to be able to give them my full concentration." [6] Stasey also admitted that she was looking forward to being "a normal 18-year-old". [6] Producers decided not to kill her character off, allowing for her to return at some point in the future. Stasey filmed her final scenes in October. [6]

Storylines

Rachel is the youngest daughter of Alex Kinski (Andrew Clarke) and Francesca Sangmu and the sister of Zeke (Matthew Werkmeister) and Katya (Dichen Lachman). [7] When she was younger Rachel had an appetite for knowledge and was an excellent student. She and Zeke were both home-schooled by her parents. [7] Following the death of their mother, Alex threw Katya out after she lashed out at Rachel. Alex enrolled Rachel and Zeke at Erinsborough High School to help develop their social skills and have a normal teenage life. [7]

On her first day at school Rachel is picked on for singing in the corridor and not understanding some of the other students, however, she makes friends with Bree Timmins (Sianoa Smit-McPhee). When Alex decides to transfer Rachel and Zeke to another school, Rachel begs him not to and he changes his mind. Alex starts dating Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) and the family later move in with her. Rachel agrees to go on a date with an older boy, Jake Rinter (Chris Toohey), and she lies to him about her age. During the date, Rachel hears Jake making a prank call to Susan and she confronts him. Alex calls the police and Jake receives a warning, but Rachel decides to see Jake in secret. When he comes on too strong during another date, Rachel dumps him. Rachel competes for Bree's friendship, when Summer Hoyland (Marisa Siketa) returns. Alex tells Rachel and Zeke that he has terminal leukaemia and Rachel runs away. She and Zeke find Katya and beg her to come and say goodbye to Alex, but she refuses. Katya later turns up for Susan and Alex's wedding. That same night, Alex dies.

Rachel becomes friends with Bree's older brother, Stingray (Ben Nicholas), but when she kisses him, Stingray says they cannot be together because of the age gap. Rachel and Zeke go to live with Katya for a while, but they later move back with Susan. Stingray admits that he loves Rachel and they begin a relationship. Rachel is disgusted to find out that Susan was seeing her ex-husband Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher). Rachel moves out for a while, but is brought back by Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Rachel tries to help Stingray with his drink problem and she later discovers that he may have fathered Sky Mangel's (Stephanie McIntosh) child. Rachel ends their relationship. Rachel starts dating Ringo Brown (Sam Clark) after she helps him with his fear of water. When Stingray dies, Rachel tells Ringo that she needs to take a break from their relationship. Rachel grows jealous of the time Ringo is spending with Carmella Cammeniti (Natalie Blair) and when he declares his love for her, Rachel is devastated and eventually their relationship ends.

Rachel meets Angus at the pool and lets him believe she is at university. They are both shocked to realise that he is her new teacher. Angus initially wants nothing to do with her, but they decide to have a secret relationship. When Rachel learns that Jessica Wallace (Heidi Valkenburg) knows about them, Rachel leaves a dance party to see Angus and they spend the night together. Declan Napier (James Sorensen) reveals the relationship and Daniel Fitzgerald (Brett Tucker) tricks Rachel into confessing the truth. Angus is sentenced to six months in jail and he gives Rachel a letter and a ring. Rachel writes to Angus, but he returns the letters. He later asks her to visit him and he tells her that he loves her. When he is released early, Rachel helps him find a home and later moves in with him. Someone throws a brick through the window and it injures Rachel. Angus leaves town briefly, but they reunite. Angus accepts a job in South Australia and Rachel initially agrees to go with him, but she later changes her mind. A few weeks later, Rachel and her friends, Bridget Parker (Eloise Mignon) and Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie), all fear they are pregnant. They take pregnancy tests together, but only Bridget's comes back positive.

Taylah Jordan's (Danielle Horvat) cousin Ty Harper (Dean Geyer) arrives in town and Taylah tries to set Rachel up with him. Rachel writes a song with Ty and they sing it at the school formal. Rachel tells Ty about her feelings for him and they begin dating. When Zeke disappears during a rafting accident, Rachel throws herself into her music career and tries to take her relationship with Ty further. She also blames Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine) for letting go of Zeke's hand. Zeke is found, but he only recognises Rachel, until she takes him back to the place where he was held. Rachel receives a scholarship to a school in London, but she turns it down to be with Ty. Ty decides to break up with her, so she would go and it works. Ty rushes to the airport and he tells her that he loves her, before she goes. Ty later joins her in London.

Reception

For her portrayal of Rachel, Stasey was nominated for Fave TV Star at the 2007 Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards. [1] That same year, she was nominated for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards. [8] The following year, Stasey was nominated for Best Actress. [9]

A reporter for the Daily Record called Rachel and Zeke "the usually whiter than white Kinski kids". [10] They also thought Rachel's relationship with Angus was "a move sure to end in tears in the not too distant future". [10]

In a 2010 interview, executive producer Susan Bower said the storyline featuring Rachel, Donna and Bridget thinking they were pregnant was one of her favourites from the past twenty-five years. [11]

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">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">Stingray Timmins</span> Soap opera character

Scott "Stingray" Timmins is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ben Nicholas. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 March 2004. Stingray was introduced as Toadfish Rebecchi's cousin. The role earned Nicholas a Logie Award nomination for Best New Talent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janelle Timmins</span> Soap opera character

Janelle Steiger is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Nell Feeney. She made her first screen appearance on 11 November 2004. The character was written out and she departed on 13 July 2007. Feeney reprised her role as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations and returned for one episode on 11 March 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bree Timmins</span> Soap opera character

Bree Timmins is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Sianoa Smit-McPhee. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 April 2005. The character was written out in 2006 and she made her final appearance on 13 July 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lolly Allen</span> Soap opera character

Shannon Louise "Lolly" Allen is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 July 1994. Louise was played by Tessa Taylor from her birth, with Jiordan Tolli taking over the role a few months later. The character was written out in 2001 when Tolli's parents and the producers felt it was the right time for her to leave. In 2006, it was announced that Louise would be returning to Neighbours and Adelaide Kane was cast in the role, after winning the Dolly "Neighbours Next Big Stars" competition. Kane's contract was not renewed and Louise departed on 29 June 2007. The character returned for one episode on 4 October 2013 with Tolli in the role.

<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">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">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">Ty Harper</span> Soap opera character

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 and as a potential love interest for Rachel Kinski. He departed on 30 April 2009.

<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">Sunny Lee</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Sunny Lee is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Hany Lee. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 8 April 2009. Sunny was created by executive producer Susan Bower in response to criticism that Neighbours was "too white". Lee came to the attention of Neighbours producers after she entered a competition run by Dolly Magazine to win a three-month contract with the show. Despite not winning, she was cast as Sunny soon afterwards. In August 2009, it was announced that Lee and Sunny would be departing Neighbours and Sunny made her final appearance on 19 November 2009.

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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Caitlin Stasey (Neighbours' Rachel Kinski) Interview". Last Broadcast. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  2. ↑ "Neighbours star quits soap". Metro . Associated Newspapers. 22 September 2008. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  3. ↑ Brygel, Jackie (13–19 August 2005). "New Neighbours". TV Week (13): 12.
  4. 1 2 3 "You ask... Caitlin Stasey". Inside Soap (39): 39. 30 September – 6 October 2006.
  5. 1 2 3 "Forbidden affair". TV Week . ACP Magazines. 2 January 2008.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Caitlin Stasey quits Neighbours to be "normal" and go to school". Herald Sun . 19 September 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 "Rachel Zinski". Neighbours.com. Network Ten. Archived from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  8. ↑ Green, Kris (3 July 2007). "Inside Soap Awards 2007: The Nominations". Digital Spy . Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  9. ↑ "Inside Soap Awards 2008 – Nominations". MSN TV. 16 July 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
  10. 1 2 "Soap stories: Multiple troubles". Daily Record . 8 March 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  11. ↑ "Neighbours icon for 6000th". Holy Soap. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
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.