Mandy McElhinney: Actor still recognised for her fictional relationship with Ketut

Despite starring in a string of hit television shows, Aussie actor Mandy McElhinney is still recognised for one specific character who Aussies adored.

From Bad Mothers and Love Child to The House of Hancock and now Home And Away.

Mandy McElhinney’s acting resume is suitably impressive.

But for all she has done professionally, there is one role she just cannot shake — playing Rhonda who fell in love with Ketut on a much-loved AAMI commercial a decade ago.

“Some people recognise me straight away, and it’s always very funny exchange,” she said.

Mandy McElhinney still gets recognised for her role as Rhonda. Picture: supplied

“People have very fond memories of that relationship and that time.

“There was something incredibly sweet about her, her lack of pretence, her open heartedness, and her desire for love.

“I think people want good things to happen to good people, and I think that was what she represented.”

Actor Mandy McElhinney playing the role of Margot Dafoe the leader of the sinister group on Home And Away. Supplied: Seven

On Friday, McElhinney starred in her final episode of iconic soap, Home And Away, after playing the role of Margot Dafoe — the leader of a sinister cult.

McElhinney said she relished playing such a complex character, in one of Australia’s most loved and longest running shows.

“I remember Home And Away from back in the day when it was first starting … it was a huge moment for Australia, and it remains one of very few long-running series.

“So, it was very special for me, and really exciting to walk into the set.”

Actor Mandy McElhinney has starred in a string of hit television shows. Supplied: Seven

McElhinney will switch focus now to her other love – theatre.

“I’m doing a play in Queensland called Tiny Beautiful Things,” she said.

“I’ll then travel to WA for a time, as my sister and I are developing a show together with the Black Swan Theatre company.

“I’ve had a very lovely career, nothing to complain about. And I get to do theatre as well. I feel very grateful.”

McElhinney says Aussies loved Rhonda’s open heartedness. Picture: Supplied

Of all her acting roles, though, two stand out as favourites — Love Child and The House of Hancock.

“Doing Love Child was just really divine,” she said.

“I got to work with some beautiful younger actors, and play a very difficult person (Matron Frances Bolton) … and try to create a bit of empathy for where she was coming from even though she was doing some horrendous things.

“And then of course playing Gina Rinehart, that covered 30 years of her life. I got to work with the divine Sam Neill, which was just heaven.”

Originally published as Mandy McElhinney: Actor still recognised for her fictional relationship with Ketut