Blast from the past: Home And Away actor Ross Newton
Former Home And Away star Ross Newton clears the air on why he has been absent from our TV screens.
Confidential
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Former Home And Away star Ross Newton wants to make something clear.
Some 25 years since playing Greg Marshall on the hugely popular TV soap, Newton now works as a development co-ordinator at Western Sydney University.
“I want to make it clear that I have never completely given up on being an actor firstly,” Newton told Confidential.
“I still have an agent and wish to keep all doors open but for me it was I think a stage of my life when I had to pursue other life dreams.
“So being fulfilled wasn’t just about being a successful actor anymore. There were other very important things in life like helping others.”
While the now 52-year-old looks back at his Home And Away days with much fondness, he can’t shake the feeling his sexuality may have hindered his acting career.
Newton’s other acting credits include spots on The Flying Doctors, Pacific Drive, All Saints and Cops LAC.
“There was a big shadow about my sexuality and ageing gay,” he explained.
“These shows are appealing to everyone and a lot of marketing is being able to sell the film and to do that you sell the actor.
“Even though the world is changing and becoming more inclusive, we are moving forward but there is still a long way to go.”
On Home And Away, Newton played truck driver Greg, the on-screen husband of Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) from 1991 to 1993 and reappeared in an episode in 2000.
But after that, the constant struggle and rejection encouraged the actor to say goodbye to life in front of the camera for a more stable career.
“I was up for a role in Lord of the Rings. I got to do an audition for Samwise Gamgee who was Frodo’s best friend,” he said.
“I worked so hard on this audition and didn’t get the role. There were a series of things like that and a few other auditions and a series called Big Sky where I got a role but it wasn’t rating well and it got axed the following week.’’
