Bryan Brown, Greta Scacchi leave Sandgate locals starry eyed as Darby and Joan filming starts

Sandgate residents had an unexpected brush with fame this morning as A-list Aussie actors filmed their latest TV drama. SEE THE VIDEO

Sandgate residents had an unexpected brush with fame this morning as A-list Aussie actors Bryan Brown and his co-star Greta Scacchi were spotted using the scenic bayside cliffs as a backdrop for their popular TV drama Darby and Joan.

Long-time Sandgate local Terri White said she was thrilled to see stardom during her morning walk along Eagle Tce, which overlooks the cliffs.

Aussie A-list actor Bryan Brown standing on the veranda of a Queenslander home at Sandgate as filming starts for the next in the TV series Darby and Joan with Greta Scacchi. Pictures: Terri White

Ms White said she was walking along the waterfront past a well-known Queenslander, when she noticed a group of photographers pointing cameras at a tall, slim man standing on the veranda.

“I wondered who that could be as there appeared to be a lot of attention about the house,” Ms White said.

“I got some snaps as the man, who was wearing a hat, stretched up on his tiptoes, turned around, and disappeared into the open door.”

Filming at the Sandgate home.

Pictures: Terri White

She took a few photos but it wasn’t until a friendly couple informed her that the mystery man was none other than actor Bryan Brown.

He was sitting on the veranda talking to his co-star Greta Scacchi, while both were being filmed for the next instalment of the popular Darby and Joan TV series.

“This is the first movie star I’ve ever seen,” Ms White said.

“I’m not usually into celebrities, but he’s Aussie and I really like his wife.”

From the TV series Darby and Joan, actors Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown on a veranda during filming for the series. Picture: Contributed

Bryan Brown and wife Rachel Ward, both celebrated figures in the Australian entertainment industry, have been seen in the southeast during filming, which has also taken place on the secluded beaches of North Stradbroke Island.

The encounter became talk of the neighbourhood, with many locals excited about the possibility of spotting more famous film stars.

Ms White said it was a memorable experience that added a bit of excitement to her day.

Eagle Tce, now buzzing with the news, quickly became a popular spot for curious residents hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrity A-listers.

Locals will be able to watch the series to spot some of the local scenery. Picture: Terri White

Darby and Joan is an Australian crime-comedy drama TV series about a retired Australian detective (Brown) and an English nurse (Scacchi) who work together to solve the mystery of her husband’s death.

Filming for the eight-part first series started in 2021 at the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Redland, North Stradbroke Island, Mount Isa and Cairns.

This month, filming started for the second series.

Originally published as Bryan Brown, Greta Scacchi leave Sandgate locals starry eyed as Darby and Joan filming starts