Gossip Queen: Georgie Stone transforms into permanent Neighbours role
Actor Georgie Stone spent three months on Neighbours this year as transgender school Mackenize Hargreaves. Now the future looks bright for the young star.
Fiona Byrne
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Groundbreaking transgender actor and activist Georgie Stone has been signed by Neighbours as a permanent cast member.
Stone spent three months on the show this year as transgender school student Mackenize Hargreaves, a character that struck a chord with viewers.
“A mum messaged my mum about how her daughter was camping with a friend and while on that trip told her she was trans,” Stone said.
“And her friend said, ‘It is OK, I absolutely accept you, I have been watching Neighbours’.
“Hearing that made me so emotional and made me realise that story we told was getting across to people and making an impact.”
Stone has now signed a new deal with the show that will make her a full-time character. She starts filming in January.
Stone, 19, said she was thrilled to stay with the show.
“I would like to stay for as long as I feel there are more stories to tell for Mackenzie,’’ she said.
Stone pitched the idea of Neighbours introducing a transgender character played by her to producers in March 2018. She will continue to provide insight to producers on the trans experience so Mackenzie’s character can be authentic and evolve.
“What we wanted to do from the start and will get the opportunity to do now is really just look at who she is absolutely outside of her being trans,” Stone said.
“She is who she is as a person, but anything to do with her trans experience they will check with me to make sure it rings true.”