Kate was born on 14th August 1978, in Goulburn (a small city on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales that is noted for its fine cathedral and its woollen trade), but she now lives in Sydney. She has two sisters, a brother, a dog (Penny) and a cat (Soxy).

Kate has been an actor since the age of five, making an early television appearance way back in 1986 as Molly in the mini-series "Cyclone Tracy". A year later she was in the pilot episode of Home and Away as Sally, who she has played ever since, being one of only three actors to be ever-present - the others are Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart) and Norman Coburn (Don Fisher).

Because of her acting commitments, Kate did her HSC (Higher School Certificate, a NSW school-leaving qualification) over three years (the usual is two) with the help of the "Pathways" programme, studying English, Maths, Business, Textiles and Design... and Drama! Kate said that she found it hard, but that it was important for her to have options away from H&A.

Kate is also active away from the screen - this year (2002) she is an Active Australia Day Ambassador for the first time, and she has obtained her scuba diving certificate. She is also an excellent singer, having participated in quite a few Eisteddfods (not really the same as Welsh Eisteddfodau; Aussie ones are more like music festivals) - when you hear her sing on H&A, it isn't dubbed. She is also a keen cook.

Kate's less energetic hobbies include "lazing on the beach" and "watching movies". "The Remains of the Day" is a particular favourite of hers, its star Emma Thompson being an actor Kate admires, along with Robert de Niro and Adam Sandler. On TV, she enjoys "The Young Ones" and "60 Minutes", while musically speaking Madonna, Sound Garden and Pearl Jam are her thing.

According to The Internet Movie Database, Kate has just finished filming for her first feature film, playing the relatively minor role of Aunt Belle in "The Season", directed by Kerry Armstrong and starring Kate Kendall. Let's hope it reaches the UK!

(H&A is on Channel 7 in Australia, RTE in Ireland and Channel 5 in the UK.)

Last updated Sep 16th '02