Paul Redmayne, Jessica Redmayne’s father, made an unexpected appearance on the Australian serial opera Home and Away.
The actress arrived in Summer Bay with her sister Dana (Ally Harris) at the end of 2023, marking her debut appearance as Harper Matheson. Jessica talked candidly about her mother Christine’s tragic struggle with dementia not long after her debut.
Christine bravely battled the illness for nine years, but sadly passed away in October. Paul’s surprise TV appearance was all the more heartbreaking because it coincided with their family’s recent heartbreak.
Jessica shared many photos of Paul from the set on Facebook along with the news of her father’s appearance. “This is the night!” she wrote. The screen will be shared by TWO Redmaynes, not just one.
“When you see Alf ordering a coffee from Irene get ready to pay close attention to who is sipping a tea behind Harper’s head.” Paul posed in one photo with several of Jessica’s co-stars, including Shane Withington, Ray Meagher, Georgie Parker, Lynne McGranger, and Ally Harris.
Jessica told 7Life that it was “not every day you get to bring your real Dad to Summer Bay!” when discussing their little screen time. Having him on set with me and showcasing my professional life was such a pleasure.
As a representative for Dementia Australia, Jessica has been transparent about her mother’s struggle with the “invisible” illness. Jessica shared the sad news of Christine’s passing on Instagram.
“Last Thursday in the wee hours of the morning, Mum’s journey peacefully came to an end,” the actress said. How fortunate I was to grow up with a woman of her calibre. She was wise and kind, witty and loving, and compassionate.”
Jessica went on, “She was the hardest-working person I’ve ever known and would do anything for anyone.” Without a doubt, she is the reason I am who I am.
