Melissa George, the Perth-born actress, has opened up about the devastating impact of her Home and Away co-star Dieter Brummer's death in 2021. In an interview with the Stellar podcast, George shared her thoughts on Brummer's passing, which she described as 'devastation beyond comprehension'.
George, who played Angel Parrish on the popular Australian soap opera, reflected on the iconic couple she formed with Brummer's character, Shane. She expressed her sadness over Brummer's struggles, which were overlooked for too many years. 'That's just too many years of him suffering that was overlooked,' she said. 'It really breaks my heart because he was a beautiful man. It's very sad.'
The actress also discussed her own experiences on the show, calling it the 'best training ever' that set her up for success in other TV shows and movies, including 30 Days of Night and The Mosquito Coast. Despite leaving the show three decades ago, George still watches Home and Away, and the final scene of Shane is particularly heartbreaking for her.
In recent years, George has lived in France, raising her two-year-old son Lyor. She has also pursued acting projects in other countries, such as her starring role in the new Binge series Ms X, set in Auckland, New Zealand. However, living in France has come with its own challenges, including navigating the country's custody laws and adjusting to life in a foreign country.
Despite her global adventures, George hopes to one day spend more time in Sydney or Melbourne. She also expressed her love for soccer and her passion for the sport, even purchasing a house in Buenos Aires because of Argentinian star Lionel Messi. 'I'm a huge soccer fan,' she said. 'My friends this morning, doing my hair and make-up, they're like, 'You like soccer? I'm like, 'Guys, I got a place in Buenos Aires, because Messi has his club right down the street from my house. I love it so much.'
George's openness about her personal life and career choices is refreshing and provides a glimpse into the life of a successful actress who has navigated the challenges of living and working in different countries. Her reflection on Brummer's death is a poignant reminder of the impact that co-stars can have on each other's lives, and the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.
