25 Years On: The Secret Life Of Us Cast Spill Surprising Revelations
It’s been a quarter of a century since The Secret Life Of Us first graced Australian television screens, and the cast recently reunited to reflect on the show that defined a generation. In a candid chat on the podcast McLaren Versus, hosted by former cast member Spencer McLaren, actors Claudia Karvan, Deborah Mailman, and Samuel Johnson delved into the making of the beloved series and unearthed some unexpected truths.
Running for four seasons from 2001 to 2006, The Secret Life Of Us became a cultural phenomenon, resonating deeply with audiences. Its unique blend of relatable characters and authentic storytelling earned it critical acclaim, including three consecutive TV WEEK Logie Awards for Most Outstanding Drama Series and numerous AFI Awards for its talented cast.
Deborah Mailman, who played the vivacious Kelly Lewis, believes the show’s success stemmed from its focus on the often-unseen experiences of young adults. “Along comes a very character-driven show that really spoke to that group of who we were at that time – that early twenties where you’re really trying to fit in to life,” she explained. “I don’t think anyone else was doing it at that time. People just gravitated to it, and particularly people of our age just loved it because they related to it.”
From surprising audition stories to unexpected casting decisions, the cast shared a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Here are some of the most eye-opening revelations:
Samuel Johnson’s ‘Terrible’ Audition
Samuel Johnson, who embodied the iconic Evan Wylde, admitted his audition for the role was far from professional. Despite having several years of acting experience under his belt, Johnson confessed to a rather unconventional preparation.
“I’d been partying the whole night before, didn’t know my lines and I wasn’t wearing shoes,” he recalled with a laugh. “And I think I was still a bit high – I think I had some pingers that night – and I rocked up and I honestly, didn’t give a f… It was enough for me to just get there.”
He recounted reading his lines directly from the script, completely unconcerned about his performance. “I did just a terrible job and they thought, ‘That’s him!’” Johnson chuckled. The saving grace, he revealed, was the confirmation that Claudia Karvan had already signed on. “And then they told me that Claudia Karvan had signed and I said, ‘Show me the dotted line – I’m in!’”
Claudia Karvan’s Hesitant Four-Episode Commitment
In the early 2000s, a distinct hierarchy existed between film and television actors, with many viewing television work as less prestigious. Claudia Karvan, who played the sharp Dr. Alex Christensen, initially harboured reservations about joining a TV series.
Her agent had always steered her towards film, and when the opportunity for The Secret Life Of Us arose, Karvan perceived it as a potential setback for her career. “My agent was Robyn Gardner, and she had always said, ‘No TV, she’d never do TV’ – we were very focused on film,” she explained. “And that’s what you did in those days, you didn’t look at TV if you wanted to have a decent career.”
Upon hearing about the project, Karvan was so concerned about her agent’s perception that she “didn’t sleep for two nights.” She believed her agent had lost faith in her, leading to feelings of devastation.
Despite her initial apprehension, Karvan eventually agreed to join the cast, but with a significant caveat: she would only commit to four episodes. “‘I’m not signing on for the whole series – I’ll only give you four episodes,’” she recalled telling creator John Edwards. Edwards, she noted, “just went, ‘Yeah, that’s fine’ – which is impossible; you can’t do a series with one of the leads only on for four episodes!” She acknowledged his flexibility, stating, “So he just completely indulged me.”
Karvan’s Initial Confusion Over Her Character
Karvan also admitted to struggling to understand her character, Dr. Alex Christensen, at first. The surgeon’s apparent disconnect between her professional intelligence and her struggles in romantic relationships initially baffled the actress.
“She’s really smart – she’s a surgeon – but why is she so dumb with men? Like, that doesn’t make any sense,” Karvan questioned the producers. Their explanation, however, helped her to embrace the character’s complexity. “And they were like, ‘Umm, Claudia, people are flawed and sometimes really smart people don’t know their way in love.’ And I was like, ‘Oh right, cool, that’s interesting.’”
Richie Blake: Not Spencer McLaren’s Role Initially
Spencer McLaren, who hosted the podcast and played Richie Blake, revealed that the role was not originally his. Actor Paul Leyden had been cast as Richie before being offered a lucrative three-year contract on the American soap opera As The World Turns, prompting him to withdraw from The Secret Life Of Us.
McLaren, who was working on Home And Away at the time and had not initially auditioned, seized the opportunity when it arose. The prospect of working alongside established actors like Claudia Karvan, Deborah Mailman, Abi Tucker, and Joel Edgerton was a significant draw. “I was basically six months out of drama school, so I was very, you know, serious,” he reflected. “When the offer came to me, Claudia, you were obviously onboard, Deb, you were onboard, Abi was onboard – the star from Heartbreak High – Joel was the up-and-coming new kid on the block. So I was just going ‘Yes, please! Sign me up immediately!’”
Deborah Mailman Found the Role a Lifeline
For Deborah Mailman, the offer to play Kelly Lewis was more than just a career opportunity; it was a financial necessity. At the time, she was struggling financially and actively seeking any available work.
“I was just happy ’cause I was broke. I was living in Sydney and I was goddamn broke, I was trying to find any job possible,” Mailman shared. The prospect of relocating to Melbourne and “starting a new life” was incredibly appealing. She admitted that she was “still really green” as an actor and uncertain about her path, making the role a crucial turning point.
Bondi’s Loss, St Kilda’s Gain: The Setting Shift
Iconically associated with the vibrant Melbourne suburb of St Kilda, The Secret Life Of Us was originally conceived to be set in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Spencer McLaren explained that the creative team made a strategic decision to relocate the series to Victoria.
“Because Melbourne audiences gravitate towards Melbourne-made content and Sydney was kind of agnostic,” McLaren revealed. “So they made the decision to move it to Melbourne and set it in St Kilda instead of Bondi.” This change proved instrumental to the show’s success, with St Kilda becoming an integral part of its identity. “As a Melburnian, St Kilda was absolutely a character in the show,” said Samuel Johnson. “People would visit the apartment we shot the exteriors [at].”
In a touch of serendipity, the Sydney-based actors who were part of the original cast ended up sharing a house together in St Kilda, mirroring the show’s on-screen camaraderie. While the purpose-built sets, constructed in Box Hill, Victoria, were a testament to the show’s production, they were ultimately demolished and replaced by a Bunnings Warehouse.
A Star-Studded Logies Debut
The cast’s first experience at the TV WEEK Logie Awards was a memorable one, despite their initial anonymity. “No-one knew who they were,” the cast joked. However, their red carpet arrival placed them in the company of music royalty.
“Beyoncé!” Claudia Karvan exclaimed, recalling walking in directly behind the global superstar. “Destiny’s Child was playing and we walked in behind Beyoncé! I will never forget that! They performed in front of us. It was amazing!”
Within a year, the show’s immense popularity had transformed their status. From being seated at the back of the room, they found themselves at the front for their second Logies appearance. The cast even found humour in a skit by the iconic Australian comedy duo Kath & Kim, which playfully satirised Spencer McLaren’s character. “I was like, ‘Yes! I’ve made it! Kath and Kim know who I am,’” he laughed.
