Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years – and explains how he kept Aussie accent

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

As I delve into the fascinating journey of Jesse Spencer, it’s hard not to be captivated by his remarkable trajectory. Born and raised in Melbourne, he made a name for himself on the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours before conquering Hollywood with roles in House and Chicago Fire.


Jesse Spencer has returned to Australia for his first homeland gig in 20 years. 

The Australian actor, known for his roles on Neighbours and House (American medical drama), is currently filming Last Days of the Space Age, which will be released on Disney+.

On a recent episode of “The Project,” broadcasted on Tuesday, it was noticeable that Jesse, aged 45, retained an impressively strong Australian accent despite spending many years in the U.S. This fact left the show’s presenters quite surprised.

Jesse playfully asked, “Are you implying that I’m pretending it’s happening? Does it actually function?” But then he confessed that it occasionally appears and disappears.

As soon as you step off the plane, symptoms of your accent return quite rapidly, Jesse pointed out. When you’re immersed in the dialect, particularly while filming with fellow Americans, it definitely aids in maintaining an American accent.

It seems as though whatever environment you find yourself in, it influences you in a subtle way, almost like a sponge absorbs water. You unknowingly soak it up and reflect it back.

Besides mentioning his yearly trips to Melbourne, Jesse pointed out that Australia has undergone significant changes since he last resided there permanently.

It feels quite unusual returning from abroad, as everything seems different each time I come back.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

‘I was driving in down near Southbank, I was trying to find the Rialto. Where is it? The tallest building in Melbourne. I couldn’t find it’ he said with a laugh. 

It was explained to him that taller buildings have sprung up since. 

Jesse remarked, “It seems everywhere I look, things are disorganized!” He then explained, “I make an effort to return home at least once a year. I find it significant to do so.

It comes after the actor debuted a surprising new look.

In the preview for the Disney+ series “Last Days of the Space Age,” Jesse, known for his youthful charm and long, golden locks, appears significantly altered in multiple sequences of the upcoming program.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

Instead of maintaining his heartthrob image, he appears to have transitioned into a more refined persona, taking on the role of a father in the dramatic television series, while also growing a beard and developing silver hair.

The show traces the lives of three local families in Perth during 1979, when an American spacecraft unexpectedly crashes close to the Western Australian city.

Jesse takes on the role of character Tony Bissett, a man who balances his responsibilities as a father with spearheading a labor action at the nearby power station.

Spencer finds it refreshing to take on a new Australian show, having spent years working in the U.S. and eagerly seeking local productions.

He mentioned to the Sydney Morning Herald that he had been searching for a film or show produced in Australia, likely dating back to around 2004.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

‘There’s a gap in our schedule, and network television can be unpredictable – one moment I might have six weeks off, the next a bit longer. However, producing a show is incredibly challenging.’

‘Once you’re in [network TV], it’s very hard to get out of,’ he explained.

The Melbourne-born actor also spoke to TV Week about his reasons for joining the Disney + production.

After departing from Chicago Fire, I embarked on starting a family, which I continued for some time, until the opportunity for Last Days of the Space Age presented itself.

Over the past 20 years, it had been a while since I last worked on an Australian project. But these last few months were simply delightful as I got immersed in this new endeavor. I was genuinely thrilled about being part of it.

Jesse gained traction in his acting career between 1994 and 2000, playing the role of Billy Kennedy, the youngest child of Dr. Karl and Susan Kennedy on the long-running daytime drama Neighbours.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent
Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

Originally, he moved to the United States and gained stardom on the medical series “House” by playing Dr. Robert Chase, working alongside Hugh Laurie, from 2004 until 2012.

From 2012 to 2020, Jesse played a leading role in the action-drama series Chicago Fire. Since then, he’s appeared as a special guest star on the program.

In the year 2020, he tied the knot with his long-term partner, researcher Kali Woodruff, during a intimate wedding ceremony in Florida.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some heartwarming news that’s become a silver lining in an otherwise challenging year. An Australian actor has graciously shared with The Daily Telegraph the joyous announcement of their upcoming nuptials. This special day will undoubtedly be a shining beacon in our 2020 landscape.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

Jesse shared with the publication that even though there was an increase in COVID cases, a venue change, a Saharan dust cloud, as well as a heavy thunderstorm, we managed to reach the finish line on our wedding day. I consider myself incredibly fortunate,” Jesse said.

‘It’s great that despite the challenging year we had in 2020, his new wife is exceptionally intelligent, attractive, and mature beyond her years, a fact he was happy to point out.’

We are incredibly content. She serves as a safe harbor during tumultuous times, and we can hardly wait to embark on the next chapter of our lives together.

Melbourne-born Jesse began dating Kali after meeting her a Chicago music festival in 2014.

The article reports that he asked for her hand in marriage while they were on a seven-day trek through the Peruvian Andes last year.

Jesse previously dated Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira from 2010 to 2013.

Neighbours and House star Jesse Spencer reveals how Australia has changed as he returns for first Down Under project in 20 years - and explains how he kept Aussie accent

Read More

2024-10-01 14:49

Previous post Tekken Producer Says a Retro Collection is Unlikely, Citing Ugly Polygons
Next post NASCAR: Could major sponsor development trigger Denny Hamlin move?