Carla Bonner

Summary

Carla Bonner (born 3 March 1973) is an Australian actress, best known for playing the role of Stephanie Scully in the Australian soap opera drama Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010. She was also a guest on Celebrity Big Brother Australia in 2002. Following her departure from Neighbours, Bonner wrote a book called Hook, Line and Sink Her and guest starred in an episode of Wentworth. She briefly reprised the role of Steph in 2013, before returning to Neighbours as a permanent cast member from October 2015 until June 2018. She briefly reprised the role in July 2022.

Carla Bonner
Born (1973-03-03) 3 March 1973 (age 51)
OccupationActress
Years active1997–present
Known forNeighbours as Stephanie Scully
Children2

Career edit

Bonner attended the Australian College of the Arts. Prior to landing her role on Neighbours, Bonner's acting experience was confined to television commercials, corporate videos, and bit parts, including a guest role on Raw FM.[1] When Emma Roche unexpectedly quit the role of Stephanie Scully in Neighbours, Bonner auditioned for the part and was immediately cast as Steph.[2]

On 3 June 2010, it was announced that Bonner had quit Neighbours after eleven years. The character of Stephanie was not killed off, leaving the door open for a potential return. The show's executive producer, Susan Bower, said "The storylines on-air and coming up showcase what an exceptional talent Carla is and while fans will be disappointed, I promise Steph's farewell will be long remembered and will do the character proud."[3]

In 2012, Bonner wrote and published a dating book for men called Hook, Line and Sink Her.[4] That same year, it was announced that Bonner would be returning to Neighbours for two months.[5] The actress began filming her scenes in January 2013 and she made her on-screen return as Steph on 15 April 2013.[6] Bonner portrayed Manda Katsis in episode four of Wentworth.[7] On 10 September 2013, it was announced that Bonner had teamed up with writer and producer Gary O'Toole to develop a 12-part television series based on Hook, Line and Sink Her.[8]

Bonner appeared in the ABC3 teen drama Ready for This in 2015.[9] In July of that year, it was announced Bonner had returned to Neighbours as Steph. She appeared on-screen from October.[10] In May 2018, it was confirmed that Bonner had left the show.[11] That same year, she filmed a role in the ABC Comedy series Superwog.[12]

Personal life edit

Bonner lives in Perth, Western Australia. She has two sons Harley Bonner and Jhye. Harley joined the cast of Neighbours in 2013 as Josh Willis.[13]

Bonner is good friends with Kym Valentine, who played Libby Kennedy in Neighbours. Bonner's character and Valentine's character were also best friends.[14]

In 2007 Bonner was involved in a car accident and was charged with "unlicensed driving" amongst other offences. She was convicted and fined $1,000.[15][16]

Filmography edit

Year Title Role Notes
1997 Mr Nice Guy cameo
Raw FM Erin Episode: "Cara"
1999–2010, 2013, 2015–2018, 2022 Neighbours Stephanie Scully Main cast
2013 Wentworth Manda Katsis Episode: "The Things We Do"
2015 Ready for This Coach Beaton
2016 The Agent Jo 5 episodes
2018 Superwog Foster Mum Episode: "Breaking Dad"
2023 The Claremont Murders Living Witness 1 episode (mini series)
Celebrity House Cleaner Thommie 4 episodes
202? Patched Ruth Pre Prod
202? The Wonderful World of Nancy Nancy Caroyln Post Prod

References edit

  1. ^ Schembri, Jim (10 February 2000). "Girls next door". The Age. Retrieved 21 November 2022 – via Newspapers.com. 
  2. ^ Raven, Neil (25 October 2002). "Martial arts fan gets a kick out of Neighbours". Sunday Sun. Trinity Mirror. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  3. ^ "Carla Bonner aka Steph Scully set to quit Neighbours and head off to Los Angeles". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2010.
  4. ^ "Carla Bonner wants Neighbours return for Steph". What's on TV. IPC Media. 10 June 2012. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  5. ^ "New faces and big-name returns for Ramsay Street in 2013". Channel 5. Northern & Shell. 4 November 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  6. ^ Miller, Erin (10–16 November 2012). "There goes the neighbourhood". TV Week (45). ACP Magazines: 20–21.
  7. ^ "Biography". McMahon Management. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  8. ^ Groves, Don (10 September 2013). "TV version of romance guide for men in the works". If Magazine. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  9. ^ Knox, David (28 December 2015). "Everyone wants a hug from Carla Bonner". TV Tonight. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  10. ^ "Carla Bonner returns to Neighbours". TV Week. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
  11. ^ Dainty, Sophie (17 May 2018). "Neighbours star Carla Bonner thanks fans for support over Steph Scully's exit". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
  12. ^ Anderton, Joe (16 July 2018). "Neighbours star Carla Bonner opens up over her future plans after Steph Scully's exit". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  13. ^ "Actor Harley Bonner opens up on why he chose to act on Neighbours". news.com.au. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  14. ^ Dunk, Tiffany; Stewart, Carolyn (20–26 December 2008). "Best mates forever". TV Week. No. 51. p. 24.
  15. ^ "Neighbours star on driving charges". The Age. Melbourne. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2008.
  16. ^ "Neighbours Star Fined After Crash". Herald Sun. 4 August 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2010.

External links edit

  • Carla Bonner at IMDb