Neighbours star Annie Jones reveals the heartbreaking reason why she stepped away from the spotlight after leaving the show 31 years ago
Neighbours star Annie Jones has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she turned her back on her successful acting career after leaving Neighbours in 1989.
The 53-year-old chose to step away from the spotlight to look after her late mother, Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2016.
For two decades, she turned down job offers that could have taken her to Hollywood – but she told The Mirror on Monday she had ‘no regrets’ about her decision.
Candid: Neighbours star Annie Jones (pictured) has revealed the heartbreaking reason why she turned her back on her successful acting career after leaving Neighbours in 1989
‘I think you learn from the stuff that life throws at you. That’s what it’s all about,’ said Annie, who believes that looking after her mother made her a ‘better person’.
She added: ‘Anyone who has had anything to do with Alzheimer’s or dementia will know what it’s like.
‘It’s heartbreaking, seeing someone disappear before your eyes.’
Family first: The 53-year-old chose to put her career on hold to look after her late mother, Elizabeth, who battled Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2016. Pictured as Jane Harris on Neighbours with her co-star Guy Pearce, who played Mike Young
Annie’s mother, who lived in Melbourne, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994, five years after her daughter left Neighbours.
On Monday, Annie revealed that she would be returning to Ramsay Street as a series regular.
She had famously played Jane Harris, better known as ‘Plain Jane Superbrain’, during the show’s glory years from 1986 to 1989.
She’s back! On Monday, Annie (right) revealed that she would be returning to Ramsay Street as a series regular. Charlotte Chimes (left) is set to play Annie’s on-screen daughter, Nicolette
‘Jane is returning to her old neighbourhood and bringing with her an insight into what her life away from Ramsay Street has been like for the past 30 years,’ Annie said in a statement.
Of course, it’s not the first time Annie has been welcomed back to Erinsborough.
Earlier this year, she surprised viewers when she appeared in a guest role for the soap’s 35th anniversary.
Neighbours airs weeknights at 6:30pm on 10 Peach
Familiar face: Annie famously played Jane Harris, better known as ‘Plain Jane Superbrain’, during the show’s glory years from 1986 to 1989. Pictured with Guy Pearce