Gary Canning

Gary Canning
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Damien Richardson
Duration	2014–2020
First appearance	7 November 2014 (2014-11-07)
Last appearance	20 March 2020 (2020-03-20)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Jason Herbison
Spin-off appearances	Summer Stories (2016) Neighbours vs Time Travel (2017)
In-universe information Occupation Handyman Hotel cleaner Chef Manager of The Flametree Retreat Barista Father Frank Canning[1] Mother Sheila Canning Brothers Frank Canning Jr.[1] Sisters Naomi Canning Wife Sharon Canning (divorced) Brooke Butler (divorced)[2] Sons Kyle Canning Daughters Xanthe Canning Nieces Kylie Canning[3]

Gary Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Damien Richardson. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 November 2014. Richardson previously appeared in the show in 1992. Following his first stint as Gary, Richardson reprised the role in late 2015 and returned the following year in a regular capacity. Gary is portrayed as an easy-going, work shy bogan. He was introduced as the estranged father of Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan), and his early storylines focused on his attempts to reconnect with his family. After accepting money from Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to beat Ezra Hanley (Steve Nation), Gary was sent to prison.

A year later, the character was reintroduced, and he was reunited with his mother and teenage daughter. Gary's relationship with Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) has faced several obstacles, including the return of his former partner Brooke Butler (Fifi Box), Terese's cancer diagnosis and infidelity. Others storylines have seen Gary arrested for assault, a feud with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), and financial difficulties. The character was killed off on 20 March 2020. Bridget McManus from The Sydney Morning Herald has praised Richardson in the role, but thought he was "underutilised", while other critics have expressed their sympathy for Gary.