Jane Harris (Neighbours)

Jane Harris
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Annie Jones
Duration	1986–1989, 2005, 2018–present
First appearance	31 July 1986 (1986-07-31)
Classification	Present; regular
Created by	Ray Kolle
Introduced by	Reg Watson (1986) Ric Pellizerri (2005) Jason Herbison (2018)
In-universe information Occupation Student Secretary Model Acting principal Principal Father Peter Harris Mother Amanda Harris Husband Victor Stone (divorced)[1] Sons Byron Stone Daughters Nicolette Stone Granddaughters Isla Tanaka-Brennan Grandfathers Len Mangel Grandmothers Nell Mangel Uncles Joe Mangel First cousins Toby Mangel Sky Mangel

Jane Harris is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Annie Jones. She was created by writer Ray Kolle and debuted during the episode broadcast on 31 July 1986. Jones originally auditioned for the role of Charlene Mitchell (Kylie Minogue), but she was not successful. This prompted Jones to telephone the producers for two months asking for a role in the show until eventually she was cast. In 1989, Jones decided to quit the serial in order to pursue other projects and the character departed on 9 September the same year. In 2005, Jones was one of many former cast members who agreed to return to the serial to mark the 20th anniversary of Neighbours. On-screen she was featured making a cameo in Annalise Hartman's (Kimberley Davies) documentary about Ramsay Street. Jones reprised the role again in 2018 for two guest stints starting on 6 April and 26 November 2018. She returned on 10 February 2020 as part of the serial's 35th anniversary celebrations, before returning to the regular cast from 8 July 2020. Her final appearance aired on 28 July 2022 in the Neighbours finale. She reprised the role as part of the series' continuation, via Amazon Freevee, on 18 September 2023.

During her early episodes she held the nickname "Plain Jane Superbrain", for her intelligent, yet geeky image, which she was referred to by other characters and media alike. She is portrayed as a mousy type character, going on a journey of self-discovery as she transformed into a heartbreaker. Her most notable point in this storyline is her makeover in which she wears make-up in place of her glasses and dresses attractively in order to win Mike Young's (Guy Pearce) heart. Her makeover has been well-documented by critics and holds a place in popular culture, where she is often referred to in cases of extreme makeovers. However, some academic publications have criticised her makeover for conforming to the stereotype that females cannot be sexy and intelligent at the same time. Jones also received the Logie Award for Most Popular Actress in 1989 while portraying Jane.