Brad Willis (Neighbours)

Brad Willis
Neighbours character
Kip Gamblin as Brad
Portrayed by	Benjamin Mitchell (1989) Scott Michaelson (1991–1993) Kip Gamblin (2013–2017)
Duration	1989, 1991–1993, 2013–2017
First appearance	31 October 1989 (1989-10-31)
Last appearance	7 April 2017 (2017-04-07)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Don Battye (1989) Richard Jasek (2013)
Spin-off appearances	Hey Piper (2015)
Scott Michaelson as Brad (1992)
In-universe information Occupation Surf shop employee Barman Swimming coach Gym manager Yoga instructor Health teacher Family Willis Father Doug Willis Mother Pam Willis Brothers Adam Willis John Willis Sisters Gaby Willis Cody Willis Wife Beth Brennan (1993–; divorced) Terese Willis (1995–2016)[1] Lauren Turner (2016–) Sons Ned Willis Josh Willis Daughters Paige Smith Imogen Willis Piper Willis Grandsons Gabriel Smith Freddie[2] Granddaughters Matilda Turner Grandfathers Bert Willis Seamus Beresford Grandmothers Moina Beresford Aunts Faye Hudson Nephews Zac Willis Nieces Roxy Willis First cousins Cameron Hudson

Brad Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 31 October 1989. The character was initially played by Benjamin Mitchell, before Scott Michaelson took over the role two years later. Brad was re-introduced alongside his sister, Gaby (Rachel Blakely), during a period of roller coaster ratings for the show. Michaelson revealed that as soon as he learnt he had won the role of Brad, he went surfing five days in a row, as he knew he was going to be busy over the upcoming months. Michaelson signed a new twelve-month contract with Neighbours in October 1992 and a year later, he announced he would be leaving the soap. Michaelson filmed his final scenes in November and departed on 15 December 1993.

Before the character returned to Neighbours, he was said to be living in America after gaining a basketball scholarship. The scriptwriters had wanted Brad to become a professional player, but after Michaelson told them he was a surfer, Brad became a "surf bum" instead. Brad was described as being a "friend to all" and a "nice, lovable fool". He had a caring attitude and a love for family. The character's storylines often revolved around his relationships. He dated his neighbour, Lucy Robinson (Melissa Bell), and then fell in love with Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia). The couple became engaged, but Beth learned Brad was having an affair with Lauren Carpenter (Sarah Vandenbergh) on their wedding day. After dating different people for a while, Brad and Beth got back together and married.

In August 1992, Brad was shot after trying to save his mother from a hostage situation involving Bob Landers (Bruce Kilpatrick). Michaelson stated that Brad's actions might not have been sensible, but he acted instinctively and the actor thought that others would have reacted the same way. A writer from BBC Online named the storyline as Brad's most notable moment throughout his duration on the show. A reporter for the Herald Sun called Brad "one of the show's most popular characters" and commented that Michaelson had a huge following because of his good looks. For his portrayal of Brad, Michaelson earned a nomination for Most Popular Actor at the 1993 Logie Awards. He also received a nomination for Hottest Man in Soap at the Inside Soap TV Awards, while Brad was nominated for Best Male Character.

The character was reintroduced in early 2013, with Kip Gamblin taking over the role, coinciding with Lauren's (now Kate Kendall) return. Brad displayed a more mature attitude, but still retained his relaxed outlook. He returned with his second wife Terese (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and their twins, Josh (Harley Bonner) and Imogen (Ariel Kaplan). His other three children, Paige (Olympia Valance), Piper (Mavournee Hazel) and Ned (Ben Hall), were later introduced. Brad marries Lauren in December 2016, before both characters depart on 7 April 2017.