Jonathan Kurtiss | |
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Winners & Losers character | |
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First appearance | "Covert Aggression in Netball" 22 March 2011 |
Last appearance | "...Must Come to an End" 24 June 2014 |
Created by | Bevan Lee |
Portrayed by | Damien Bodie |
In-universe information | |
Occupation | Personal assistant |
Spouse | Rhys Mitchell (2012–) |
Significant other | Chris Jones |
Jonathan Kurtiss is a fictional character in the Australian Channel Seven drama series Winners & Losers, played by Damien Bodie. Jonathan made his debut screen appearance in the pilot episode "Covert Aggression in Netball", broadcast on 22 March 2011. Bodie secured the role while working in the United States and returned to Melbourne to play Jonathan.
Jonathan is based on the show creator Bevan Lee. He is characterised as a caring, stylish and doting friend. Bodie would often implement his own ideas while filming the character. Jonathan is a gay character and has relationships with Chris Jones (Lachlan Woods) and Rhys Mitchell (Nick Simpson-Deeks). But it is his long-term friendship with Frances James (Virginia Gay) that fills most of his screen time. Originally centric to other character's storylines, the show developed the character during the show's second season. His story found him battling public perceptions of homosexuality and homophobia. Other storylines for the character include his break-up with Chris, romantic life with Rhys and their subsequent wedding. Bodie was delighted that the Seven Network supported his character's gay wedding plot.
The character has polarised critics due to his homosexuality. Columnists from The Age often criticised the character. Frances Atkinson named him a cliched role, Melinda Houston thought he was the show's only "irritant" and Jim Schembri accused him of being a "critic-baiting" character. But Debi Enker believed writers had toned the character's flamboyancy down. Anthony D. Langford of TheBacklot.com became an avid supporter of Jonathan and Rhys' storyline. While viewer opinion has been positive. TV Week's Erin McWhirter stated that his persona delighted viewers and Matt Akersten of Samesame.com.au noted heightened viewer support for his storyline with Rhys.