Chris Hemsworth’s Saddle Club co-stars dish on his little-known role, 23 years on
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Before he was Thor, Chris Hemsworth had a little known-role in an Australian kids’ TV show – playing a small-town vet in a 2003 episode of The Saddle Club.
The original cast reunited on Today Extra this morning and revealed why Hemsworth made a lasting impression, more than 20 years since the hit series premiered.
Chris Hemsworth's forgotten guest appearance on The Saddle Club. Stan
“I remember we all thought he was very cute but we were quite a bit younger than he was,” laughed Sophie Bennett, known for her role as Stevie in the series.
Hemsworth played Pine Hollow’s charming vet George Whiteside in one episode of the show right before landing his big break in Home and Away.
“I think he was 18 at the time, so thinking of him playing a vet is actually hilarious,” she added.
Bennett was joined by Lara Jean Marshall (Lisa) and Keenan MacWilliam (Carole) in the studio, making up all three original members of beloved horse girl club.
As they celebrated the show’s 25-year anniversary, they answered the one question fans have been left wondering for over two decades: What in the world happened to their Aussie accents after the first season?
“In the first season we had Australian accents and in the second we didn’t, but no one seemed to mind,” MacWilliam confirmed.
Bennett explained: “They never actually identified that The Saddle Club was based in Australia and obviously, myself and Keenan are not from Australia, they never actually touched on that fact.”
All three original members of The Saddle Club reunited on Today Extra: Keenan MacWilliam, Lara Jean Marshall and Sophie Bennett. Stan
It's been 25 years since the hit kids' galloped onto our screens. Stan
“My Aussie accent is gone, unfortunately,” MacWilliam added. “I don’t know if I can do it anymore.”
First premiering in 2001, the iconic series became a staple of growing up in Australia, right alongside swimming carnivals, fairy bread, and the ‘no hat, no play’ policy.
“I can’t believe it had such a big impact on people’s childhood,” Marshall beamed. “People write to me all the time going, it’s still part of my childhood, now watch it with my own children.
“I just had a baby myself and I cannot wait to watch this with him.”
