Carla Bonner is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Stephanie Scully in the soap opera Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010. She was also a guest on Celebrity Big Brother Australia in 2002. Following her departure from Neighbours, Bonner wrote a book called Hook, Line and Sink Her and guest starred in an episode of Wentworth. She briefly reprised the role of Steph in 2013, before returning to Neighbours as a permanent cast member from October 2015 until June 2018. She will reprise the role for the finale in July 2022.
Carla Bonner | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1973-03-03) 3 March 1973 (age 49) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Children | 2 |
Prior to her acting role on Neighbours, Bonner's experience was confined to television commercials and programmes, including a guest role on Raw FM. When Emma Roche unexpectedly quit the role of Stephanie Scully in Neighbours, Bonner auditioned for the part and was immediately cast as Steph.[1]
On 3 June 2010, it was announced that Bonner had quit Neighbours after eleven years. The character of Stephanie was not killed off, leaving the door open for a potential return. The show's executive producer, Susan Bower, said "The storylines on-air and coming up showcase what an exceptional talent Carla is and while fans will be disappointed, I promise Steph's farewell will be long remembered and will do the character proud."[2]
In 2012, Bonner wrote and published a dating book for men called Hook, Line and Sink Her.[3] That same year, it was announced that Bonner would be returning to Neighbours for two months.[4] The actress began filming her scenes in January 2013 and she made her on-screen return as Steph on 15 April 2013.[5] Bonner portrayed Manda Katsis in episode four of Wentworth.[6] On 10 September 2013, it was announced that Bonner had teamed up with writer and producer Gary O'Toole to develop a 12-part television series based on Hook, Line and Sink Her.[7]
Bonner appeared in the ABC3 teen drama Ready for This in 2015.[8] In July of that year, it was announced Bonner had returned to Neighbours as Steph. She appeared on-screen from October.[9] In May 2018, it was confirmed that Bonner had left the show.[10] That same year, she filmed a role in the ABC Comedy series Superwog.[11]
Bonner lives in Northcote, Melbourne with her partner, French musician Julien Piazzon.[12] She has two sons Harley Bonner and Jhye. Harley joined the cast of Neighbours in 2013 as Josh Willis.[13]
Outside Neighbours Bonner follows various public pursuits. She has been involved in several mainstream Australian charities over the years.[citation needed]
Bonner is good friends with Kym Valentine, who played Libby Kennedy in Neighbours. Bonner's character and Valentine's character were also best friends.[14]
In 2007 Bonner was involved in a car accident and was charged with "unlicensed driving" amongst other offences. She was convicted and fined $1,000.[15][16]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Raw FM | Erin | Episode: "Cara" |
| 1999–2010, 2013, 2015–2018, 2022 | Neighbours | Stephanie Scully | Main cast |
| 2013 | Wentworth | Manda Katsis | Episode: "The Things We Do" |
| 2015 | Ready for This | Coach Beaton | |
| 2018 | Superwog | Foster Mum | Episode: "Breaking Dad" |