Featured Image Credit: Australian Children's Television Foundation
Topics: Australia, TV and Film
Helena Pantsis
Topics: Australia, TV and Film
If you grew up as a kid in Australia, a defining TV show of your childhood may just be the weird and wonderful Round the Twist. Based on Paul Jennings’ beloved collection of short stories, Unreal, the series followed the lives of the Twist family.
The tight-knit Twist clan comprised of father Tony, teenage twins Pete and Linda, and eight-year-old son Bronson.
They resided in their lighthouse in Victoria’s south-west where 'strange things happen', as the theme song iconically claimed.
It's been a little more than two decades since the series ended, and as a lot of children’s first run-in with the supernatural genre, the show holds a special place in the history of Australian television.
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While characters remained the same age throughout the program’s 11 year lifespan, Round the Twist saw many actors come and go. But what exactly are these actors up to in 2022?
Perhaps most recognisable for early ‘90s viewers, Moir was father Tony for the show’s first two seasons.
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In 1990 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease while filming and, due to its degenerative effects, was forced to retire from acting after the second season finished shooting.
He's appeared in a few films since, including Welcome to Woop Woop (1997) and Joey (1997). He also underwent deep brain therapy for his Parkinson’s in a 2006 documentary, titled The Bridge at Midnight Trembles.
Appearing as Tony in seasons 3 and 4, Gilbert has gone on to star in an AFI-award winning role in Kiss or Kill (1997) and other renowned shows such as Underbelly (2008) and Bed of Roses (2008–2010).
Maintaining a career in the acting industry, his most recent credit to date is in Children of the Corn Sheriff Gebler (2020).
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Starring as the original Pete Twist from 1989 to 1990, Vandenberg has since appeared in Blue Heelers (1994), Spicks and Specks (2005).
However, moving away from acting, Vandenberg has committed himself to his music.
He continues to perform in live bands as he has since his youth, particularly in private events, corporate events, and weddings.
Acting as Pete Twist in the second season of Round the Twist in 1992, Thomas has since been in Neighbours (1993), Blue Heelers (1996) and The Genie From Down Under 2 (1998).
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With his last acting credit being in 1998, the former actor seems to have diverted from a role in front of the screen to a role behind it.
Following Thomas’ departure from the role of Pete, Rian McLean took his place.
Later he appeared briefly in a few episodes of Home and Away, however has since made himself scarce in the acting world as well as on social media.
His general absence has also seen hopes dashed for the plans of a reunion film starring the 2000–2001 cast.
Singer of both versions of the iconic theme song, West played Linda in the first season before appearing in shows such as Neighbours, and Blue Heelers (1996).
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Married with two children, it’s since been suggested that West moved to London to pursue her career as a jazz singer.
Taking over as Linda in season two, Crnogorac has since been involved in the production of titles including Neighbours, Ocean Girl (1994), Blue Heelers (1996), as well as City Homicide.
Her latest credit has been as the director and writer of Byron Bay International Film Festival nominated series All the Way to the Top (2020).
Present for the last two seasons of Round The Twist, Masini has since shifted gears as a business owner for her own Australian ethically made sleepwear, loungewear and bedding brand known as MASINI.
With her last acting credit being in 1997, Masini has found a passion outside of acting, finding immense success in her thriving brand.
Unrecognisable from the child he was once was, McLennan played little brother Bronson in 1990 for the show’s first season. Leaving acting due to its negative effect on his mental wellbeing and education, McLennan went on to enrol as a rifleman in the Australian Army.
He completed a 13-month tour of East Timor as a young adult in 1997.
Now, leading a private life out of the spotlight, Robert works as a police dispatcher, taking calls for the emergency services.
Rodney McLennan’s successor, Jeffrey Walker, took over as Bronson for season two in 1993.
Walker seems to have emerged as one of the more successful stars of those in the main cast of Round the Twist who has remained within the cinematic industry.
He's since directed films like Riot (2018), Lambs of God (2019), and episodes of Modern Family, Bones, and H20 Just Add Water.
Waters joined the cast of Round the Twist in its third season as the final Bronson.
Following his part in the show, Waters went on to play in Peter Pan (2003), The Pacific (2010), and Blue Water High (2005).
He’s since also appeared in theatrical productions of shows such as The Boy from Oz, and most recently as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at the Shaw Theatre in London, subsequently maintaining an acting career skewed more to live production.