JASON RE-BORN
AFTER shooting to fame as a teen playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours, Jason Donovan has had a turbulent career spanning over three decades – all in view of the public eye.
Becoming a household name in the 80s, he forged a successful pop career with 10 UK top ten singles but the 90s were a chaotic time for the Australian, marred by drug abuse and a high-profile lawsuit.
But, after the birth of his first child, Donovan quit drugs and worked on reviving his career, starring in a succession hit stage shows including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Now, Jason Donovan is treading the boards once more, playing legendary music mogul Sam Phillips in the box office smash Million Dollar Quartet.
The story follows Philips, the man responsible for bringing together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, and sees the heart-throb turned stage star embarkings on a non-musical role.
“It’s an epic role to play, there’s a lot of dialogue and he really pushes the story. It’s a fundamental piece of American history and the characters are cultural icons.
“In a way, not singing is quite nice for me, it’s quite relaxing. Having to sing each day requires another level of discipline and my acting is my first love. I’m going back to my roots.”
Over the years, Donovan has embarked on many ● Jason and Kylie career paths, most Minogue in notably his role as Neighbours Kylie Minogue’s onscreen beau in popular soap opera Neighbours.
Although his career has moved on from his earlier mullet-sporting days, the star won’t to turn his back completely on the role that propelled him to fame. But, as he approaches his 50th birthday, the actor is now keen to step away from the spotlight and focus on his family life. “Neighbours was 30 years ago now, and I am very proud of what that period of my life gave me, but I have done a lot of different things since then. I don’t really look back, I tend to focus forward, but there is no need to distance myself from it all.
“I’m lucky enough to have been able to work as long as I have. Theatre has been very good to me but I’ve got a family and I want to start spending time with them. at Venue Cymru from May 8
“Being a dad is by far my favourite job. It’s difficult to maintain a balance between work and home, but I am lucky to have great kids and a wonderful wife.
The star has hinted at a 2018 hiatus to focus on family life.
“It’s hard not spending as much time as I would like with them and, hopefully, that will change soon. Not this year, but soon.
“My shows this year will take me through till late December and that’s enough. After that, a bit of time out might be on the cards.
“I need to assess what’s important. You can work too hard sometimes. “I’d love some time off. I need it.” Donovan is the proud father of three children, aged 17, 16 and six, and is aware that his celebrity status, coupled with his turbulent past, is easily accessible online.
“The internet is an incredible tool, but I’m very honest, always have been and they [the children] know that. Life is about making choices and they will have those opportunities themselves, so one just hopes they make the right choices in their lives and learn from my mistakes.
“I’ve heard so many outrageous rumours about myself over the years. People trying to determine my sexuality was pretty funny at the time, but that didn’t turn out to be much of a joke in the end. I just have to ignore all the rumours and focus on the truth.”
The actor has settled int the UK, and has long since cut ties with Kylie Minogue, explaining that they, like many old aquaintances they have drifted apart over the years,
“I’m not in contact with Kylie at all now. It was a long time ago and we have moved in very different circles and circumstances but when we do see each other, it’s great. “