Paul OBrien - Biography

Actor, Home and Away

Paul O’Brien may be used to laying down the law on Home and Away, but now it’s time for the 29-year-old to receive a different type of judgement.

“Everyone wants to sing deep down. As a kid I dreamed of being in a band and listening to the screams. I’m looking forward to working with such talented people, learning from my mistakes and experiencing the adrenaline of performing live." said Paul.

Born in South Africa, Paul led a nomadic existence as a child, living across Australia, South Africa and Mauritius before settling on Queensland’s Gold Coast at the age of seven.

At 21, he moved to Melbourne to pursue an acting career, dabbling in the stand-up comedy circuit while looking for work. He subsequently starred in several short films, stage productions and the independent Melbourne feature Parallels.

Paul was rehearsing for a one-man show when he landed his big break in 2005 - the role of Constable Jack Holden on Home and Away.

Conscious of the influence his work on Home and Away has on children and teenagers, Paul has produced a video, Beach Rules which emphasises sun and surf safety and great tips for body board riding. He has recently returned from spending three weeks in the UK during the Christmas break performing the lead role in the pantomime Aladdin.

A former chef, Paul can be found experimenting in the kitchen, specialising in seafood and Italian dishes. A singer/guitarist, Paul can salsa dance and loves surfing, body boarding, golf, skiing and water skiing.

Paul O'Brien’s chosen charity is STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION, which brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families throughout Australia. Starlight does this by providing a range of innovative programs which restore the fun, laughter and joy that illness takes away.

“These kids are so amazing and so happy despite the tough time they are going through. You don’t realise how lucky you are until you see how gutsy these kids are under adverse circumstances.”