Home and Away Roo star opens up on major surgery in early 50s as co-star supported her

Star of Home and Away Georgie Parker talked about undergoing major surgery when she was in her early fifties and how one of the show’s most recognizable characters helped her through it.

The 59-year-old actress began appearing in the Australian soap opera in 2010 as Ruth “Roo” Stewart, who is the daughter of Martha (Belinda Gibson) and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). Originally portrayed by Justine Clark, Georgie assumed the role upon the character’s return to Summer Bay following her departure in 1989.

Apart from the Channel 5 show, Georgie has battled scoliosis and other health issues, which have put an end to her former aspirations of becoming a professional dancer. At the age of 13, the actress—who is married to well-known playwright and screenwriter Steve Worland—was given a scoliosis diagnosis.

She also disclosed in Now To Love in 2017 that she is affected by it every day and that she must maintain her fitness level to preserve her back’s maximum functionality. I’ve never regretted [having scoliosis], and it’s helped me realize how fortunate I am to be able to live my life mostly as I like despite this major obstacle.”

A year later, Georgie acknowledged that osteoarthritis had already forced her to have a hip replacement. She gave this explanation when she first appeared on Australia’s The Morning Show: “You have to think about how you sit, stand, and get up. Additionally, since your body is an actor’s tool, it was truly rather crippling.”

Georgie continued by saying that she attempted to conceal the illness as it worsened, which made it difficult for her to move around. “I did my best to conceal it. “I’m dealing with my scoliosis in addition to the hip,” she said.

“Unfortunately, when the hip loses that movement, everything is compromised.” Ray, Georgie’s on-screen father, stood by her during the whole event. The 79-year-old, who has been a fixture in the Bay since 1988, is the show’s longest-serving star.

“I had Ray visiting me, sending me flowers and chocolates,” she said. “There was a true sense of family because everyone was messaging me frequently. I was getting messages from people saying they missed and loved me, and I felt really loved. It was quite charming.”

“Physical obstacles really don’t have to define you,” she continued in New Idea. There will be medical intervention in addition to pain and discomfort.But you can always identify a challenge and turn it into an opportunity to grow as a person. That’s my opinion.