Gary Canning

Gary Canning is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Damien Richardson. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 November 2014. Richardson previously appeared in the show in 1992. Following his first stint as Gary, Richardson reprised the role in late 2015 and returned the following year in a regular capacity. Gary is portrayed as an easy-going, work shy bogan. He was introduced as the estranged father of Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan), and his early storylines focused on his attempts to reconnect with his family. After accepting money from Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) to beat Ezra Hanley (Steve Nation), Gary was sent to prison. A year later, the character was reintroduced, and he was reunited with his mother and teenage daughter. Gary's relationship with Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) has faced several obstacles, including the return of his former partner Brooke Butler (Fifi Box), Terese's cancer diagnosis and infidelity. Others storylines have seen Gary arrested for assault, a feud with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), and financial difficulties. The character was killed off on 20 March 2020. Bridget McManus from The Sydney Morning Herald has praised Richardson in the role, but thought he was "underutilised", while other critics have expressed their sympathy for Gary. Casting On 15 October 2014, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy reported that the estranged father of established character Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan), would soon be introduced for a guest stint. Kilkelly confirmed that the character's scenes had already been filmed and his presence would "shake up life for the popular Canning family." Richardson's casting as Gary was announced on 3 November. He had previously appeared in Neighbours in the guest role of Kim White in 1992. Development