Vanessa Downing

Vanessa (2022)

Vanessa Downing (born 5 May, 1958) is an Australian character actress, singer and lawyer. She is best known for being the first actress to play Pippa Fletcher on Home and Away. She made her debut on the pilot episode in January 1988 and continued in the role until mid-1990. Her final appearance was in Episode 585, which was broadcast on 20th July 1990 in Australia. Debra Lawrance took over the role in the very next episode.

Pre Home And Away career

As a teenager Vanessa joined the Australian Theatre for Young People. Later on she attended the University of Sydney and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature.

A singer as well as an actor, she joined the Sydney Philharmonic Choir at one stage. When she was told she had landed the role of Pippa Fletcher in Home and Away, she singing in a six piece a cappella group called The Madrigals at The Sydney Opera House.

On TV she appeared in two episodes of Sons & Daughters (credited as Vanessa Ryan) and some TV movies. The role of Pippa Fletcher was her largest one to date, coming to her when she was still only 29 years of age.

Home And Away 1988-1990

Top and Pippa

Vanessa as Pippa

In early 1987, Vanessa auditioned for the part of Pippa Fletcher but wasn't offered the role. Instead it went to the late Carol Willesse. When Carol realised early on that the show's schedule would entail very long days, she quit. Vanessa was offered the role instead and was on set within days.

Vanessa decided to quit her role as Pippa in mid-1990, not all that long after the departure of her on-screen husband Tom (played by Roger Oakley). Instead of writing Pippa out, as had happened with Tom, the producers decided to recast the character. Famously, Debra Lawrance, who looked and sounded nothing like Vanessa took over the role. According to Debra she was on the set at the same time as Vanessa when they were filming Carly and Ben's wedding. Vanessa appeared in the filmed scenes for that wedding. When the cast posed for the wedding photos outside the church, Debra stepped into the group.

After Home And Away

Vanessa in a theatre role

Vanessa continued to act since leaving Home and Away. She has worked extensively in theatre, though she has continued to appear on TV. She had guest roles in Water Rats, All Saints, Big Sky, G.P., A Country Practice, Bullpitt!, Funeral Going, Double Skulls, Melba and Packed to the Rafters.

She also studied law, becoming a part-time lawyer in 2006. She specialised in immigration law for many years and worked for a law firm in Sydney (link is from archive.org, not their current website) .

Vanessa appeared in several shorts during 2020 and 2022. The most recent is called Voice Activated. In October 2022, Vanessa was a guest on Ray Meagher's 'This is Your Life' episode. She appeared alongside fellow "Early Years" cast members Roger Oakley (Tom), Alex Papps (Frank) and Sharyn Hodgson (Carly).