Ren Gottlieb
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Serendipity "Ren" Gottlieb is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera ''
Neighbours ''Neighbours'' is an Australian television soap opera that has aired since 18 March 1985. It was created by television executive Reg Watson. The Seven Network commissioned the show following the success of Watson's earlier soap '' Sons and ...
'', played by
Raelee Hill Raelee Hill is an Australian actress, known for portraying roles in some of Australia's most successful television series. Her first major role was as Loretta Taylor in '' Paradise Beach'', which was followed shortly afterwards by roles as Ser ...
. Hill was spotted by the serial's casting director in a café, while she was on a break from filming another show. She was told to audition for the role, as she looked exactly how the producers had imagined Serendipity to look. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 25 August 1994. Serendipity was introduced as the sister of Mark Gottlieb (
Bruce Samazan Bruce Samazan (born 13 November 1970) is an Australian actor. He perhaps best known for being the only male actor to have played regular roles in Australia's "Big Three" soap operas of the 1990s: '' E Street'', ''Neighbours'', and ''Home and Aw ...
). Having been raised in a hippy commune, Serendipity retains her beliefs and is a "real bohemian". She moves in with Mark after returning to Australia from Amsterdam, where she worked as a nanny. During her time in the show she becomes good friends with Sam Kratz (
Richard Grieve Richard Grieve (born 25 January 1970) is an Australian actor, who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre and musical theatre, but is perhaps best known for his roles in the British soap ''Emmerdale'', and two Australian television ...
) and
Annalise Hartman Annalise Hartman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Kimberley Davies. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 15 January 1993 and departed on 31 January 1996. Davies reprised the role in J ...
( Kimberley Davies), is almost beaten up by her boyfriend, becomes a designer and gets engaged to Luke Handley (
Bernard Curry Bernard Curry (born 27 March 1974) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Jake Stewart in '' Wentworth'', Luke Handley in ''Neighbours'' and Hugo Austin in ''Home and Away''. Early life Alongside his actor brothers Stephen and And ...
). Hill left the show after her contract was not renewed and her final scenes aired on 7 September 1995.


Casting

Raelee Hill was spotted by ''Neighbours casting director
Jan Russ Jan Russ is an Australian casting director, producer and actress of theatre and television. She is best known as the casting director for various programs for Grundy Television/Fremantle Media, and is notable for launching the careers of many ac ...
while she was on a break from filming on ''
Blue Heelers ''Blue Heelers'' is an Australian police drama series that was produced by Southern Star Group and ran for twelve years on the Seven Network, from 1994 to 2006. Although based around the policing of the town, the series generally depicted th ...
''. She often took her breaks in a café next to the Network Ten studio, where ''Neighbours'' was filmed, and Russ recognised Hill from her time on '' Paradise Beach''. Hill commented "We got talking and she asked me to audition for the role of Serendipity Gottlieb." She later said that Russ had told her she looked "exactly" how the producers had imagined the character to look. Hill secured the part after attending the audition.


Development

The character's fictional backstory explained that she enjoyed living in the hippy communes with her parents when she was younger, and she retains her beliefs in the healing properties of crystals and rebirth. Josephine Monroe, author of ''Neighbours: The First 10 Years'', described Serendipity as "one of life's free spirits" and wrote that she is ruled by her heart rather than her head. The character's name was later shortened to the "delight" of Hill, and the character became commonly known as Ren. Hill said Ren and her brothers all had a "fantastic upbringing", but where Mark Gottlieb (
Bruce Samazan Bruce Samazan (born 13 November 1970) is an Australian actor. He perhaps best known for being the only male actor to have played regular roles in Australia's "Big Three" soap operas of the 1990s: '' E Street'', ''Neighbours'', and ''Home and Aw ...
) wants security, Ren is a "real bohemian and has a really great collection of crushed velvet smocks". Hill also said that playing Ren was "like taking a trip down memory lane", as she had been into the hippy lifestyle when she was a teenager. She hung out with people similar to Ren, once sang in a medieval chanting group and shopped for her clothes at markets, but unlike her character, she grew out of it. A reporter for the '' Dumfries and Galloway Standard'' thought Hill's background helped her bring real conviction to the role. Hill also revealed that one of the show's directors told Hill that she looked like his idea of a hippy. Ren comes to
Erinsborough Erinsborough is a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where the soap opera ''Neighbours'' is set, focusing on the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work there. ''Neighbours'' primarily centers on the residents of ...
to move in with Mark after travelling the world and working as a nanny in Amsterdam. She soon secures a job as a nanny to Cheryl Stark's ( Caroline Gillmer) daughter Louise Carpenter (Tessa Taylor). Hill admitted that working with the baby who played Louise had put her off motherhood for the time being, adding that she was happy to hand her back at the end of filming. Ren "brought a breath of fresh air" into Mark's life. Their contemporary home decor reflected their personalities, and Andrew Anastasios of ''
The Age ''The Age'' is a daily newspaper in Melbourne, Australia, that has been published since 1854. Owned and published by Nine Entertainment, ''The Age'' primarily serves Victoria (Australia), Victoria, but copies also sell in Tasmania, the Austral ...
'' wrote: "They are younger, less conservative, and Ren is 'a hippy fashion designer'." When Ren begins working with
Danni Stark Danielle "Danni" Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Eliza Szonert. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993 and remained in the show until 13 November 1996, with a br ...
(
Eliza Szonert Eliza Szonert is an Australian actress, known for her role as Danni Stark in ''Neighbours''. Career Born in Victoria, Australia, Szonert acted in a stage production of Cinderella at the Children's Oxford Theatre and appeared in a television ...
) on her fashion business, her personality begins to change and for a time she starts driving a
BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, trading as BMW Group (commonly abbreviated to BMW (), sometimes anglicised as Bavarian Motor Works), is a German multinational manufacturer of vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Th ...
as "the power goes to her head." After Ren befriends Sam Kratz (
Richard Grieve Richard Grieve (born 25 January 1970) is an Australian actor, who has worked extensively in film, television, theatre and musical theatre, but is perhaps best known for his roles in the British soap ''Emmerdale'', and two Australian television ...
), Pauline Cronin of ''
Sunday World The ''Sunday World'' is an Irish newspaper published by Independent News & Media. It is the second largest selling "popular" newspaper in the Republic of Ireland, and is also sold in Northern Ireland where a modified edition with more stories r ...
'' reported that the characters looked set to start a romance. Hill told her that it was a case of opposites attracting, and said "If only romances in ''Neighbours'' ever got a chance to get off the ground, then perhaps Sam and Serendipity could be destined for a big relationship." However, she continued saying that there is a feeling from the start that both characters would move on to other people "pretty fast". Things get off to a bad start when Sam grows jealous of Ren's friend Paulo Cechero (Hannes Berger), but Hill hoped the pair would get over that "little hiccup" and get together, as she was keen to work closer with Grieve. She described him as "one of the best friends" she had ever had, and revealed how he had shown her around Melbourne when she joined the cast and helped her settle in. Writers established a romantic relationship between Ren and her housemate Luke Handley (
Bernard Curry Bernard Curry (born 27 March 1974) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Jake Stewart in '' Wentworth'', Luke Handley in ''Neighbours'' and Hugo Austin in ''Home and Away''. Early life Alongside his actor brothers Stephen and And ...
). The pair end up kissing after Ren helps Luke out as he is hassled by a group of men at the Coffee Shop. Of the development, Hill explained "They end up falling into bed together that evening. When they wake up the next morning, they realise that their relationship has changed forever."
Jason Herbison Jason Herbison (born 1972) is an Australian television producer, screenwriter and novelist, most recently serving as the executive producer of the soap opera ''Neighbours''. He has written scripts for numerous television serials, and has publis ...
of ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' observed that the couple should take things slowly, as it is awkward for friends to become lovers. However, in the storyline, Ren is so "certain about her feelings for Luke" that she is ready to tell everyone about their relationship. She later suggests they continue having sex, but also date other people, which Luke has doubts about. Hill pointed out that Luke finds it hard to make a commitment as the death of his younger sister has led him afraid to get close to anyone. The storyline led to the departure of Hill's character and temporary departure of Handley's. Ren and Luke work out their differences and get engaged. They leave Erinsborough for Japan, where Luke has been offered a job. Hill departed the show after her contract was not renewed. Curry criticised the decision, saying "The powers that be will come to realise what a mistake they've made." After her departure, Hill said that she was concentrating on her other interests, such as singing and dancing. She also attended auditions for several films. Hill admitted that she did not want to take on another soap opera role at the time, unless it was for a guest appearance. She added that she spoke with the producer of ''Neighbours'' and told them she would be interested in coming back one day, especially as Ren's story with Luke is left unresolved. Hill later appeared in the soap opera spoof ''
Shark Bay Shark Bay () is a World Heritage Site in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The area is located approximately north of Perth, on the westernmost point of the Australian continent. UNESCO's listing of Shark Bay as a World Heritage S ...
''.


Storylines

Serendipity arrives in Erinsborough after working as a nanny in Amsterdam, having last seen her brothers Mark and Stephen Gottlieb ( Lochie Daddo) at their mother's funeral. Mark is happy to have his sister around, and as he and
Rick Alessi Rick Alessi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Dan Falzon. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 8 June 1992. Rick and his family were introduced to the show following s ...
(
Dan Falzon Dan Falzon (born 24 November 1972) is an Australian actor, known for his role as Rick Alessi on the television soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1992 until 1995. Early and personal life Falzon was born in Melbourne, and he and his two brothers ...
) are looking for a new housemate, Serendipity moves in straight away. She soon strikes up a friendship with Sam Kratz and they grow close. Sam meets
Chip Kelly Charles Edward Kelly (born November 25, 1963) is an American professional American football, football coach who is the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He came to prominence as a college foo ...
(
Martin Crewes Martin Crewes is an Australian stage, television and movie actor. Early life Crewes was born in Barnet borough, London in 1968. He moved to Australia when he was 10 years of age, and attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, ...
) through the Erinsborough football team and he and Serendipity begin a relationship. Chip suffers from mood swings and
Karl Kennedy Karl Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Alan Fletcher. The actor previously appeared in the soap in 1987 as mechanic Greg Cooper. He made his first screen appearance as Karl during the episo ...
( Alan Fletcher) wonders if he is abusing steroids. Serendipity comes to the same realisation when she tries to stop his advances and he gets violent. Serendipity narrowly manages to escape without injury. When Serendipity gets home she tells the story to Sam, Mark and
Annalise Hartman Annalise Hartman is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Kimberley Davies. She made her debut during the episode broadcast on 15 January 1993 and departed on 31 January 1996. Davies reprised the role in J ...
( Kimberley Davies). Sam goes and beats Chip up, which Serendipity disapproves of. Serendipity and Annalise then start up self-defence classes for the residents of Ramsay Street. Serendipity helps to repair other people's relationships. She acts as a go-between for Rick and
Cody Willis Cody Willis is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', originally played by Amelia Frid. She made her first on-screen appearance on 24 November 1989. The character departed in 1991, but returned in 1993 with Peta Bra ...
(
Peta Brady Peta Brady (born 1972) is an Australian actress, known for her role as Cody Willis in ''Neighbours''. Early life Brady first gravitated towards acting and writing during her high school years, where she wrote some scenes for a school producti ...
) and Mark and Annalise. Her hippy background proves to be useful for
Brett Stark Brett Stark is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Brett Blewitt. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 1993, along with his sister, Danni Stark, and remained as a regu ...
(
Brett Blewitt Brett Blewitt (born 17 November 1975) is an Australian actor who played Brett Stark on the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1993 to 1996. Brett briefly returned to the show in 2005, when his character made a cameo appearance. He made a ...
) when she helps him make a love potion in his quest to win
Libby Kennedy Libby Kennedy (also Kennedy-Fitzgerald) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Kym Valentine. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 3 October 1994. Valentine auditioned for the r ...
's (
Kym Valentine Kym Valentine (born 24 May 1977) is an Australian actress, best known for her long running intermittent portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera ''Neighbours.'' Early life Valentine was born in Blacktown, Sydney, and grew up in Granvill ...
) heart. Serendipity agrees to be one of Annalise's bridesmaids at her wedding to Mark. Serendipity proves to be a friend for both her brother and Annalise after their wedding is called off, following Mark's revelation that he wants to become a priest. Serendipity and Danni Stark begin making jewellery and start selling it. They build their business up after demand grows and Serendipity begins dating Kingston White (Simon Wilton). Serendipity begins to change and becomes very driven by business and making money. She and Danni get involved in the fashion world, but when Serendipity discovers that their clothes are being created in an illegal sweat shop, she is horrified. Serendipity breaks down and rips up her designs. Mark supports her during this time, as does Luke Handley. Serendipity realises that she is not cut out for the fashion industry and goes back to her old self. She also strikes up a friendship with Lucy Robinson ( Melissa Bell). Serendipity and Luke begin a relationship, but they both find it difficult to take the step from friends to lovers. Mark falls from the roof of Number 22 and ends up in a coma, this reunites Serendipity and Luke and Luke proposes. Serendipity is shocked, but she accepts. Luke is offered a job in Japan and Serendipity decides to go with him. Their relationship does not last and Luke eventually returns to Erinsborough.


Reception

Jessica Adams from ''
The Sun-Herald ''The Sun-Herald'' is an Australian newspaper published in tabloid or compact format on Sundays in Sydney by Nine Entertainment. It is the Sunday counterpart of the ''Sydney Morning Herald''. In the six months to September 2005, ''The Sun-H ...
'' said the character's name was "freakish." But a reporter for the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'' commented that she was "delightfully named", and said Mark and Rick "need worry no more" about finding a new housemate with her arrival. Another critic for the paper observed that "despite her name, Serendipity is not making Mark happy. In fact he's convinced his sister is only interested in sponging off him." The
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
said Serendipity's most notable moment was "Discovering a sweat shop for illegal immigrants and shutting it down." An ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' reporter included Serendipity in a feature profiling soap opera characters with odd names. They noted that "if you're stuck while playing Scrabble, ask if Ramsay Street characters are allowed, and this hippy sister of chef Mark might well come to your rescue. Serendipity means 'a happy accident' - so we can only assume this baby was a surprise for the Gottliebs?"


References


External links


Serendipity Gottlieb
at the Official ''Neighbours'' website
Serendipity Gottlieb
at
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gottlieb, Serendipity Neighbours characters Fictional nannies Television characters introduced in 1994 Australian female characters in soap operas Fictional fashion designers