Zeke Kinski
Zeke Kinski | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | Matthew Werkmeister | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2005–2011, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | 22 August 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | 16 April 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Ric Pellizzeri (2005) Richard Jasek (2014) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Zeke Kinski is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera . His storylines have included the death of his father, being trapped in the warehouse collapse, developing an anxiety disorder, joining Pirate Net and forming many romantic relationships. In October 2010, it was announced that Werkmeister and his character were to leave Neighbours. Zeke made his final appearance on 11 March 2011. In February 2014, it was announced that Werkmeister would be returning to Neighbours for a brief guest stint and Zeke returned on 7 April 2014.
Casting
In August 2005, it was announced that a new family would be introduced to the show. The three-strong family consisted of widower
Development
Characterisation
In his fictional backstory, Zeke is the intelligent son of Francesca and Alex and the younger brother of Katya (Dichen Lachman) and Rachel.[3] Rachel and Zeke were home-schooled by their parents and they led sheltered lives until they enrolled at Erinsborough High.[3] Katya was thrown out of the home following Francesca's death and Zeke had no contact with her. The official Neighbours website credits Zeke with the nickname "Zeke the freak" and describe him as originally being a "kooky outcast" and "supremely bright but socially inept".[3] They also describe him as always seeing life as black and white, usually finding it hard to adjust to new situations.[3] One of Zeke's earliest storylines was dealing with the death of his father, in the aftermath Zeke was seen refusing to talk, using it as a coping mechanism. Of the plot Werkmeister stated: "I'm glad that story is over, it was annoying trying to find those damn cards with words! Although it was nice doing something different for a while."[4]
Zeke was initially portrayed as being anti-social and clever, leading fans to believe he could have the characteristics of
Departure
In 2009, media reports circulated that Werkmeister was planning on quitting the program. However, it was confirmed shortly after that he was committed to the role, as a spokesperson for Neighbours commented, "Matt Werkmeister is on a contract with Neighbours which will take him well into next year."[6]
In October 2010, it was announced that Werkmeister had quit Neighbours along with two other members of the cast.[7] Werkmeister said "When I started on Neighbours I was only thirteen, I didn't shave or drive a car so I really have grown up on the show. I've learnt so much, worked with some great people who are now some of my closest friends."[8] Werkmeister filmed his final scenes on 3 December 2010. He admitted to being glad that he would not have to wear his character's signature vests again, commenting "No vest envy here, I will never wear another one again!"[9]
Return
On 10 February 2014, it was announced that Werkmeister would be returning to Neighbours for a brief guest stint.[10] The actor has already filmed his scenes for "a special celebration episode".[10][11] Werkmeister's on-screen step mother and father, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher said it was good to have him back for their 20th year with Neighbours and Woodburne commented, "It seems like yesterday that Matt walked on set as a young boy still at primary school, and suddenly now he's a grown man! We have shared a lot of fun storylines as well as a few tragic ones, the full gamut."[10] Werkmeister later said that Zeke would return with a secret, which will surprise everyone.[12] He also explained that during his time away, Zeke has travelled the world and has been studying. Werkmeister added that Zeke still wears vests and flamboyant shirts.[12] Werkmeister's return scenes as Zeke aired from 7 April 2014.[10][13]
Storylines
Alex begins a relationship with
Zeke begins a relationship with
It later emerges that
Zeke becomes aware that
Three years later, Zeke returns to Erinsborough to catch up with Susan and Karl, and surprise
In other media
In 2009, Neighbours became the first Australian series to establish
Reception
For his portrayal of Zeke, Werkmeister was nominated for Best Young Actor at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards.[15] Conrad Walters from The Sydney Morning Herald branded the character "Zeke the Freak".[16] Ruth Deller from entertainment website Lowculture profiled Zeke in one of her monthly columns featuring popular and unpopular soap opera characters. She called him irritating stating, "I have often stuck up for Zeke in the past whilst others have derided him. After all, losing both parents at a young age and having Katya, Rachel and Libby for sisters seem fairly good reasons for him acting like an arse. I don’t even mind the OCD storyline, though I suspect I'm in a minority there. However, even I have to concede that he's been acting like a twat lately, and mooning over Sunny, of all people, is not going to win me back around."[17]
References
- ^ Brygel, Jackie (13–19 August 2005). "New Neighbours". TV Week: 12.
- ^ a b c d e f "Matthew Werkmeister (Neighbours' Zeke Kinski) Interview". Lastbroadcast. February 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Zeke Kinski Bio". Neighbours.com.au. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
- ^ Martin, Will (29 November 2007). "Matthew Werkmeister (Neighbours' Zeke Kinski) Interview". Lastbroadcast. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
- ^ a b c Martin, Will (14 April 2007). "Matthew Werkmeister (Neighbours' Zeke Kinski) Interview". Lastbroadcast. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
- ^ Rowe, Darren (6 May 2009). "'Neighbours' Zeke staying in Ramsay Street". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
- ^ Knox, David (11 October 2010). "Jane Hall quits Neighbours". TV Tonight. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
- ^ Swift, Lynn (11 October 2010). "Neighbours to say goodbye to three characters". ATV News Network. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
- ^ Byrne, Fiona; Coster, Alice; Webber, Nicola (4 December 2010). "Neighbours nerd logs off". Herald Sun. Retrieved 8 April 2024 – via Gale.
- ^ Neighbours.com.au. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ^ "Welcome home". TV Week (7): 93. 15–21 February 2014.
- ^ a b Dainty, Sophie (12 February 2014). "Neighbours' Matt Werkmeister: 'Zeke Kinski will return with a secret'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "The guides". TV Soap (5): 40. 27 March – 10 April 2014.
- ^ a b c d Bodey, Michael (7 September 2009). "Neighbours takes roles to twitter". The Australian. Retrieved 19 April 2010.
- ^ "Inside Soap Awards 2008 – Nominations". MSN TV. 16 July 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2010.
- ^ Walters, Conrad (29 June 2009). "TV Previews". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
- ^ Deller, Ruth (30 November 2009). "Soapstar Superstars: November". Lowculture. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
External links
- Zeke Kinski on the Official AU Neighbours website
- Zeke Kinski on the Official UK Neighbours website
- Zeke Kinski on Twitter