Actor Rob Kipa-Williams joined the Australian serial opera Home And Away in 2019 as Ari Parata, but fans were disappointed when the character was announced to be leaving the show.
In this week’s episode of Home And Away, the people of Summer Bay are preparing to bid Ari Parata farewell.
Ari was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and the character will make a tragic goodbye from the serial this week.
Ari has been involved in various major storylines during his tenure in Summer Bay, including being placed on remand for creating a fake police confession in the aftermath of Matthew Montgomery’s murder in order to protect his partner Mia Anderson.
As Summer Bay prepares to bid goodbye to Ari, the Daily Star looks back on actor Rob Kipa-Williams‘ career, from his connection to Jason Statham to the star’s near-retirement from acting.
Heartbreaking Home And Away exit
Since joining the Australian soap in 2019, Rob Kipa-Williams has been a significant part of Summer Bay life.
Fans in Australia were left devastated in March when his character Ari Parata died after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He died surrounded by his family, bidding an emotional farewell to his loved ones.
The scenes are now due to air in the UK this week.
In a touching Instagram post, the actor thanked his colleagues Home And Away performers and fans for their love and support throughout his time on the serial, saying: “Thank you to all of the fans for all of the love and messages of encouragement. Thank you to everyone who makes the wheels turn, including the cast, crew, camera, directors, production, writing, makeup, art department, and everyone else in between.
“This Iconic Ozzie TV show took risks. I’m honored to have co-created Maori cultural storylines and will forever be proud of those scenes that made it to screen.. it was true teamwork.. My hope is this opens the door for more diversity.
“Thank you for everything Ariki Wiremu Parata, you taught me a lot. I’m gonna miss you.”
Fans rushed to send their love to Rob in the comments section too, with one viewer saying: “The Paratas were the best thing that happened to H&A! You’ll be missed Ari.”
A second added: “I’m so sad!!! You were amazing on the show! I couldn’t stop crying. I wish you all the best!”
Jason Statham link
Rob had a long acting career in TV shows and films before joining Home And Away, including a connection to a prominent Hollywood a-lister.
In 2018, Rob played D’Angelo in the shark blockbuster The Meg, with Jason Statham.
The Megaladon stars Bingbing Li and Rainn Wilson and was based on a true story of a group of scientists who came face to face with one of the world’s most terrifying carnivores.
Rob has also been in TV programs such as 800 Words as Zac, Legend Of The Seeker, TV film Pearl in Paradise, and the 2020 feature Stranded Pearl, in addition to The Meg.
Alternative occupations
Rob has stated that he almost gave up acting before landing the role of Ari in Home And Away, despite his popularity and fame from his roles in The Meg and 800 Words.
The actor told the Daily Mail that he was considering stepping away from the spotlight and instead pursuing a career as a salesman.
He explained that he had lost out on a few ‘big roles’, saying: “I went through this phase in my life where I’d had a few disappointments.
“I got to the point where I wasn’t sure if [acting] was for me anymore … I just needed to focus on creating a more stable life.
Rob then finished a sales certification course, but fate intervened when Channel Seven called and gave him the now-famous Summer Bay position.
However he did joke: “I am actually still qualified. So anyone feel free to reach out if you need any advice on your health or life insurance.”
