Home and Away’s Emily Weir: A Life of Family, Resilience, and Romance Beyond Mackenzie Booth
While her Home and Away character Mackenzie Booth battles restaurant debts and risky schemes in Summer Bay, actress Emily Weir navigates a life grounded in family bonds, personal growth, and quiet triumphs off-screen. From her close-knit family dynamic to her inspiring journey of sobriety and newfound passions, here’s a glimpse into the real world of the beloved Australian star.
Mackenzie Booth’s Turmoil vs. Emily’s Simple Joys
On-screen, Mackenzie is fighting to save her restaurant, Salt, from financial ruin, even resorting to underground poker nights with waitress Felicity. But off-screen, Emily, 32 (born in 1991), cherishes a low-key lifestyle centered around her family. She’s often spotted enjoying serene days on the water or dining out with her mother Christine, brother Tom, and niece. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her mom, Emily wrote, “You’re the funniest, most beautiful person… the laughs we share are my number one joy.”
From Audition Screams to Summer Bay Stardom
Emily joined Home and Away in June 2019 as the bold businesswoman Mackenzie, Dean Thompson’s (Patrick O’Connor) secret half-sister. Landing the role was a “dream come true” — she once recalled screaming and running “like a mad woman” after securing the part during an unrelated audition. But her journey to fame wasn’t without struggles.
Behind the Scenes: Sobriety, Anxiety, and Dancing With The Stars
Six months before her Home and Away debut, Emily quit alcohol after years of using it to cope with anxiety stemming from her parents’ divorce. “In my 20s, I was lost. I nearly lost hope,” she shared. Her participation in Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) in 2023 became a turning point, blending artistry with vulnerability. A poignant dance with partner Lyu Masuda symbolizing “losing hope” moved audiences, as Emily channeled her battles into performance. “It was a story about our personal journeys… a moment I’ll never forget,” she told TV WEEK.
Now a vocal advocate for mental health, Emily supports Sydney Retreat, a rehab center, and credits AA and self-compassion for her growth. “Change is painful, but I clawed my way out,” she reflected.
Romances: Past Adventures and Present Privacy
While Mackenzie’s love life faces turbulence (more on that below), Emily keeps her current relationships private. However, she’s shared charming anecdotes about past romances — like a whirlwind fling with a Contiki tour meet-cute in Prague and a surprise birthday trip to China, where a partner whisked her to the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Real-Life Bonds: Friendship with Co-Star Tristan Gorey
Emily’s on-screen romance with Tristan Gorey (Dr. Levi Fowler) mirrors a genuine friendship. Gorey, nominated for a 2023 Logie Award, told 7News, “I consider Emily a close friend… we discuss philosophy and push each other.” Their characters’ relationship, however, is rocky: recent plots tease tension as Mack grows suspicious of Levi’s ties to his estranged wife, Imogen. “Will they make it?” fans wonder.
What’s Next for Emily — and Mackenzie?
Emily’s focus remains on growth: “My dream is peace of mind.” As for Mackenzie? “A wedding would be nice!” she teased. With Home and Away’s drama escalating and Emily’s off-screen resilience shining, one thing’s clear — both the actress and her character are fighters.
