It’s been decades since Damian Roberts left Home and Away in search of a higher calling, but could he be on his way back? Actor Matt Doran, who once played the troubled teen-turned-priest, has been popping up at fan events and making headlines again, and what he just revealed has fans wondering if the Bay might welcome him home once more.
From Home and Away to the Galaxy
While Aussie viewers know him from Home and Away, Doran’s gone on to gain cult status thanks to roles in The Matrix and Star Wars. Yep, he was Mouse in the former and Elan Sleazebaggano, the “death sticks” guy, in the latter.
Ahead of a Supanova convention, Doran admitted he once found fan expos strange until he saw the love. “Whoever comes up clearly knows my work,” he said. And despite only having three lines in Star Wars, his moment opposite Obi-Wan has become legendary. “Everyone comes up and asks, ‘Are you the death sticks guy?’” he laughed.
Still a Sci-Fi Favourite
Doran’s surprised to see fan theories online about what happened to Elan after Obi-Wan’s Jedi mind trick. “I like to believe he didn’t rethink his life,” he joked. “He’s probably still pushing death sticks somewhere in the galaxy.” Meanwhile, his Matrix role remains a fan favourite. “I call it my Tony Montana moment,” he said of Mouse’s dramatic death. “It’s actually the photo I sign the most at Supanova.”
The Star Wars shoot lasted a day, getting through security took longer. In contrast, The Matrix was nine weeks over nine months, giving him time to bond with the cast. Reading the script, he said, “You just knew it would be a hit.” He still watches it today and gets pulled in. “Usually the magic’s gone when I watch my stuff, but The Matrix still holds me.”
A Return to Summer Bay?
Now based in Sydney, Doran balances acting with dad life. “I’ve been acting since I was 12. I still audition and take roles when I can. It’s part of me,” he shared. One of those was Intersection, a one-man psychological thriller on YouTube. “It’s just me in a car, on the phone, trying to get my son back. Low-budget but a great challenge.”
He often gets mistaken for other well-known Aussies named Matt Doran. “There are three of us, the Sunrise Matt, the ABC journo, and me. I’m the original,” he laughed. And what about Damian? “He flunked uni, became a photographer, then joined the priesthood, didn’t see that coming!” Doran quipped. He still dreams of being back on set, forgetting his lines. “Maybe that’s the universe telling me something.”
He remains close with co-star Tina Thomsen and says a reunion like Neighbours would be a treat. “I think people would love it. I’d be happy to come back. Bring Damian out of the priesthood and back to Summer Bay!” For now, he’s focused on his biggest role yet, being a dad. “They keep me on my toes,” he said. “And that’s the most important role I’ve ever had.” Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest scoops from Home and Away and beyond!
