Biography

Was only 11 years younger than the actor who played his on-screen father in Neighbours (1985), Alan Dale.

Left Neighbours for 11 years, before returning to the show in 2004. Dennis claimed he regretted leaving.

Both Stefan's real sons have the same first name as his on-screen Neighbours-character's boys - estranged biological son Cameron Robinson and step-son Declan Napier.

Worked as a chef before becoming an actor.

Son Cameron was born in January 2002

I sort of pinch and remind myself that I hold the record for being the longest-serving ongoing character in Australian television history. That's quite an accolade.

We're such a rarity. Not just in Australia, but also worldwide. We're two actors who have been working consistently all these decades.

I recently said to my wife that the morning I wake up and don't want to go to work is the morning I've got to stop doing this. Luckily, that hasn't happened yet. Even if I go to work in the grumpiest mood, within half an hour I'm in a great mood again and having fun.

No different to anybody else on the show. I mean, I'm constantly reminded of it by the cast taking the mickey out of me, as well as people on the street and people in the industry.

It was a very significant thing for Neighbours to do, simply because it came on the back of the legislation changes in Australia. And it showed that Neighbours was up to date and not afraid to take that extra step.