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Susan Kennedy

Susan Kennedy (also Smith and Kinski) is a fictional character from the Australian Neighbours, played by . The character was introduced on 3 October 1994 as part of the , arriving in with her husband , daughter , and son . Susan is depicted as a former who later becomes a teacher and school principal at Erinsborough High, while raising her family and dealing with health issues, including diagnosed in 2010. As one of the show's longest-serving characters, Susan has been central to major storylines, including family dynamics and community events, and remains active following the series' revival in 2023 on .

Creation and development

Casting and introduction

Jackie Woodburne was cast as Susan Kennedy in 1994, following an audition for what was envisioned as a recurring role within a new family unit designed to anchor the series amid ongoing cast turnover and to reemphasize its foundational focus on family dynamics. The Kennedy family, including husband Karl (played by Alan Fletcher) and children Malcolm, Libby, and Billy, was introduced to offer narrative stability during a period of transition for the soap opera. Woodburne, who had previously collaborated with Fletcher on the series Cop Shop, joined the production spontaneously after her agent arranged an audition while she was in Melbourne for another project. Susan Kennedy debuted in episode 2251, aired on 3 1994, as of Erinsborough High School relocating to with her family. Woodburne initially anticipated a short-term commitment, aligning with the one-year contracts typical for the family's introduction, but the role extended far beyond expectations. By 2009, Woodburne had reached the milestone of 15 years in the role, and she continued portraying Susan through the show's original run until 2022, its revival on from 2023 to 2025, and the series' conclusion in December 2025, solidifying the character as a cornerstone of .

Characterisation and evolution

Susan Kennedy was initially portrayed as a staid, nurturing "mother hen" figure and dedicated educator, serving as the stabilizing force in the upon her introduction in 1994. As the wife of Karl and mother to three teenagers, she embodied reliability and compassion, often hovering supportively around her family while managing her role as a high school principal. This characterisation positioned her as a moral anchor on , contrasting with the more erratic dynamics of other households. Over the years, Susan's character evolved into a more flawed and adventurous woman, grappling with personal vulnerabilities while retaining her core resilience. Production choices softened her initial rigidity, allowing exploration of multifaceted traits such as occasional ruthlessness in conflicts, as seen in her complex reactions during marital strains and external rivalries. This development reflected the show's broader shift toward progressive storytelling, with Susan embodying empowerment through adversity, including brief remarriages and professional reinventions post-family changes. Visual evolutions, such as transitioning from in the to shorter styles by the mid-2000s and a chic pixie crop in later years, mirrored her character's growing independence. Producers maintained Susan's centrality amid the series' fluctuations, leveraging her as a symbol of enduring stability during the 2022 finale, where she delivered a poignant reflecting on Ramsay Street's communal spirit. In the 2023 revival on , her characterisation shifted to emphasize continuity and , anchoring new narratives with legacy elements while adapting to contemporary themes of and family . This approach ensured her role as a reassuring constant, balancing with forward-looking in the rebooted format.

Relationships and family

Marriage to Karl Kennedy

Susan and , portrayed by and Alan Fletcher respectively, have been depicted as a longstanding couple since their introduction on in 1994, when the family relocated to from , with taking up a position as the local and Susan as principal of Erinsborough High School. Their relationship, rooted in meeting and falling in love during their first year at university, represents a core element of the show's portrayal of enduring partnership, marked by mutual support amid life's challenges. Early in their time on , the marriage faced significant strain when developed an attraction to his receptionist, , leading to an affair in 1997–1998 that culminated in a heated confrontation and temporary separation. Susan's discovery of the betrayal prompted her to throw out of the home, but after months of turmoil, the couple pursued reconciliation through intensive counseling sessions, which allowed them to address underlying issues and rebuild their bond. The Kennedys' marriage continued to experience crises over the years, reflecting the realistic ups and downs of a long-term . In 2011–2012, Susan's close with terminally ill builder Dolan sparked jealousy and insecurity in , exacerbating existing tensions and resulting in another separation, during which Susan moved into a nearby apartment. Despite the emotional strain, they eventually reconciled, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and the enduring strength of their partnership, with Karl acknowledging his flaws and Susan valuing their shared history. Further challenges arose in 2022, when Karl's secretive financial decisions, including an unauthorized investment that risked their stability, led to renewed threats of and a period of estrangement as the series approached its initial conclusion. Following ' revival in 2023, the couple's dynamic continued to explore marital challenges, including financial strains from prior investments. Woodburne has commented on the resilience of and Karl's relationship, noting their multiple marriages—three in total, including a youthful university wedding and subsequent renewals—and describing it as built on a "really solid foundation" that withstands external pressures through communication and mutual understanding. This portrayal underscores the soap's emphasis on authentic marital evolution, including ongoing therapy and support, positioning the Kennedys as a model of perseverance in the face of , separations, and life's adversities.

Other romantic relationships

In 2004, after her from , Susan began a relationship with , a and the brother-in-law of her friend Lyn Scully. Tom left the priesthood to be with Susan, and the pair became engaged amid controversy over the scandalous nature of their romance. However, the relationship ended later that year when Tom decided to join a humanitarian mission in , recommitting to his religious calling despite his feelings for Susan. Later in 2004, Susan started dating Kinski, a university lecturer and single father whom she met when his children enrolled at High, where she was principal. Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to marriage in late 2005 after both survived a plane crash that left Alex with severe injuries. The wedding took place on Alex's deathbed in the hospital, and he died shortly afterward from complications of the crash. Susan's subsequent widowhood and illustrated her emotional depth and , as she navigated while caring for Alex's children, and Zeke. Susan experienced minor romantic entanglements later in her time on , including a brief flirtation with Paul Robinson in 2009 amid tensions in her reconciliation with . These moments revealed Susan's vulnerability during periods of marital discord.

Family dynamics

Susan Kennedy has maintained a close, protective bond with her three children—, , and —throughout her time on , often prioritizing their well-being amid personal and family challenges. As the family's matriarch, she has navigated the ups and downs of parenting, from guiding Malcolm's rebellious teenage years to supporting Libby's career and relationships, and Billy's youthful misadventures. This dynamic underscores her role as a nurturing yet firm parent, frequently drawing on her experience as and former to offer advice and intervention when needed. A pivotal moment in Susan's maternal relationships occurred in 2009 when she volunteered to act as a mother for her daughter and son-in-law Fitzgerald, who were struggling with following Libby's health issues. Despite the risks, Susan's decision highlighted her deep commitment to her family's happiness, though the ended in , straining but ultimately strengthening their bond. This act of selflessness exemplified her willingness to go to extraordinary lengths for her children, reinforcing the protective core of the unit. Later, Susan extended this grandmotherly affection to Libby's son, , providing guidance during his adolescence and helping him navigate personal dilemmas, such as relationship troubles and identity questions. The has evolved through periods of separation and reunion, marked by significant losses and returns that have reshaped its dynamics. The 2009 surrogacy loss represented an emotional setback, yet it deepened Susan's empathy within the family. In the years following, the family experienced further changes, including Billy's ongoing life off-screen but with occasional returns. However, the 2023 revival of saw joyful reunions, with returning to , allowing Susan to reconnect and mediate family matters once more, highlighting the enduring resilience of their bonds. As of 2025, the family continues to support each other through marital tensions and community events. Beyond her , Susan has embraced extended ties, including positive interactions with and grandchildren, while occasionally navigating conflicts that test family loyalties. Her relationship with , for instance, has grown into a grandparent-grandchild connection filled with advice and support during his returns to . Susan's influence extends to her communal "mother hen" role on , where she has long mediated neighbor disputes and fostered a sense of community, often treating the street's residents like an . From early episodes in the , when she helped integrate new arrivals, to the post-revival period in 2023 onward, Susan has organized events and offered counsel, solidifying her as the street's emotional anchor. This role complements her family dynamics, blending personal and neighborhood responsibilities seamlessly.

Major story arcs

Health challenges

In , Susan Kennedy suffered a severe after slipping on spilled in her kitchen, resulting in that caused her to believe she was a 16-year-old teenager from the 1970s. This led to profound identity confusion, as she failed to recognize her family, including husband and children, and wandered in period clothing while grappling with fragmented memories. The condition persisted for several months, straining family relationships and requiring psychological support, before her full memory gradually returned through therapy and familiar triggers. Susan's most enduring health storyline began in 2007 with her of (MS) following months of unexplained symptoms, including blackouts, vision disturbances, loss of sensation in her hands, and burning sensations without pain detection. Initially misdiagnosed as a mini-stroke, the MRI-confirmed highlighted the challenges of late-onset MS in someone over 50, prompting an emotional arc of denial, anger, and adaptation as she navigated relapses and mobility limitations with medication and lifestyle adjustments. The portrayal was commended by the MS Society for accurately depicting the variable, often overlooked impacts of the disease and raising public awareness about its realities. In 2009, volunteered as a surrogate mother for her daughter and son-in-law after 's prevented further , undergoing IVF despite concerns over her complicating the process. The ended in due to cervical following an argument, exacerbating Susan's emotional distress and temporarily worsening her symptoms through heightened . This arc underscored the physical and psychological burdens on her health, with Karl providing medical oversight amid family tensions. Throughout these challenges, Susan's narratives emphasized themes of , portraying her as a determined figure who balanced long-term management—such as monitoring for triggered by overwork—with personal fortitude. A notable 2012 involved trembling hands, , and from editorial , forcing her to confront the risks of ignoring symptoms and reinforcing her commitment to work-life balance. By 2024–2025 episodes, references to ongoing effects, including fears during family crises, continued to illustrate her adaptive coping strategies without diminishing her active role in Ramsay Street life.

Professional and social issues

Susan Kennedy has had a long-standing in within the fictional suburb of . Initially introduced as a teacher, she advanced to the role of principal at Erinsborough High School in 1997, a position she held for many years, overseeing the school's operations and dealing with various administrative challenges. Her dedication to was highlighted in public recognition efforts, such as a 2024 post by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership praising her as a resilient fictional educator facing professional trials over three decades on screen. In 2010, while pursuing a media course at Eden Hills University to expand her professional skills, Kennedy became the target of a cyber-bullying campaign involving anonymous threatening text messages that instilled significant fear and led to professional scrutiny at her school. The ordeal, investigated with help from family member Zeke Kinski, underscored the personal toll of online harassment on educators, prompting Kennedy to question her safety and career choices amid the escalating threats. Kennedy later took on community leadership roles beyond education, serving as operations manager at the Eirini Rising retirement village starting in 2024, where she managed daily operations and welfare as part of Terese Willis's passion project attached to Erinsborough High. In 2025, she faced a major professional crisis when a scheme to remove her from the project was uncovered, forcing a pivotal decision about her future involvement and highlighting tensions in community leadership dynamics. The storyline culminated in the final scenes at Eirini Rising airing in November 2025, marking an emotional endpoint for her tenure there. On the social front, Kennedy's 2011-2012 friendship with terminally ill builder Jim Dolan created significant marital strain with her husband , as her emotional support for Dolan during his cancer battle raised questions about her independence and boundaries in personal relationships. The close bond, which involved accompanying Dolan on personal outings, amplified underlying tensions in her , framing themes of for women in long-term partnerships.

Recent developments (2023–present)

Following the 2022 , Susan Kennedy returned in the 2023 on , serving as a stabilizing force on amid the reintroduction of familiar characters and new dynamics. Her early episodes featured brief recaps of emotional monologues from the finale to maintain , emphasizing her enduring role as the street's moral compass and family anchor. In 2024, took a three-month absence from , prompting concerns from about her reluctance to return, before she rejoined the storyline in . Her homecoming was short-lived in terms of stability, as December brought distressing news of 's severe injury during a trip in with Mike Young; the accident resulted in a badly broken requiring immediate surgery, leading to fly out and support his recovery. Susan's 2025 arcs intensified her protective instincts and community involvement. In June, after antagonist Tyler secretly sedated her by slipping drugs into her tea at their home, Susan retaliated by drugging him in a bid to expose his manipulative schemes, which included tampering with medications at Eirini Rising, the village where the Kennedys worked. This confrontation highlighted Darcy's downfall, as missing drugs from the facility were traced back to him, ultimately leading to Karl's temporary dismissal amid the scandal. By August, Susan uncovered a controversial plan to oust her from her position at Eirini Rising due to budget cuts and occupancy issues, forcing her to navigate tense negotiations with residents and management; she ultimately advocated for compromises like revenue-boosting initiatives, reinforcing her pivotal community role despite the threats to the facility's future. The revival's shift to a streaming format on allowed for deeper explorations of Susan's character, including more nuanced portrayals of her marriage to . In a 2024 interview, actress discussed Susan's enduring legacy, noting the couple's strengthened bond through shared adventures and mutual support, which contrasted earlier turbulent phases and adapted well to the platform's serialized . Woodburne emphasized how these developments underscored Susan's as a resilient figure in the post-network era.

Storylines

Early years (1994–2000)

Susan Kennedy, along with her husband and their three children—, , and —arrived in on 3 October 1994, relocating from a to settle into No. 28 after Karl purchased the property at auction. The family faced initial adjustments to urban life, particularly with the children's enrollment at Erinsborough High School, where Susan took up a position as a teacher to support the family's transition and establish immediate community ties. Early challenges included Susan's mistaken accusation of Malcolm cheating on an English exam, which strained their mother-son relationship until she issued a public apology at the . These incidents highlighted the family's efforts to adapt, with Susan's professional role facilitating her integration into local networks through interactions with students and colleagues. From 1996 to 1998, domestic storylines centered on the children's adolescent struggles, testing Susan's parenting amid her teaching duties. Billy navigated typical teen mischief alongside friends like , including pranks such as altering a teacher's essay to expose her incompetence, which drew Susan's involvement in school disciplinary matters. Libby's emerging romantic interests added tension, as she dated older university student Luke Handley in 1995 despite and Susan's concerns over the age difference, followed by a pressured relationship with Sonny Hammond in 1995 that ended after disagreements over intimacy. sought greater by moving out to No. 32 with girlfriend Danni Stark in 1996, against 's initial reservations, though the couple managed independently and hosted a successful milestone event. Susan balanced these family dynamics with her classroom responsibilities, fostering community bonds through school events and parental involvement. In 1998, the Kennedy household faced its first major crisis when Susan discovered Karl's affair with his receptionist, , after inadvertently revealed the details during a neighborhood gathering. The revelation shattered family trust, prompting heated confrontations and temporary separations, with Susan grappling with betrayal while prioritizing the children's emotional well-being. In the aftermath, Karl arranged for their home to be valued, leading to discussions about selling No. 28 and potentially relocating, though the family ultimately chose to stay and work through the issues. This period solidified Susan's role as the family's anchor, as her educator background informed her approach to counseling the children amid the turmoil.

Mid-period arcs (2001–2010)

In 2002, Susan Kennedy experienced a traumatic incident when she chased an intruder into her home, leading to a fall where she slipped on spilt milk and sustained a that caused . Upon waking, she believed it was 1972 and that she was a 16-year-old named Susan Smith, having forgotten her marriage to and the subsequent 30 years of her life. This condition prompted Karl to care for her while gently reintroducing elements of their shared history, ultimately rekindling their romance as Susan gradually recovered her memories during a vow renewal ceremony that served as a therapeutic trigger. By 2004, following her divorce from , Susan began a controversial romance with , a and brother-in-law to her friend Lyn Scully. Their relationship, which developed after Susan approached Tom at a and they shared a kiss, sparked outrage in due to Tom's clerical vows, leading him to leave the priesthood amid community backlash and family tensions. The affair ended when Tom relocated overseas for missionary work, leaving Susan to reflect on the scandal's impact on her social standing. In 2005, found love again with university lecturer Kinski, a widower and father to teenagers , Zeke, and . Their blossomed into on Alex's deathbed after he revealed his terminal diagnosis, with the ceremony providing emotional closure for his family. Tragically, Alex succumbed to the illness shortly after, leaving Susan widowed once more and stepping into a maternal role for his children, who integrated into the household with support from her family. Susan's health took a severe turn in 2007 during a tense school siege at Erinsborough High, where she was trapped with students amid a hostage situation. Symptoms she had dismissed as —numbness and vision issues—escalated, leading to her collapse and subsequent diagnosis of (MS) by her ex-husband . Initially in denial, Susan grappled with the progressive condition's implications for her career as a teacher and principal, but the Ramsay Street community's unwavering support, including from the Kinski children and Kennedy relatives, helped her accept treatment and adapt to flare-ups. In 2009, amid her ongoing management of MS, Susan offered to serve as a mother for her daughter and son-in-law Fitzgerald, who faced challenges after Libby's . Despite medical risks and ethical debates at where Susan worked, she proceeded with the via IVF, viewing it as a way to strengthen family bonds. Complications arose when an MS flare-up and an argument with Dan triggered cervical shock, resulting in a heartbreaking that strained family dynamics but ultimately reinforced Susan's resilience with communal encouragement. Transitioning to a media studies course at Eden University in to cope with her loss, Susan encountered cyber-bullying from a fellow student, Gemma Reeves, who sent anonymous threatening messages mocking her age, health, and . The harassment intensified her fears of an relapse, but with help from son-in-law and daughter , Susan confronted the issue publicly through a class presentation on digital ethics, exposing Gemma and advocating for anti-bullying measures in her professional capacity. This ordeal highlighted Susan's determination, drawing brief familial solidarity to navigate the emotional toll.

Later Ramsay Street life (2011–2022)

In 2011, Susan developed a close friendship with Jim Dolan, a terminally ill builder she met through a patient advocacy program at the hospital where Karl worked. The relationship caused significant strain in Susan and Karl's marriage, as Karl felt threatened by her emotional investment in Jim's care, leading to arguments and Susan neglecting her responsibilities at home. Following Jim's sudden death from a heart attack while Susan and Karl were arguing outside his hospital room, the couple's disputes intensified, culminating in their separation in early 2012. Susan moved into an apartment nearby, and the pair formally divorced in 2013 after failed attempts to reconcile, though they maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship with their children. Susan and Karl briefly reunited in 2013 after Susan realized she still loved him, but tensions resurfaced over time; however, they recommitted to their without remarrying, focusing on mutual amid ongoing challenges. By 2014, Susan's (MS) relapsed severely, causing numbness in her legs and forcing her to hide her symptoms from Karl to avoid burdening him during his own professional stresses. The relapse led to a temporary leave from her role as editor of the News, prompting a career pivot back to ; she returned to at High School in 2015, where she found renewed purpose despite ongoing health management. Further MS flare-ups in 2016 tested her resilience, but with Karl's and medical adjustments, Susan adapted her role to part-time, emphasizing her determination to balance health and professional fulfillment. In the series finale aired on 28 July 2022, reflected on decades of life in a poignant monologue, recounting the street's joys, losses, and community bonds as developers threatened to demolish it. This emotional farewell coincided with a storyline where considered filing for divorce from amid renewed marital strains, though they ultimately chose to stay together, symbolizing enduring partnership. The episode initially marked the end of after 37 years, prompted by Channel 5's cancellation due to production costs, though the series was revived in 2023, leaving as the narrative voice encapsulating the show's legacy up to that point.)

Reception and legacy

Critical analysis

Critics have frequently praised Jackie Woodburne's portrayal of Susan Kennedy for its emotional depth, particularly in handling the character's () diagnosis and relapses, as well as her poignant finale . In a , Woodburne reflected on receiving significant acclaim for the 2007 MS storyline, which allowed her to explore Susan's vulnerability and determination with authenticity. The MS Society UK highlighted the storyline's role in depicting the condition's variability, noting that Woodburne's performance contributed to public insight into living with . For the 2022 series finale, commended Woodburne's delivery of Susan's closing as "beautiful" and heartfelt, capturing the essence of Ramsay Street's community while addressing fans directly, marking it as the emotional pinnacle of the episode. Susan Kennedy is often analyzed as an iconic "everywoman" figure embodying suburban , serving as the and "rock of " amid personal and communal upheavals. Media outlets like have described her as the steadfast matriarch who navigates family crises and neighborhood dramas with practicality and empathy, reflecting broader themes of everyday endurance in soap operas. However, critics have pointed to the reliance on crises, such as her and plots, as classic tropes that prioritize dramatic tension over nuanced character development, sometimes straining believability for narrative impact. The noted that while Susan's portrayal captured initial misdiagnosis and emotional stages like denial and anger accurately, sustaining long-term realism posed challenges typical of serialized drama. In the post-revival era from 2023 onward, commentary has focused on Susan's role in updating Neighbours for streaming platforms like Amazon Freevee, blending nostalgia with contemporary empowerment themes in her 2024–2025 arcs. A review in The Guardian noted the reboot's nostalgic reunion of Susan with Karl Kennedy amid surreal, modern conflicts, though it described the changes as unsettling and likely to frustrate some fans. Metro.co.uk lauded the revival's balance of legacy characters like Susan with new dynamics, portraying her as a symbol of enduring strength in evolving storylines that emphasize personal autonomy. However, the revival faced challenges, with Amazon announcing the show's cancellation in February 2025 after two years, leading to production wrapping in July 2025 and a planned finale in December 2025; Jackie Woodburne described the axing as feeling "different" from the 2022 end, while Susan featured prominently in final arcs involving family support and community events. The MS storyline has drawn comparisons to real-life awareness efforts, with experts crediting it for demystifying the disease's subtle symptoms and societal impacts. An MS patient interviewed by the affirmed the plot's realism in showing delayed diagnosis and physical challenges, while the MS Society emphasized how Susan's journey sparked viewer inquiries and greater understanding of MS as a variable, non-fatal condition. This portrayal aligned with MS Australia's 2005 pitch to feature the illness, underscoring its potential to educate without sensationalizing.

Awards and recognition

Jackie Woodburne's portrayal of Susan Kennedy garnered multiple nominations for the Inside Soap Award for Best Daytime Star from 2007 to 2015, with a notable win in 2015 specifically for her handling of Susan's storyline. At the , Woodburne received recognition in 1995 for her early work and, in 2008, shared a nomination for Most Popular On-Screen Partnership with Alan Fletcher for their roles as the Kennedys. Fan-voted polls have consistently highlighted Susan's popularity, such as Spy's 2022 reader survey where she ranked among the top characters, and a 2024 poll where she claimed the number one spot with 597 points. Following ' 2023 revival, 2024 interviews with Woodburne celebrated the 30-year milestone of the on , emphasizing her enduring impact. In 2025, amid discussions of the show's future, fan campaigns urged producers to retain core characters like Susan, underscoring her role in the series' legacy. Susan's 2024 return to the series sparked widespread public appreciation, with media reports noting the buzz around her reappearance and reflections on her character's lasting resonance with audiences.

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