Neighbours may be ending, but as I discovered, Ramsay Street resident Ben Jackson’s career is only just beginning.
What’s it like being a part of Australia’s iconic Neighbours?
It’s been over a year, and I’m still in a state of disbelief. I look around the set thinking, “How is this possible?” It’s a cliché, but being part of something so iconic and embedded in Australian culture is incredibly surreal. I’m very grateful for it, and I’ll carry the experience with me for the rest of my life. I’ll always be a small cog in this wonderful production machine called Neighbours.
How did you land the role?
After graduating from drama school in 2020, I had odd acting jobs, but there was a lot of banging my head against the wall. But then the Neighbours audition came through for Max Ramsay. When I saw he was a mechanic, I felt I should be eight feet tall and jacked, but I went for it anyway. I had a funny feeling that this time would be different, and it was. Even though I thought I’d blown it, I got it!
Ben Jackson as Max Ramsay on Neighbours
What have you enjoyed most about your character?
I was lucky to be given layered and juicy storylines. It was all-encapsulating with drama and tension, which is great food for the actor. I even got to do a few stunts. But playing a Ramsay is quite special because they are family royalty on the show. That also connected me to many of the older characters like Ian Smith (Harold), Anne Charleston (Madge) and Peter O’Brien, who plays my dad. Working with all walks of life from the show has been the coolest part.
“When I discovered I was a ‘Ramsay’ and related to Kylie, I did a fist pump in the air.”
Technically, you play a relative of Charline Ramsay (Kylie Minogue).
Yes! When I discovered I was a Ramsay and related to Kylie, I did a fist pump in the air. I was very excited that she’s my auntie.
As the show draws to its conclusion, can you give a hint about Max’s fate?
I can’t say too much, but in classic Neighbours fashion, it’s not going to be an easy-breezy, boring stroll in the park. There’s a lot of meat on the bone with things escalating. The funny thing is, even the actors don’t know how the show will end.
Ben Jackson as Max Ramsay on Neighbours
Did you watch Neighbours when you were younger?
Yes, it’s so synonymous with my childhood. When I’d get home from school and have dinner, it was always on in the background. I have childhood memories of Karl, Susan and Toadie, and now being face-to-face with them is mind-blowing.
“I’d love Neighbours to be remembered as a bold, inclusive and safe place where people could be seen and heard.”
How do you hope people will remember Neighbours?
Neighbours is a beautiful form of escapism. The setting and character relationships are not that far-fetched, and it’s something inherently relatable to all walks of life. I would love for it to be remembered as a show that offered comfort and gave its viewers a sense of belonging. It’s been so groundbreaking throughout the years. We had the first gay marriage with Aaron and David, and the Varga/Murphy family with two mums. I’d love Neighbours to be remembered as a bold, inclusive and safe place where people could be seen and heard.
Ben Jackson with fellow Neighbours cast members Annie Jones, Alan Fletcher, Matty Wilson and Rebekah Elmaloglou
Do you go out clubbing with your gay mates?
I do, and one of the perks of the acting community is making a lot of queer friendships. My housemate in Melbourne, who is a former writer on the show, is queer. When I arrived, he took me around all the gay clubs and showed me a good time. There’s a few queer actors on the show, and we all go out together. I find gay clubs are more fun than regular venues. The music is always better!
“One of the perks of the acting community is making a lot of queer friendships.”
Do you get mistaken for gay?
Yes, a lot. I’ve been told I’m quite androgynous, so some people have assumed I’m gay. But I love that. I’ve never seen it as something worth taking any mind to.
Ben Jackson in a scene from Neighbours
If you were gay, who would be your celebrity crush?
Narrowing it down to one is so difficult, but I’m loving Pedro Pascal. That man ages like a fine wine, and I love his disposition within the industry. He’s a bit goofy, and I think he’d be fun. Also, Harry Styles has it going on. He’s a stud, and I’m drawn to how he challenges traditional views of masculinity. He pushes the envelope in terms of being open, creative and exploring fashion. Traditional views of masculinity are so outdated, and I love how he’s spearheading that change for my generation.
“Some people have assumed I’m gay. But I love that. I’ve never seen it as something worth taking any mind to.”
What’s your irresistible dancefloor song?
I’m not saying it because I’m on Neighbours, but anything Kylie Minogue. If I’m out and I hear her earlier stuff, I’m straight onto the dancefloor. I love In Your Eyes and On A Night Like This.
Ben Jackson
Who’s your music diva?
Well, my Aunty Charlene for sure! (Laughs) I also think Kate Bush is unreal. My dad’s a massive fan and told me he grew up with a Kate Bush poster in his room! But I’d also put Freddie Mercury in there, too. No one does it like him.
Do you have a grooming tip?
My character Max is a clean-shaven guy, so I use a razor every morning. It was quite rough on the skin, causing breakouts, but I started using piping hot water with a facial cleanse afterwards. I then lather as much moisturiser as possible. I also cleanse twice a day, mainly because of wearing makeup.
“Matty Wilson is king of the budgies! If I were braver, I’d wear them.”
What’s been your most memorable wardrobe malfunction?
I’m terrible at having my fly down. Often, my scene partners will nudge me and say, “Ben, your fly!” There’s one pair of pants I wear on rotation, where I think Wardrobe got the size wrong. They just don’t fit, and sometimes I need to undo a button – but not the fly!
Who’s been your biggest influence in the industry?
In drama school, the director, Daniel Evans, cast me in my first lead role. He was the first person who I felt saw me and my potential. He had a profound impact and encouraged me to keep going. Working with him was a transformative experience, and I knew then and there that I wanted to act for the rest of my life.
Ben Jackson
Is there a quote you live by?
Yes, it’s in the Taika Waititi movie Jojo Rabbit. “Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror, just keep going, no feeling is final.” It’s simple, but beautiful, and I find it grounding. Whenever I’m having a low moment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’ll stay that way forever. But I remind myself that no feeling is final, and there is so much beauty on the other side of pain. Life has its ups and downs, but it’s always good to come back to the centre.
On the beach, are your boardies or budgies?
Boardies, and I have so much respect for anyone who can pull off the budgies. Matty Wilson is king of the budgies! If I were braver, I’d wear them. When surfing, you get a lot of chest-chaffing, and I’m sure that in budgies, I’d get chaffed legs!
What about underwear – briefs, boxer briefs, or freeballs?
Boxer briefs, but there have been times when my laundry basket is piled up and I realise I’m out of undies – more times than I’d like to admit!
The final Neighbours episodes can be streamed on 10 Play and Paramount Plus
Follow Ben on Instagram @benijackson
Matt Myers with Ben Jackson on the Neighbours set
