James Mason As Chris Pappas
Chris is the ultimate mate – loyal, caring and compassionate. He’s non-judgmental by nature, and this trait was solidified after he endured many negative reactions to his coming out. Having grown more comfortable with his sexuality and adopting a newfound confidence, he’s not afraid to go for what he wants and stand up for himself when he needs to. Chris is a great friend and confidante, especially for Kyle and Amber.
A talented athlete, Chris excels at football but has moved from sport to sport, always looking for a challenge. While he enjoys competition, it’s more about being part of a team – a sense of belonging he doesn’t always feel in his everyday life.
Like it or not, Chris (or Christos as his dad calls him) is defined by his up-bringing. His dad is a “man’s man” and a third generation immigrant. While his grandfather worked with his hands, his dad saw it as lowly blue collar work and Chris always felt the pressure to follow in the family tradition - his ancestors didn’t work this hard to see him ‘settle’ for a career in manual labour. Unlike his academically-talented friends, he’s never been keen on the books but has a real passion for mechanics.
It’s been a long journey to convince his dad to accept this career choice.
James Mason
It was James Mason’s Year 12 drama teacher who inspired him to pursue an acting career.
The 22-year-old excelled in his final year theatre studies and upon completing his VCE, worked as an extra on dramas and in small parts in independent films, anything to be a part of the industry.
"I was very lucky to have incredibly supportive parents who encouraged to me follow my passion and do my best," said James.
In early 2010 James got his big break when he was cast in a recurring guest role as Chris Pappas, a student at Erinsborough High struggling with his sexuality and his family’s expectations.
A year later Chris became the first regular gay character on the long-running series and to date has been the centre of some major storylines.
"I really liked the character from the beginning and could see there was huge potential for him," said James. "I have a friend who went through what Chris did when he came out so it’s really important to me that there is a realism to the stories,"
James was born and raised in Melbourne with his three siblings. A die-hard Collingwood football club supporter, sport and music are his other passions when he isn’t filming. Travel is another pursuit, which he enjoys with his girlfriend during production breaks.
The 22-year-old excelled in his final year theatre studies and upon completing his VCE, worked as an extra on dramas and in small parts in independent films, anything to be a part of the industry.
"I was very lucky to have incredibly supportive parents who encouraged to me follow my passion and do my best," said James.
In early 2010 James got his big break when he was cast in a recurring guest role as Chris Pappas, a student at Erinsborough High struggling with his sexuality and his family’s expectations.
A year later Chris became the first regular gay character on the long-running series and to date has been the centre of some major storylines.
"I really liked the character from the beginning and could see there was huge potential for him," said James. "I have a friend who went through what Chris did when he came out so it’s really important to me that there is a realism to the stories,"
James was born and raised in Melbourne with his three siblings. A die-hard Collingwood football club supporter, sport and music are his other passions when he isn’t filming. Travel is another pursuit, which he enjoys with his girlfriend during production breaks.