Lesley Baker

Lesley Baker (born 20 January 1944) is an Australian actress, singer, dancer and comedian. She is best known internationally for her small screen roles in cult series Prisoner and her recurring role in Neighbours.

Career Baker started her career, participating in a comedy revue in 1963, which in turn lead to a starring role in a production of the musical comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying when she was 19. She then appeared on Australian variety television show In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy, for a year, performing comedy sketches, hosting and singing.

She played several lead stage roles including Fanny Brice in a Sydney season of Funny Girl, and Madame Rose in the first ever Australian production of Gypsy. Further musical stage comedies, and television variety work followed. Baker received a call from casting director Jan Russ offering her the guest role of Angie for an initial three week period. Stonefish Rebecchi (Anthony Engelman) had been in the series since 1994 and they wanted to build a family unit around his character. The producers loved her appearance and she proved popular with viewers, so Angie was written back into Neighbours as a regular ongoing role, alongside her husband "Big Kev" (Don Bridges), eldest son Shane Rebecchi (Greg O'Mera), and youngest son Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney).

Baker has guest-starred in numerous other Australian television dramas and television variety shows. Her feature film credits include Eliza Frazer (1976) and Spotswood (1991).

Personal life When Baker returned to Australia in 1973, she married teacher and part-time actor Graham Haines. She gave birth to their first child, a son, in 1977. Their son suffered brain damage at birth and was later diagnosed with psychomotor retardation.

Film

Other appearances

Theatre Year Title Role