Chris Pappas is a young guy trying to find his way in the world. He has a traditional dad, and as a gay mechanic Chris can't seem to get his approval.
Chris Pappas
Chris doesn't live on Ramsay Street, but he is a good friend of Tash, Summer and Andrew. He started life in Erinsborough as a shy, sporty guy, and quickly started dating Summer Hoyland. As their relationship grew, Chris's doubts about his sexuality increased. In August 2010, he confided in Summer, telling her he is gay. While she played it down, Tash made it her mission to expose the truth, much to Chris's disappointment.
The response at school is pretty tough for Chris to deal with at first, especially when he admits to Andrew that he's interested in him. His friendship with Summer is affected by her feeling that their relationship pushed him to come out, but he assures her that it didn't. Eventually Andrew apologises and the two make up, and Chris pushes Summer to admit her true feelings for Andrew.
Lately Chris has been spending more and more time in Ramsay Street, as his dad, George Pappas, struggles with the choices he's making. He doesn't want to go to uni, and much to George's disappointment has been working as an apprentice mechanic with Lucas. Chris loves the work, but does he have what it takes to stick it out?
The response at school is pretty tough for Chris to deal with at first, especially when he admits to Andrew that he's interested in him. His friendship with Summer is affected by her feeling that their relationship pushed him to come out, but he assures her that it didn't. Eventually Andrew apologises and the two make up, and Chris pushes Summer to admit her true feelings for Andrew.
Lately Chris has been spending more and more time in Ramsay Street, as his dad, George Pappas, struggles with the choices he's making. He doesn't want to go to uni, and much to George's disappointment has been working as an apprentice mechanic with Lucas. Chris loves the work, but does he have what it takes to stick it out?
James Mason plays Chris Pappas
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.
