The drama behind Jan Russ

Jan Russ is frequently referred to as the woman who discovered such names as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce.

As Neighbours casting director for nearly 25 years, her direct impact on the show’s success is the stuff of legend. But tonight she becomes the story in an emotional 2-part episode of Australian Story.

It was the mid 1960s when, as a young unwed mother, she was forced to give up her child for adoption rather than bring ‘shame’ on her family.

“It’s something that I never spoke about in my career. My family never knew about it until a few years ago,” she told TV Tonight.

“I never talked about it for so many years. Back then it was a pretty terrible time in Australia’s history.

“Vulnerable young women who found themselves pregnant and not married were really looked down on and treated as, literally, not good citizens. It was a great shame that I felt when I found out I was pregnant and I couldn’t tell my parents. So I ran away, but the treatment that we received at that time was horrific.”

As Russ recalls the heartache she has endured in silence, she fights back tears.

“It’s basically scarred thousands of women in Australia, because we weren’t supposed to talk about it,” she explains.

“I was too ashamed and frightened to talk about because I thought I people would reject me.

“That’s why, in a way, I decided to go into show business. I thought ‘I’ve got nothing to lose anymore.’ It was a pretend world so I could pretend I was somebody else.”

Russ, who had been performing in amateur musicals, threw herself into a professional career, auditioning for a JC Williamson’s show. It proved to be a move that would help her suppress emotional pain and she climbed the ladder of success.

“Working in theatre and television, in a way, saved my life, because I was focussed on something else.”

But becoming a ‘good time party girl’ in show business also entailed alcohol and later, counselling. It wasn’t until only recently she told her own family of her dark secret.

“I was expecting them to totally reject me, but they just embraced me and said ‘We wish we had have known.’”

She was also fortunate to meet her daughter decades after their parting.

“It was an extraordinary experience because you carry in your heart that little baby. But suddenly there’s a beautiful adult standing in front of you. It’s hard to comprehend.”

A few years ago the story was also the subject of a play at Carlton’s La Mama Theatre, but last year’s national apology by Julia Gillard, together with the film Philomena and Nine’s Love Child, has made it easier to talk about.

Australian Story also features Russ’ son Sam Hammington, born 12 years after her daughter. Hammington, who has lived for years in the shadow of his showbiz mum, is now a star on South Korean TV in his own right.

“The roles have been completely reversed. I go to Korea and they recognise me there as Sam’s mum!” she laughs.

The Australian Story episode also features interviews with Jason Donovan, Daniel MacPherson and Ian Smith. Russ, who these days stays engaged as an acting teacher, admits the filming experience was deeply confronting.

“The ABC and producer Wendy Page have been absolutely extraordinary. I can’t speak highly enough of Wendy, of how she has looked after me and my family and friends doing interviews. The crew have been a great team and they’ve become like family.

“I’m still frightened about when it goes to air on Monday,” she confides.

“I’m doing it for the thousands of women out there, some of whom have never admitted to their families or friends that they have had children taken from them many years ago. They are still living with this aching pain inside them, but they’re not alone.

“It’s very scary to think that your life which you’ve kept quiet for so many years is going to be very public. I’m scared of reactions, but I know I’m doing it for all the women who have had their children taken from.”

Australian Story “The Past is a Foreign Country” airs 8pm Monday September 15 and 22 on ABC.