You will never believe what Mr Fisher looks like now! Home and Away star Norman Coburn, 88, pictured for the first time in years as details of his VERY different life in Tasmania emerge

Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, he was a regular face on Australian TV screens, portraying the strict headmaster, Donald Fisher, of Summer Bay High School in Home and Away.

Recently, it’s been reported that long-absent actor Norman Coburn was seen in Tasmania – his current home, where he leads a tranquil and secluded existence away from the glare of public attention.

On this brisk, frosty morn, I found myself bundled up, mirroring the cold. At 88 years old, Coburn seemed far younger than his age as we both ventured out for grocery shopping, close to our homes in the charming city of Hobart.

In a warm-toned winter outfit consisting of a brown coat, a knitted scarf, blue denim pants, and tan leather sneakers, the television personality seamlessly blended among the local residents while completing his daily chores during the early hours.

Once upon the cold daylight, I donned a sleek navy cap and a pair of shades, shielding my eyes from the winter’s glare, as I ambled along the tranquil avenues, my hands nestled comfortably within the depths of my coat pockets.

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Coburn resides with his spouse, Tina, on a piece of land situated south of Hobart, and there’s a general assumption that he owns a vacation house on the neighboring Bruny Island. Locals speculate that he cultivates a small vineyard of wine grapes for personal enjoyment on this island.

Currently, he enjoys frequent walks on Blackmans Bay beach close to Kingston. It’s not uncommon for people to spot him and his cherished daughter, Nana, meandering down the promenade together.

Previously an actress recognized for roles on Home and Away, Nana now works as a real estate agent stationed in Gerringong, New South Wales. She frequently visits the island to spend quality time with her dear parents.

In the early ’90s, she made an appearance on a long-standing soap opera as Vicki Baxter, followed by her portrayal of Lisa Matthews in 1995.

A bystander, observing the Logie winner during one of his coastal strolls, commented admiringly, ‘He moves so gracefully for his age and he looks fantastic! I guess it’s the invigorating Tasmanian sea breeze that keeps him in such great shape!’

I can certainly understand why Coburn finds himself enamored by the rustic, wind-swept charm of Tasmania, as it seems to echo a cherished chapter from his past – the time he and Tina called Cornwall, England their home.

During the 1970s, this pair operated the Mermaid Seafood Restaurant in Cornwall while also cultivating their very own vineyard.

In the United Kingdom, Coburn endeavored to enter the world of acting, eventually landing a short part on the soap opera, Coronation Street.

Coburn, often known as ‘Flathead’, maintains friendships with his fellow actors from Home and Away, such as Nicolle Dickson, the actress who portrayed his on-screen daughter, Bobby Fisher, and Ryan Clark, who acted as his grandson, Sam Marshall.

It’s known that he remains good friends with long-time “Series” cohort Ray Meagher, who journeyed to Tasmania to celebrate his 70th birthday together.

In 2014, during a conversation with New Idea magazine for his 70th birthday celebration, Ray shared that he and his spouse, Gilly, were on their way from Sydney to visit him.

Nowadays, Coburn resides on Bruny Island, and he shares that the food and wine are exceptional there. I’m eagerly anticipating reconnecting with him over some fine red wines,” he expressed.

Before retiring, Coburn also dabbled as a sales associate for First National Real Estate.

Although Coburn stepped away from acting several years back, he came out of retirement for short-term roles on Home and Away in 2005 and again in 2007 as a special guest star.

He had been part of the initial group of actors on that show, and he held the Guinness World Record for having the longest tenure as an actor in an Australian soap opera when he left.

He has appeared in a total of 1,505 episodes of the drama. 

Despite stepping away from the limelight, Coburn remains a beloved figure in Aussie pop culture.

Many generations of fans, who spent their childhoods watching him, recall him affectionately for his strict yet endearing portrayal of a character dealing with various challenges at school in Summer Bay.

His final acting gig involved being featured in the Australian comedy series called Rosehaven, broadcast on ABC TV.

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2025-06-28 09:05