Chris Warner
Encyclopedia
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character
and current main protagonist
on the New Zealand
soap opera Shortland Street
. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin
. He is the only original character to still be on the show.
The character arrived to the show in the first episode where he indulged in a affair with the married Jill (Suzy Aiken
). The characters "Dr. Love" persona has since escalated and by 2005 the character had been married 4 times
, with his marriages to Melanie Kirk (Tina Regtien) and Alison Raynor
(Danielle Cormack
) occurring off screen and his marriages to Tiffany Pratt (Alison James
) and Toni Thompson (Laura Hill
) being the focus of many of his storylines. Since originally appearing as a single bachelor, the character went on to have 6 children over the next 13 years and for Chris to participate in over 20 relationships and affairs. The character is a trained surgeon and has worked as CEO of Shortland Street Hospital
twice, currently heading the surgery department.
Chris has been a relatively successful character with many reviewers and critics praising Galvin and landing him with a nomination for "Best Actor" at the Qantas Awards in 2008. The character has also participated in numerous high profile, highly rated storylines, namely the arrival of psychotic brother in law Dominic Thompson
(Shane Cortese
) and the return of his drug riddled brother Guy
(Craig Parker
).
auditioned for the role in 1992 alongside his flatemate Marton Csokas
, he won the role with Csokas later going on to play Leonard Dodds
. Chris' actor, Michael Galvin
predicted the show would only last 12 months.
Audiences were introduced to Dr. Chris Warner in the very first episode
of Shortland Street
in May 1992, as the playboy doctor, with the only thing he prioritised more than sex, being that of his job at the clinic
. Chris' first scene featured him having sex with his aerobics instructor with his first line being: "That's exactly what I had in mind".
Galvin soon grew sick of portraying Chris, being quoted as saying "after four years on Shortland Street there was so much of me in Dr Warner I wasn’t sure where he ended and I began." Galvin resigned after 4 years on the soap, with Chris being written out with the storyline he was starting fresh in America. His final line was: "Course you do, lets go".
return after 4 years and 2 years, respectively. Galvin was at first hesitant to accepting the role as it was an entirely new cast, but remembering the good times he had on the show, he accepted. It was announced to the public in October 2000 that Chris and Rachel would return and be significantly different than when they left. Chris' storyline featured Chris purchasing the clinic and shifting it to the public sector. Upon his return in 2000, Galvin had to re-audition to prove he could still accurately portray the character. Chris made his return on 22 December 2000, with his first line being; "Sophia Martinez? Sophia, I've heard so much about you, I'm Chris Warner."
), his aerobics instructor however is also shown to be in a relationship with young nurse Alison Raynor
(Danielle Cormack
), the two break up following the revelation of his affair but reconcile towards the end of the year and get engaged. However the arrival of Chris' estranged wife Melanie Kirk (Tina Regtien) proved too much to Chris and he broke up with Alison the day before their wedding. In December Alison discovered she was pregnant. In 1993 Alison miscarried and Chris, after breaking up with Melanie, got engaged once again to Alison. The marriage was not meant to be however, as villainous Darryl Neilson
(Mark Ferguson
) drugged Chris and locked him in a barn, making him miss the ceremony and upset Alison so much she left the country. After his hopes of a relationship with Meredith
(Stephanie Wilkin) failed, Chris got together with Katherine Blake (Margaret Umbers).
In 1994 Chris learnt Katherine was a murderer and she attempted to murder him. He had a brief flirtation with Jo Jordan (Greer Robson
) which ends in disaster with Chris and Steve (Andrew Binns) getting into an argument during a drive and ending up off a bank, killing both Steve and T.P Aleni (Elizabeth Skeen) and leaving Chris with an addiction to painkillers. Chris and his brother Guy Warner
(Craig Parker
) got into a serious legal battle following the death of their father Bruce
(Ken Blackburn) and the two learnt Margot
(Glynis McNicoll) was not Guy's mother.
Chris fell in love with nurse Tiffany Pratt
(Alison James
) and the two married on Valentines Day 1996. The couple decided to move to America, but following the revelation Guy's daughter Tuesday (uncredited) had a brain tumour, Tiffany stayed behind, allowing the two brothers to leave in May 1996. Tiffany and Chris broke up offscreen in 1997 when she caught him in bed with ex fiance, Alison Raynor. He and Alison finally marry.
(Karl Burnett
) that Alison had caught him cheating and they had recently divorced. He became engaged to childhood friend Samara Hindmarsh (Jodie Rimmer
) who good friend Rachel McKenna
(Angela Bloomfield
) helped uncover as a fraud and murderer. Following a one night stand with Toni Thompson (Laura Hill
), Chris became a father to Harry Thompson-Warner (Joshua Thompson) who was born in mid 2002. Chris eventually started to date Rachel but her alcoholism led Chris to a relationship with Donna Heka (Stephanie Tauevihi
), causing Rachel to skip town in 2003.
Trouble arrived in the form of Dominic Thompson
(Shane Cortese
), Toni's brother. Dominic believed that he was also Chris' half-brother but he was devastated to learn this wasnt the case, prefering to reap the benefits of the Warner fortune, he kept this fact hidden from Chris. When Dominic was exposed, he persuaded Donna's stepdaughter from her first marriage, Tasha (Michelle Stewart) to claim that Chris had abused her and also told Donna that Chris had cheated on her with Tasha's teacher. While Tasha eventually confessed that she was lying, Donna ended the relationship.
Chris and Toni reconnected in Fiji however Dom kidnapped Chris but died in an explosion. A newly pregnant Toni and Chris decided to marry but their son, James miscarried weeks later. The couple separated and Chris had an affair with a prostitute, Greta Saunders (Meryl Maine). However Chris and Toni rekindled and the prostitute tried to murder Toni. In 2006 Chris feared he had developed a brain tumour, however it turned out to be a solvable anxiety issue.
In 2007 Toni flees with Harry (Henry Williams) and Chris' brother Guy and niece Tuesday (Olivia Tennet
) after he cheats on her with both Justine Jones
(Lucy Wigmore
) and ex flame, Rachel. He starts an affair with Lara (Anna Henare) but eventually tracks down his family and asks for forgiveness. They get in a car crash however, but all survive. In 2008 Guy departs and Chris and Toni reconnect and decide to have another go at marriage, only for Toni to suddenly die from illness. Chris briefly dates Brooke Freeman
(Beth Allen
) and loses his job to Hone Ropata
(Temuera Morrison
).
In 2009 Chris gets together with long time personal assistant
, Libby Jeffries
(Fleur Saville
). But falls in love with Gabrielle Jacobs
(Virginie Le Brun
), who he dumps Libby to be with.
In 2011 Chris survives the fire and Rachel moves in with him. He is shocked when cousin Isaac
(Matt Minto) is revealed to be a fraud and a lier and Chris turns him into the police. In April he is distressed when Gabrielle returns to the hospital, forcing him to reaccess his feelings for Rachel.
. He also did not get on with his brother Guy
, who he saw as ignorant. However Chris maintained a loving relationship with his mother Margot
and helped her through her alcoholism. Another trait Chris has maintained throughout his years is that of a womanizer, affectionately earning the nickname "Dr. Love".
Upon Chris' return in 2000, he is shown to be much the same as he was. He still showed signs of arrogance and elitism but the exception being that Chris was now a highly respected world class surgeon. Chris carries on his womanizing ways but after marrying Toni
, Chris is shown to start to live a less radical life, fathering his young son Harry. In the late 2000s, Chris is shown to have slowed down considerably. Though still enjoying a woman by his side, Chris is seen to prefer family life and is shown to be a lot more accepting and appropriate to those below him socially and in business.
and the two start a serious relationship. Not known to the audience, at this stage, Chris is married to Melanie Kirk, a fellow doctor he wed prior to the show in 1991. Alison and Chris become engaged and despite this commitment, Chris returns to Melanie who he eventually leaves again for Alison. Earning a bad name due to his constant juggling of women, Chris becomes shunned in his work environment, attempting to settle down with Katherine Blake only to discover she is a murderer. Chris did eventually settle down with Tiffany Pratt
, marrying her. But once again Chris cheats on Tiffany with Alison, who he marries and again cheats on. Galvin was curious as to why Chris had adopted the nickname, stating Chris was only sleazy for the shows first 6 months. Upon his return, Chris dates several women before starting to date Rachel McKenna
who he cheats on with Donna. After having a one night stand with Toni Thompson, Chris finds himself a father and soon marries Toni. He cheats on her however with both Justine Jones
and Rachel. While being separated from Toni, he has a fling with Lara Wade. He later dates Libby Jeffries
but falls in love with Gabrielle Jacobs
and leaves her.
In 2010 the tables are turned on Chris when his partner, Gabrielle Jacobs
breaks up with him. She returns in 2011 to a shocked Chris, who is in a steady relationship with Rachel. Chris admits to Rachel he still has feelings for Gabrielle. Chris is further tormented when Gabrielle starts to date Rachel's brother, Jonathon. In September Chris refers to himself as a "former player".
Chris is shown to blame his father for his womanizing ways and lack of commitment, yet when embarking on an affair in 2007, Chris shows remorse and tries hard not to full for Rachel's charms, yet does not succeed and ultimately ends his marriage to Toni.
has got praise throughout his time on the show getting nominated for Best Actor at the 2008 Qantas TV and Film Awards and numerous nominations in the TV Guide Best on the Box Awards. Reviwer Hugh Sundae of the New Zealand Herald praised Galvins acting in the 90 Minute episode saying he was "good" and "consistent". For marketing for Galvin's play "Station to Station", Chris was described as; 'perennially popular'.
Chris received negative backlash upon his return in 2000 for not showing the same characteristics as he had when he left and for being "boring" and no longer a "rouge".
Due to the characters longevity on screen, Chris has earned himself comparison to Coronation Street
's Ken Barlow
.
Chris' major storyline of 2010, his relationship with Rachel, had mixed reception upon airing with some fans finding it "boring" and other saying they "love" the storyline.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
and current main protagonist
Protagonist
A protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
on the New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
soap opera Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin is a New Zealand actor, singer and playwright, well known for his role as Dr. Chris Warner on the soap opera Shortland Street, a character he has played almost continuously since the shows debut in 1992.-Early life:...
. He is the only original character to still be on the show.
The character arrived to the show in the first episode where he indulged in a affair with the married Jill (Suzy Aiken
Suzy Aiken
Suzanne Elizabeth "Suzy" Clarkson is a New Zealand news presenter at Prime Television.She has appeared in the NZ drama Shortland Street, and produced aerobic workout videos and co-authored the book "Healthy Body Healthy Mind". In the late 1980s and early 90s she appeared on the show "Blind Date"...
). The characters "Dr. Love" persona has since escalated and by 2005 the character had been married 4 times
Wives of Chris Warner
The following is a list of characters in the fictional New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who have been married to the long running character Chris Warner.-Melanie Kirk:...
, with his marriages to Melanie Kirk (Tina Regtien) and Alison Raynor
Alison Raynor
Alison Raynor was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Danielle Cormack and was part of the series original cast.-Creation and Casting:...
(Danielle Cormack
Danielle Cormack
Danielle Cormack is a stage and screen actress from New Zealand. She was one of the original core cast of the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, though she is also known for her role as the Amazon Ephiny in the television series Xena: Warrior Princess, Cynthia Ross in The Cult, and Shota in...
) occurring off screen and his marriages to Tiffany Pratt (Alison James
Alison James
Alison James is a New Zealand actor, most well known for her roles as Nurse Tiffany Pratt Warner Marinovich in soap Shortland Street.- Filmography :* Doomwatch: Winter Angel as Flautist...
) and Toni Thompson (Laura Hill
Laura Hill
Laura Anne Hill is a New Zealand actress, best known for playing Toni Thompson on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street.-External links:...
) being the focus of many of his storylines. Since originally appearing as a single bachelor, the character went on to have 6 children over the next 13 years and for Chris to participate in over 20 relationships and affairs. The character is a trained surgeon and has worked as CEO of Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
twice, currently heading the surgery department.
Chris has been a relatively successful character with many reviewers and critics praising Galvin and landing him with a nomination for "Best Actor" at the Qantas Awards in 2008. The character has also participated in numerous high profile, highly rated storylines, namely the arrival of psychotic brother in law Dominic Thompson
Dominic Thompson
Dominic "Dom" Thompson is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Shane Cortese and since the characters death, Dom has picked up an icon status for his explosive storylines....
(Shane Cortese
Shane Cortese
Shane Cortese is a New Zealand actor and singer, known for his role as the evil Dominic Thompson on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and Hayden Peters on hit show Outrageous Fortune. He was also a runner-up on Season 1 of NZ Dancing With The Stars in 2005.-Career:Cortese trained at...
) and the return of his drug riddled brother Guy
Guy Warner
Guy Warner is a fictional character in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Craig Parker in a guest role in 1992 before returning as core cast from 1993 to 1996...
(Craig Parker
Craig Parker
Craig Parker is a New Zealand actor who was based in the United Kingdom for some time, but now resides in New Zealand. His grandfather moved from Edinburgh, Scotland to Fiji when he was stationed during his years of service in the British Army...
).
Creation and Casting
Michael GalvinMichael Galvin
Michael Galvin is a New Zealand actor, singer and playwright, well known for his role as Dr. Chris Warner on the soap opera Shortland Street, a character he has played almost continuously since the shows debut in 1992.-Early life:...
auditioned for the role in 1992 alongside his flatemate Marton Csokas
Marton Csokas
-Early life:Csokas was born in Invercargill, New Zealand. His mother, a nurse, is of Irish and Danish descent; his Hungarian-born father, also named Márton Csókás, worked as a mechanical engineer...
, he won the role with Csokas later going on to play Leonard Dodds
Leonard Dodds
Dr. Leonard Rossi-Dodds was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Marton Csokas, who has since gone on to receive international acclaim...
. Chris' actor, Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin is a New Zealand actor, singer and playwright, well known for his role as Dr. Chris Warner on the soap opera Shortland Street, a character he has played almost continuously since the shows debut in 1992.-Early life:...
predicted the show would only last 12 months.
Audiences were introduced to Dr. Chris Warner in the very first episode
Shortland Street Episode One
Episode 1 of the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, was first broadcast on 25 May 1992.-Storyline:The episode starts with paramedics Tom Neilson and Sam Aleni driving down a road with their siren on. Tom's wife Marjorie Neilson answers the phone and hears of a car crash involving a young...
of Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
in May 1992, as the playboy doctor, with the only thing he prioritised more than sex, being that of his job at the clinic
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
. Chris' first scene featured him having sex with his aerobics instructor with his first line being: "That's exactly what I had in mind".
Galvin soon grew sick of portraying Chris, being quoted as saying "after four years on Shortland Street there was so much of me in Dr Warner I wasn’t sure where he ended and I began." Galvin resigned after 4 years on the soap, with Chris being written out with the storyline he was starting fresh in America. His final line was: "Course you do, lets go".
Return
With declining ratings throughout 2000, producers decided to reinvent the show, which meant 14 characters were written off and many more introduced. The revitalized show also saw the hospital set receive a makeover. To top it off, the reinvention also saw fan favorites; Chris and RachelRachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
return after 4 years and 2 years, respectively. Galvin was at first hesitant to accepting the role as it was an entirely new cast, but remembering the good times he had on the show, he accepted. It was announced to the public in October 2000 that Chris and Rachel would return and be significantly different than when they left. Chris' storyline featured Chris purchasing the clinic and shifting it to the public sector. Upon his return in 2000, Galvin had to re-audition to prove he could still accurately portray the character. Chris made his return on 22 December 2000, with his first line being; "Sophia Martinez? Sophia, I've heard so much about you, I'm Chris Warner."
Storylines
1992-1999
Chris is shown in May 1992, having an affair with Jill (Suzy AikenSuzy Aiken
Suzanne Elizabeth "Suzy" Clarkson is a New Zealand news presenter at Prime Television.She has appeared in the NZ drama Shortland Street, and produced aerobic workout videos and co-authored the book "Healthy Body Healthy Mind". In the late 1980s and early 90s she appeared on the show "Blind Date"...
), his aerobics instructor however is also shown to be in a relationship with young nurse Alison Raynor
Alison Raynor
Alison Raynor was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Danielle Cormack and was part of the series original cast.-Creation and Casting:...
(Danielle Cormack
Danielle Cormack
Danielle Cormack is a stage and screen actress from New Zealand. She was one of the original core cast of the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, though she is also known for her role as the Amazon Ephiny in the television series Xena: Warrior Princess, Cynthia Ross in The Cult, and Shota in...
), the two break up following the revelation of his affair but reconcile towards the end of the year and get engaged. However the arrival of Chris' estranged wife Melanie Kirk (Tina Regtien) proved too much to Chris and he broke up with Alison the day before their wedding. In December Alison discovered she was pregnant. In 1993 Alison miscarried and Chris, after breaking up with Melanie, got engaged once again to Alison. The marriage was not meant to be however, as villainous Darryl Neilson
Darryl Neilson
Darryl Neilson is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Darryl was portrayed by Mark Ferguson from 1992 to the characters death in 1995....
(Mark Ferguson
Mark Ferguson
Mark Ferguson is a New Zealand-based Australian actor and television presenter.-Biography:Ferguson was born in Sydney, Australia, in family of Scottish ancestry . He attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art and graduated in 1981...
) drugged Chris and locked him in a barn, making him miss the ceremony and upset Alison so much she left the country. After his hopes of a relationship with Meredith
Meredith Fleming
Dr. Meredith Fleming was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portaryed by Stephanie Wilkin. She was part of original cast and the shows first lesbian relationship.-1992-1993:...
(Stephanie Wilkin) failed, Chris got together with Katherine Blake (Margaret Umbers).
In 1994 Chris learnt Katherine was a murderer and she attempted to murder him. He had a brief flirtation with Jo Jordan (Greer Robson
Greer Robson
Greer Robson-Kirk born is a New Zealand television actress well known for her role in the Television Drama, Shortland Street.-Biography:...
) which ends in disaster with Chris and Steve (Andrew Binns) getting into an argument during a drive and ending up off a bank, killing both Steve and T.P Aleni (Elizabeth Skeen) and leaving Chris with an addiction to painkillers. Chris and his brother Guy Warner
Guy Warner
Guy Warner is a fictional character in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Craig Parker in a guest role in 1992 before returning as core cast from 1993 to 1996...
(Craig Parker
Craig Parker
Craig Parker is a New Zealand actor who was based in the United Kingdom for some time, but now resides in New Zealand. His grandfather moved from Edinburgh, Scotland to Fiji when he was stationed during his years of service in the British Army...
) got into a serious legal battle following the death of their father Bruce
Bruce Warner (Shortland Street)
Sir Bruce Warner is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Ken Blackburn and was introduced as Chris Warner's womanizing father....
(Ken Blackburn) and the two learnt Margot
Margot Warner
Margot, Lady Warner was a fictional character in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Glynis McNicoll for multiple recurring stints throughout the nineties and again by Dinal Priestley in 2003 for the characters death.-Overview:She was married to Sir Bruce...
(Glynis McNicoll) was not Guy's mother.
Chris fell in love with nurse Tiffany Pratt
Tiffany Pratt
Tiffany Marinovich is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who was portrayed by Alison James between 1995 and 1998.-Creation and casting:...
(Alison James
Alison James
Alison James is a New Zealand actor, most well known for her roles as Nurse Tiffany Pratt Warner Marinovich in soap Shortland Street.- Filmography :* Doomwatch: Winter Angel as Flautist...
) and the two married on Valentines Day 1996. The couple decided to move to America, but following the revelation Guy's daughter Tuesday (uncredited) had a brain tumour, Tiffany stayed behind, allowing the two brothers to leave in May 1996. Tiffany and Chris broke up offscreen in 1997 when she caught him in bed with ex fiance, Alison Raynor. He and Alison finally marry.
2000-2009
Chris returned in late 2000 with the news he had purchased the clinic, however it was clear Chris had a secret about his relationship with Alison. He soon revealed to NickNick Harrison
Nick Harrison was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Karl Burnett and was the longest running original cast member on the show first appearing in 1992 and running for 13 years until 2005....
(Karl Burnett
Karl Burnett
Karl Burnett is a New Zealand actor born 27 February 1976 best known for his portrayal of Nick Harrison on the long-running New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He was 16 years old when offered the role of Nick Harrison on the popular New Zealand soap Shortland Street in 1992...
) that Alison had caught him cheating and they had recently divorced. He became engaged to childhood friend Samara Hindmarsh (Jodie Rimmer
Jodie Rimmer
Jodie Rimmer is a New Zealand voice and performer actress. Her work includes Xena: Warrior Princess, Young Hercules, Channelling Baby, The Strip, and In My Father's Den.-Awards:...
) who good friend Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
(Angela Bloomfield
Angela Bloomfield
-Career:She starred in Shortland Street for nine years, transforming Rachel McKenna from the school girl daughter of clinic boss into a university student, bar manager and later, a Shortland Street clinic employee....
) helped uncover as a fraud and murderer. Following a one night stand with Toni Thompson (Laura Hill
Laura Hill
Laura Anne Hill is a New Zealand actress, best known for playing Toni Thompson on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street.-External links:...
), Chris became a father to Harry Thompson-Warner (Joshua Thompson) who was born in mid 2002. Chris eventually started to date Rachel but her alcoholism led Chris to a relationship with Donna Heka (Stephanie Tauevihi
Stephanie Tauevihi
Stephanie Tauevihi is a New Zealand songwriter, singer and actress, known for her work as the fictional character, Donna Heka, in the New Zealand television series Shortland Street. She also played a Real estate Agent in one episode of short-lived NZ program Rude Awakenings...
), causing Rachel to skip town in 2003.
Trouble arrived in the form of Dominic Thompson
Dominic Thompson
Dominic "Dom" Thompson is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Shane Cortese and since the characters death, Dom has picked up an icon status for his explosive storylines....
(Shane Cortese
Shane Cortese
Shane Cortese is a New Zealand actor and singer, known for his role as the evil Dominic Thompson on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and Hayden Peters on hit show Outrageous Fortune. He was also a runner-up on Season 1 of NZ Dancing With The Stars in 2005.-Career:Cortese trained at...
), Toni's brother. Dominic believed that he was also Chris' half-brother but he was devastated to learn this wasnt the case, prefering to reap the benefits of the Warner fortune, he kept this fact hidden from Chris. When Dominic was exposed, he persuaded Donna's stepdaughter from her first marriage, Tasha (Michelle Stewart) to claim that Chris had abused her and also told Donna that Chris had cheated on her with Tasha's teacher. While Tasha eventually confessed that she was lying, Donna ended the relationship.
Chris and Toni reconnected in Fiji however Dom kidnapped Chris but died in an explosion. A newly pregnant Toni and Chris decided to marry but their son, James miscarried weeks later. The couple separated and Chris had an affair with a prostitute, Greta Saunders (Meryl Maine). However Chris and Toni rekindled and the prostitute tried to murder Toni. In 2006 Chris feared he had developed a brain tumour, however it turned out to be a solvable anxiety issue.
In 2007 Toni flees with Harry (Henry Williams) and Chris' brother Guy and niece Tuesday (Olivia Tennet
Olivia Tennet
Olivia Tennet is a New Zealand actress and dancer. She has been active as an actress since 1999 and is mostly known for her role as Tuesday Warner on the New Zealand medical drama Shortland Street.-Career:...
) after he cheats on her with both Justine Jones
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
(Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore
Lucy Wigmore is a stage and screen actress from New Zealand. She played core cast member Dr Justine Jones in the long-running soap opera Shortland Street, and more recently starred as Lillian May Armfield in Underbelly: Razor, a 13 part Drama set in the 1920's - 1930's on the rough and ready...
) and ex flame, Rachel. He starts an affair with Lara (Anna Henare) but eventually tracks down his family and asks for forgiveness. They get in a car crash however, but all survive. In 2008 Guy departs and Chris and Toni reconnect and decide to have another go at marriage, only for Toni to suddenly die from illness. Chris briefly dates Brooke Freeman
Brooke Freeman
Brooke Freeman is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Beth Allen. Brooke debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 24 July 2008. The role was written with Allen in mind to play her. Brooke arrived as a locum GP but later advanced in her career...
(Beth Allen
Beth Allen
Elizabeth "Beth" Allen has been acting since an early age and has appeared in several small productions and commercials since 1993. Her first major role was in Cloud 9's The Legend of William Tell in 1998, in which she played Princess Vara...
) and loses his job to Hone Ropata
Hone Ropata
Hone Ropata was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was part of the original cast. He was portrayed by Temuera Morrison who after the role went on to several Hollywood roles...
(Temuera Morrison
Temuera Morrison
Temuera Derek Morrison is a New Zealand-born actor. He has become one of the country's most famous stars for his roles as the abusive Jake "the Muss" Heke in 1994's Once Were Warriors and as bounty hunter Jango Fett and the Clone Troopers in the Star Wars series...
).
In 2009 Chris gets together with long time personal assistant
Personal assistant
A personal assistant or personal aide is someone who assists in daily business or personal tasks. It is common in design to have a PDA, or personal design assistant....
, Libby Jeffries
Libby Jeffries
Olivia "Libby" Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Fleur Saville from 2006 to 2010....
(Fleur Saville
Fleur Saville
Fleur Saville in Auckland is a New Zealand television actress best known for her roles in the television sitcoms Being Eve and The Tribe in which she became known to international audiences for her portrayal of Ruby...
). But falls in love with Gabrielle Jacobs
Gabrielle Jacobs
Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Virginie Le Brun throughout two stints, the first from 2009 to 2010 and the second from 2011 to present...
(Virginie Le Brun
Virginie Le Brun
Virginie Le Brun is a New Zealand actress best known for her role as Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs in the TV series Shortland Street. She is the daughter of vintners Adele and Daniel Le Brun.-External links:...
), who he dumps Libby to be with.
2010-
Gabrielle leaves Chris in early 2010, leaving him heartbroken. He is quick to redevelop feelings for the returned Rachel, and falls into two hopeless relationships to hide it. In August he learns his ill fated marriage to Alison in 1996 led him to have a child named Phoenix (Geordie Holibar), who he adopts following Alison's death. In December Chris and Rachel finally get together and get caught in a raging fire.In 2011 Chris survives the fire and Rachel moves in with him. He is shocked when cousin Isaac
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
(Matt Minto) is revealed to be a fraud and a lier and Chris turns him into the police. In April he is distressed when Gabrielle returns to the hospital, forcing him to reaccess his feelings for Rachel.
Characterisation
Chris is a surgeon, who throughout his run on Shortland Street, has appeared in several different roles around, at first the clinic and since 2001, the hospital. Upon appearing in 1992, Chris is a beginner surgeon working under the rule of CEO Dr. Michael McKenna. Shown to be slightly arrogant due to his family's wealth, Chris was often excluded by his workmates socially due to his naive sense of superiority. Despite using his wealth as a power mechanism, Chris is ashamed of his family, seeing himself as a much more esteemed doctor than that of his fatherBruce Warner (Shortland Street)
Sir Bruce Warner is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Ken Blackburn and was introduced as Chris Warner's womanizing father....
. He also did not get on with his brother Guy
Guy Warner
Guy Warner is a fictional character in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He was portrayed by Craig Parker in a guest role in 1992 before returning as core cast from 1993 to 1996...
, who he saw as ignorant. However Chris maintained a loving relationship with his mother Margot
Margot Warner
Margot, Lady Warner was a fictional character in the long running New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Glynis McNicoll for multiple recurring stints throughout the nineties and again by Dinal Priestley in 2003 for the characters death.-Overview:She was married to Sir Bruce...
and helped her through her alcoholism. Another trait Chris has maintained throughout his years is that of a womanizer, affectionately earning the nickname "Dr. Love".
Upon Chris' return in 2000, he is shown to be much the same as he was. He still showed signs of arrogance and elitism but the exception being that Chris was now a highly respected world class surgeon. Chris carries on his womanizing ways but after marrying Toni
Toni Warner
Antoinette "Toni" Warner was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street...
, Chris is shown to start to live a less radical life, fathering his young son Harry. In the late 2000s, Chris is shown to have slowed down considerably. Though still enjoying a woman by his side, Chris is seen to prefer family life and is shown to be a lot more accepting and appropriate to those below him socially and in business.
Development
Dr. Love
When viewers were introduced to Chris in the first episode that aired in May 1992, the character's personality was already highly on show, with his first scene featuring Chris having sex with a married aerobic instructor. His multiple affair's, marriages and mindless flings over the next few years caused Chris to affectionately become known as "Dr. Love" both on and off screen. He soon starts to date Alison RaynorAlison Raynor
Alison Raynor was a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Danielle Cormack and was part of the series original cast.-Creation and Casting:...
and the two start a serious relationship. Not known to the audience, at this stage, Chris is married to Melanie Kirk, a fellow doctor he wed prior to the show in 1991. Alison and Chris become engaged and despite this commitment, Chris returns to Melanie who he eventually leaves again for Alison. Earning a bad name due to his constant juggling of women, Chris becomes shunned in his work environment, attempting to settle down with Katherine Blake only to discover she is a murderer. Chris did eventually settle down with Tiffany Pratt
Tiffany Pratt
Tiffany Marinovich is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who was portrayed by Alison James between 1995 and 1998.-Creation and casting:...
, marrying her. But once again Chris cheats on Tiffany with Alison, who he marries and again cheats on. Galvin was curious as to why Chris had adopted the nickname, stating Chris was only sleazy for the shows first 6 months. Upon his return, Chris dates several women before starting to date Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
who he cheats on with Donna. After having a one night stand with Toni Thompson, Chris finds himself a father and soon marries Toni. He cheats on her however with both Justine Jones
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
and Rachel. While being separated from Toni, he has a fling with Lara Wade. He later dates Libby Jeffries
Libby Jeffries
Olivia "Libby" Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Fleur Saville from 2006 to 2010....
but falls in love with Gabrielle Jacobs
Gabrielle Jacobs
Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Virginie Le Brun throughout two stints, the first from 2009 to 2010 and the second from 2011 to present...
and leaves her.
In 2010 the tables are turned on Chris when his partner, Gabrielle Jacobs
Gabrielle Jacobs
Dr. Gabrielle Jacobs is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and has been portrayed by Virginie Le Brun throughout two stints, the first from 2009 to 2010 and the second from 2011 to present...
breaks up with him. She returns in 2011 to a shocked Chris, who is in a steady relationship with Rachel. Chris admits to Rachel he still has feelings for Gabrielle. Chris is further tormented when Gabrielle starts to date Rachel's brother, Jonathon. In September Chris refers to himself as a "former player".
Chris is shown to blame his father for his womanizing ways and lack of commitment, yet when embarking on an affair in 2007, Chris shows remorse and tries hard not to full for Rachel's charms, yet does not succeed and ultimately ends his marriage to Toni.
Reception
In 2002, Chris was named the 10th best character to ever feature on the show. Popular both with fans and critics alike, Michael GalvinMichael Galvin
Michael Galvin is a New Zealand actor, singer and playwright, well known for his role as Dr. Chris Warner on the soap opera Shortland Street, a character he has played almost continuously since the shows debut in 1992.-Early life:...
has got praise throughout his time on the show getting nominated for Best Actor at the 2008 Qantas TV and Film Awards and numerous nominations in the TV Guide Best on the Box Awards. Reviwer Hugh Sundae of the New Zealand Herald praised Galvins acting in the 90 Minute episode saying he was "good" and "consistent". For marketing for Galvin's play "Station to Station", Chris was described as; 'perennially popular'.
Chris received negative backlash upon his return in 2000 for not showing the same characteristics as he had when he left and for being "boring" and no longer a "rouge".
Due to the characters longevity on screen, Chris has earned himself comparison to Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
's Ken Barlow
Ken Barlow
Kenneth "Ken" Barlow is a long-standing fictional character from the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by William Roache, and created by Tony Warren. He is currently the world's longest-serving soap opera character, having appeared continuously from the programme's inception in December...
.
Chris' major storyline of 2010, his relationship with Rachel, had mixed reception upon airing with some fans finding it "boring" and other saying they "love" the storyline.