Celebrity News

Angela Bloomfield through the years

We take a look back at Angela Bloomfield's most memorable moments over the years
Angela Bloomfield

For actress Angela Bloomfield, who plays feisty Shortland Street CEO Rachel McKenna, the long-running drama series has placed her in the living rooms of Kiwi households all over the country for over 20 years.

She started out as Rachel at just 19 years of age, and since then, has weathered her fair share of on-screen ups and downs.

Tonight, as the show bids farewell to Angela, we’re taking a look back through the years at some of her most memorable moments.

Angela Bloomfield started out on Shortland Street as the feisty Rachel McKenna at just 19 years of age.

Check out that retro wedding gown!

Loading the player…

Angela Bloomfield’s last scene on Shortland Street

The Shortland Street cast pictured in 1993.

Many of Rachel’s most dramatic moments on-screen have been shared with her long-time love, Dr. Chris Warner (played by Michael Galvin).

From being a kidnapped bride to bring involved in a hit and run and battling addiction, poor Rachel has weathered her fair share of ups and downs.

Loading the player…

Angela Bloomfield from Shortland Street

A young Angela with Liddy Holloway (Alex McKenna).

While Angela did take a break from the show for a period of time, she’s always been part of the Shorty family in one way or another.

The star (pictured here in a photo shoot with long-time on-screen love Michael Galvin) has also stepped in as director on the series.

Chris comforts Rachel in hospital during one dramatic episode.

Over the course of her impressive reign, her character has endured more than one should ever have to.

And of course, no one can rest easy when the Shortland Street cliffhanger episodes air!

But despite the on-screen rollercoaster she has suffered, the petite Kiwi screen star says not a lot has changed behind the scenes.

She tells, “It’s not changed an awful lot. The faces have changed but the schedule looks exactly the same as 24 years ago. I’ve evolved, I haven’t changed, but I guess my attitude towards it has grown and my knowledge of what it is to be an actor has grown so I feels different.”

“I feel extremely lucky to have been able to work alongside Angela so closely for so long,” Michael says of Angela’s departure.

“She is in exceptional actor: intelligent, brave, funny and always committed to excellence. She is also a great friend. I’ll miss her a lot.”

Shorty producer Maxine Fleming says about her departure, “Angela and her alter ego Rachel will be missed, personally, by the whole cast and crew as well as the audience. We thank Angela immensely for her outstanding work and wish her all the very best for her next adventures.”

Loading the player…

Behind the scenes with the Shortland Street Ladies!

Related stories