- Maxwell Avia
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Maxwell Avia 
Shortland Street character Portrayed by Robbie Magasiva Introduced by Steven Zanoski Duration 2009— First appearance 19 June 2009 Classification Present; Regular Profile Residence Apartment block Occupation Doctor (2009—) Family Wife Vasa Levi (1995-2005) Stepdaughters Ula Levi Cousins Vinnie Kruse
Selina AviaMaxwell Avia is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Robbie Magasiva. Maxwell debuted on-screen on 19 June 2009.
Contents
Creation and casting
In May 2009, it was announced that actor Robbie Magasiva had been cast into the serial. It was later revealed that he would play Maxwell and arrive on-screen in June to replace the established character, Kip Denton (Will Hall). The serial's producer Steven Zanoski said that Maxwell's arrival would "shake up his department."[1] Prior to Magasiva's casting, Maxwell's surname was planned to be "Novak" and was described sport character with a hobby of skiing. Magasiva's casting prompted producers to change the details of Maxwell's background to accommodate his Somoan nationality. He was given family links within the serial, in ther form of a cousin Vinnie Kruse, who was played by Magasiva's brother, Pua. Fellow cast member Mark Warren originally auditioned for the role, but was instead cast as Oliver Ritchie.[2]
Character development
Magasiva is known in the industry for his "trademark" humour. He later convinced producers to implement some of his humour into scripts. The scenes involved Maxwell dressing as a Fa'afafine named Melissa. The alter-ego was described as "outragous" with Megasiva revealing that he had "so much fun dressing up" for the comedic scenes. The serial's make-up department also enjoyed the challenge of finding suitable attire for Maxwell to dress in. While filming, the humour helped relieve the crew of their stress via Megasiva's performance.[3]
Storylines
Maxwell arrives at Shortland Street from Hong Kong when former HOD of the Emergency Department Kip leaves. Maxwell shares his apartment with Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen), after some sexual tension between himself and Tania Jeffries (Faye Smythe), Maxwell starts to date Tracey Morrison (Sarah Thomson). Tracey discovers Maxwell has a wife and Maxwell reveals they were divorced. It becomes apparent that Maxwell has a gambling problem following his many nights out with Kieran Mitchell (Adam Rickitt). Maxwell attempts to overcome his addiction, but he later relapses and a Tracey becomes frustrated with Maxwell's behaviour and ends their relationship. Maxwell and Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) start dating and later move in together. Maxwell initially does not get on with Sarah's son Daniel Potts (Ido Drent), but he later earns Daniel's respect. Maxwell is put in a tricky situation when he is forced to dob on his childhood friend Henry Mapasua (Victor Rodger) for attempting to con Maxwell.
Maxwells daughter Ula Levi (Frankie Adams) arrives unannounced after and ruins Maxwell and Sarah's relationship. The arrival of Maxwell's ex wife Vasa Levi (Teuila Blakely) continues to shake the situation and Maxwell's relationship with Sarah comes to an end when he cheats on her with Vasa. They part on good terms and decide to remain friends. Maxwell soon strikes up a friendship with newly single bisexual, Nicole Miller (Sally Martin) and soon the two start dating. Though Vasa is unhappy because of her unrequited love for Maxwell. Maxwell goes to stay in Melbourne for a period of three months. Bethany Hall, a visiting doctor from his time in Melbourne becomes close to Maxwell.
Reception
In 2010, Robbie Magasiva was nominated for 'Hottest Male Actor' in New Zealand TV Guide's "Best on the Box Awards". While his storyline with ex wife Vasa was negatively received, when they were voted "Worst Couple" and were subsequently branded as "boring" in the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards 2010.[4]
References
- ^ "Meet the Producer - Steven Zanoski". tvnz.co.nz. (TVNZ). http://tvnz.co.nz/shortland-street-features/meet-producer-steven-zanoski-2645212. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ Coleman, James (25 October 2011). "Robbie Magasiva on Following his Heart". NZ On Screen. (NZ On Air). http://screentalk.nzonscreen.com/interviews/robbie-magasiva-on-following-his-heart. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ Russell, Nicola (March 2011). "Doctor of comedy". Sunday News. Fairfax Media. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/entertainment/4788229/Doctor-of-comedy. Retrieved November 2011.
- ^ "Shortland Street Fan Awards 2010:Winners". Throng. December 2010. http://www.throng.co.nz/shortland-street/shortland-street-fan-awards-2010-winners. Retrieved August 2011.[dead link]
External links
- Character profile at TVNZ
Shortland Street Characters Chris Warner · Rachel McKenna · Harry Warner · Vinnie Kruse · Sarah Potts · Daniel Potts · TK Samuels · Callum McKay · Hunter McKay · Luke Durville · Brooke Freeman · Gabrielle Jacobs · Maxwell Avia · Nicole Miller · Wendy Cooper · Ula Levi · Vasa Levi · Phoenix Raynor · Evan Cooper · Jasmine Cooper · Bella Cooper · Murray Cooper · Roimata Ngatai · Jill Kingsbury · Zlata Waldheim
Current Shortland Street Characters · Original Character ListStorylines Other Categories:- Shortland Street characters
- Fictional characters introduced in 2009
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