Across two drama fuelled miniseries Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo and its follow up Paper Giants: Magazine Wars documented the highs and lows of magazine publishing in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
The first season followed powerhouse journalist Ita Buttrose and Sir Frank Packer‘s second son Kerry as they founded CLEO magazine, revolutionizing the idea of a ‘modern girl’ in the process.
In its sequel, the story follows prolific Woman’s Day editor Nene King and her battle with New Idea editor Dulcie Boling, as the two women’s magazines battle it out for the top spot as number one seller in Australia.
Whilst the rival Packer and Murdoch empires have since combined under the umbrella of Are Media today, the rivalry of the 80s and 90s was that of legend, making for riveting television.
Ten years on from the release of the final Paper Giants miniseries, TV Week thought it time to take a trip down memory lane and see what the cast have been up to in the years since…
Scroll on, nostalgia awaits…
Asher Keddie as Ita Buttrose
After cementing her star power in Love My Way (2004-2007) and Offspring (2010 – 2017), who better to play the role of trailblazing journalist Ita Buttrose than Asher Keddie?
In the decade since Paper Wars, Asher has starred in several Aussie productions, most recently on television miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers (2021) alongside the likes of Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans and Bobby Cannavale.
Asher is currently married to artist Vincent Fantauzzo whom she shares a son with, Valentino, born in March 2015.
Rob Carlton as Kerry Packer
Rob Carlton as Kerry Packer.
(IMAGE: ABC)Shortly after stepping out of the shoes of media tycoon Kerry Packer, Rob went on to star in ABC miniseries Conspiracy 365 (2012) alongside Marny Kennedy, with guest roles on a number of other local productions, most recently in Stan original series Black Snow alongside Vikings actor Travis Fimmel.
His most recent on-screen appearance was as ‘The Fixer’ in Paramount+ original Last King of the Cross (2023).
He is married to author Adrienne Ferreira and lives on the NSW Central Coast with their twin sons Jim and Leo, and also works as a master of ceremonies and keynote speaker according to his official website.
Mandy McElhinney as Nene King
Mandy McElhinney as Woman’s Day editor Nene King.
(IMAGE: ABC)This Aussie actress (best known for her roles as Rhonda in those iconic AAMI insurance ads) went on to star in yet another miniseries shortly after Paper Giants wrapped in 2015 drama House of Hancock, as titular character and billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
Her next big acting gig was as Matron Frances Bolton in fan favourite series Love Child (2014 – 2017) before she went on to star in another miniseries – Halifax: Retribution (2020).
Her last on-screen appearance was in Showtime original series Wakefield (2021).
Rachel Griffiths as Dulcie Boling
Rachel Griffiths as New Idea editor Dulcie Boling.
(IMAGE: ABC)This AACTA award winning actress went on to star in Camp (2013), House Husbands (2014), and even in some major Hollywood productions such as Saving Mr Banks (opposite Tom Hanks) and Hacksaw Ridge (2016).
Her most recent roles are as Gretchen in Amazon Prime survival series The Wilds (2020 – 2020) and as Rachel in ABC’s Total Control (2019 – 2023).
Rachel is married to artist Andrew Taylor with whom she shares son Banjo and two daughters Adelaide and Clem with.
Alexander England as James Packer
Alexander England as James Packer.
(IMAGE: Network 10)Much like his character, Alexander has only gone from strength to strength in his acting career, going on to star as Clyde Packer in 2013 miniseries Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch story before roles in Hollywood movies Gods of Egypt (2016), Alien: Covenant (2017) and most recently alongside Oscar award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o in Little Monsters (2019).
His most recent on-screen appearance was in Stan original series Black Snow alongside Vikings actor Travis Fimmel and fellow Paper Giants actor Rob Carlton.
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