It has been nearly two decades since we first saw Dave and Julie Rafter trying to navigate a house that just wouldn't stay empty. Remember that feeling? The suburban chaos, the cricket in the backyard, and the constant sound of a screen door slamming? It was the kind of show that felt like a warm hug on a Tuesday night. But TV is a fickle business, and the packed to the rafters actors have moved on to some pretty wild places since the original series wrapped and that 2021 Amazon reboot, Back to the Rafters, gave us one last look at the family.
Honestly, if you haven’t kept up, you might be shocked at who is hosting game shows and who has basically left the limelight for a quieter life in Western Australia.
Rebecca Gibney: From Suburban Mum to Game Show Queen
It’s 2026, and Rebecca Gibney is still the undisputed matriarch of Australian television. But she’s not folding laundry or worrying about Nathan’s love life anymore.
Gibney recently made a massive career pivot that had everyone talking. She is the new host of the refreshed Millionaire Hot Seat. Can you imagine? The woman who gave us Julie Rafter is now the one asking the high-stakes questions. It’s a huge move for her, marking her first real foray into the world of game show hosting. She’s bringing that same warmth we loved in the Rafter house to the "hot seat," and so far, the ratings suggest Australia is here for it.
Aside from that, she’s been living her best life in New Zealand. She often shares glimpses of her quiet life there when she isn't filming. It’s a far cry from the cramped suburban sets of Sydney.
The Mystery of Jessica Marais
If there is one name that pops up most when people search for packed to the rafters actors, it’s Jessica Marais. She was the "it girl" of the 2010s. Rachel Rafter was the heartthrob of the show, and Marais was a superstar.
But things took a turn.
As many fans know, she stepped away from the industry a few years back. She famously withdrew from the Back to the Rafters reboot for personal health reasons, with Georgina Haig stepping into the role of Rachel. Since then, Jessica has been incredibly private. Reports indicate she moved back to Perth in 2022 to be closer to family.
There were sightings of her working in a Sydney café for a while—a move that showed she was prioritizing her mental health and a "normal" life over the pressures of the Red Carpet. In 2026, she remains largely out of the public eye. It’s a poignant reminder that the glitz of TV isn't everything.
Hugh Sheridan is Now a New Yorker (Mostly)
Hugh Sheridan, who played the lovable Ben Rafter, has had a journey that is anything but linear. He’s always been a bit of a polymath—acting, singing, and even a bit of reality TV.
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Currently, Hugh calls New York City home. He’s deeply embedded in the arts scene there, but he hasn't forgotten his roots. He’s back in Australia frequently, especially for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Festival. His show, California Crooners Club, is a massive hit. It’s basically him and a couple of world-class singers doing jazz-infused covers of pop songs.
He’s also been doing intimate theater shows like Something Big in places like Tasmania. He seems to have found a balance between the high energy of NYC and the grassroots appreciation of the Australian stage.
Erik Thomson and the "Dad" Energy
Erik Thomson (Dave Rafter) is the guy you see everywhere but never realize how much work he’s actually doing. He’s become the go-to leading man for Australian and New Zealand drama.
Lately, he’s been popping up in series like My Life is Murder and Black Snow. He also ventured into producing with the show Aftertaste. Unlike some of his co-stars who went for the Hollywood dream, Erik seems perfectly content being a titan of Australasian television. He’s aged into these gritty, complex roles that are a world away from Dave Rafter’s "let’s have a beer and talk it out" vibe.
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What About the Rest of the Crew?
The supporting cast hasn't been idle, either.
- Angus McLaren (Nathan Rafter): He’s been busy! You might have spotted him in Hotel Mumbai or the rom-com The Naked Wanderer. He’s also been doing a lot of theater and even wrote a one-man show. He’s definitely transitioned from "the cute brother" to a serious, multifaceted performer.
- George Houvardas (Carbo): Honestly, everyone loved Carbo. George hasn't been as prolific as Erik or Rebecca, but he’s still working. He had a guest spot on Wellmania recently and appeared in the film Transfusion. He also spends a lot of time working with his family's restaurant business in Sydney.
- Michael Caton (Grandpa Ted): A true legend. Even in 2026, Michael is still active, though he’s used his platform more for advocacy lately. He’s been a vocal supporter of the Falls Prevention Alliance Australia, helping to launch national campaigns for senior safety. He’s still the "national treasure" we all know him to be.
- Ryan Corr (Coby): Ryan is probably the biggest "success story" in terms of international reach. He was in House of the Dragon! Yeah, Coby from Rafters was in the Game of Thrones prequel. He’s also slated for several major projects in 2026, including the series A Melbourne Match.
Why We Still Care
There’s something about the packed to the rafters actors that just sticks. Maybe it’s because the show aired during a time when we still sat down at 8:30 PM to watch TV together. It wasn't just a show; it was a weekly check-in with a family that felt like our own.
Seeing where they are now—some thriving in new careers, others choosing privacy, and some hitting the global stage—is a bit like hearing about old high school friends. You’re just glad they’re doing okay.
Actionable Insights for Rafters Fans
If you're feeling nostalgic and want to catch up with the cast's current work, here is how to find them in 2026:
- Watch the Host: Catch Rebecca Gibney on Network 10 hosting Millionaire Hot Seat.
- Live Music: Check out the California Crooners Club if you are in Adelaide or New York; Hugh Sheridan’s live vocals are a different beast compared to his TV work.
- Binge the New Stuff: Look for Ryan Corr in House of the Dragon on Max/Binge or Erik Thomson in Black Snow on Stan.
- Revisit the Classics: Both the original Packed to the Rafters and the 2021 Back to the Rafters are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The Rafter house might be empty now, but the actors who lived there are busier than ever. Whether it’s through a game show or a gritty HBO drama, they’re still very much a part of the cultural fabric.