For decades, Norman Coburn was a beloved face on Australian television screens, known for his stern but caring portrayal of Donald Fisher, the headmaster of Summer Bay High on Home and Away. Now, at the age of 88, Coburn has been spotted in Hobart, Tasmania, for the first time in years, living a peaceful and quiet life far from the spotlight.

A Quiet Life in Tasmania

Coburn, rugged up against the chilly morning weather, was seen buying groceries near his home in Hobart. Wearing a brown winter coat, a knitted scarf, and blue jeans paired with tan suede sneakers, Coburn blended in with the locals as he went about his morning errands. At one point, he shielded himself from the sun with a navy baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses, strolling casually through the streets with his hands in his pockets.

Life with Wife Tina and Their Vineyard

Coburn lives with his wife, Tina, on a property south of Hobart, and they maintain a holiday home on nearby Bruny Island. Locals say Coburn has a small vineyard on the island, which he uses for personal wine production. When not tending to his vineyard or enjoying life on the island, Coburn spends time walking along Blackmans Bay beach near Kingston, where he’s often spotted enjoying the serene surroundings with his daughter, Nana.

Nana, a former actress who appeared on Home and Away as Vicki Baxter and later as Lisa Matthews, now works as a real estate agent based in Gerringong, NSW. She frequently returns to Tasmania to visit her parents, keeping the family bond strong despite the physical distance.

A Peaceful Rural Lifestyle

Insiders close to Coburn say he’s found peace in Tasmania’s chilly, windswept environment, which reminds him of a special time in his life when he and Tina lived in Cornwall, UK. In the 1970s, the couple ran the Mermaid Seafood Restaurant and planted their own vineyard in Cornwall, giving Coburn the roots to settle into his current rural lifestyle.

Staying Connected with Old Co-Stars

Despite his decision to step away from the limelight, Coburn remains close to his former Home and Away co-stars. He’s maintained strong ties with Ray Meagher, who played Alf Stewart, with Ray even traveling to Tasmania to celebrate his 70th birthday with his old friend. Coburn also stays in touch with Nicolle Dickson (who portrayed his on-screen daughter Bobby Fisher) and Ryan Clark (who played his grandson Sam Marshall).

A Legacy of Love and Fame

Coburn’s role as Donald Fisher made him a legend in Aussie television, with his character remaining a staple in the lives of Home and Away fans for years. Before retiring from acting, Coburn made a brief return to the show for guest appearances in 2005 and 2007. He was one of the original cast members, holding a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving actor on an Australian soap opera at the time of his departure.

In total, Coburn appeared in 1,505 episodes of the iconic drama, cementing his place in Australian pop culture. Although he officially retired from acting, Coburn made his final appearance in the Aussie comedy series Rosehaven on ABC TV.

Coburn’s Impact

Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Coburn remains a beloved figure in Australian entertainment, fondly remembered by generations of fans who watched him navigate the ups and downs of school life in Summer Bay. Despite his quiet retirement, Norman Coburn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who grew up watching his impactful portrayal of Donald Fisher.

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