Home and Away actor Ethan Browne has shared an emotional video of his reunion with his teenage daughter Aaylah after being separated for most of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 29-year-old, who plays Tane Parata on the Australian soap, surprised his 13-year-old daughter when he travelled back to his native New Zealand for Christmas.
In a video posted on Instagram, Browne is seen hugging his daughter tightly. He wrote: 'Surprising my daughter after almost a year apart. A moment I have dreamed and fantasized about for so long. I can’t articulate how tough this stretch has been. It’s indescribable and incomprehensible. COVID has taken away our ability to travel freely, and physically be with our loved ones.'
Browne added: 'But love transcends the physical, and the distance and lost time has only strengthened our bond. We’re here and now, and our hearts are full again. To the parents who have been separated from their children because of this year’s events, and to those who can’t see their loved ones at Christmas, I send you all my love and strength. To my daughter, you are my entire heart.'
The heartfelt post drew comments from fellow Home and Away stars, including Emily Symons who wrote: 'How wonderful, this is just so special! So happy for you.' Sam Frost added: 'Aww so beautiful E, lots of love to you and Aaylah.' Former soap star Jake Ryan, who played Robbo Shaw on the series, commented: 'Ahh beautiful mate. Made me have a tear ya Bastard. Happy hols to you and your clan.'
Browne became a father at age 16, which motivated him to pursue acting seriously. He moved to Australia, studied at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Arts (Nida), and soon after graduation secured a three-year contract on Home and Away.
