EXCLUSIVE: What happened to the Milkybar Kid? Child star admits he was BULLIED over the famous ’90s adverts – and reveals his surprising new career
He played the Milkybar Kid in Australia’s popular Nestlé commercials in the ’90s.
Conrad Coleby was just 10 years old when he filmed his first advert, in which he dressed as a cowboy and said the famous advert: ‘The Milkybars are on me!’
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Conrad, now 39, revealed how his child star status motivated him to become a successful actor and photographer.
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EXCLUSIVE: What happened to the Milkybar Kid? Former child star Conrad Coleby was bullied for his role in the Nestlé adverts, but went on to become a successful actor and photographer
The Milkybar Kid has been portrayed by a succession of blond child stars in Australia, New Zealand and the UK since the character’s debut in 1960.
While Conrad, who is the son of British actor Robert Coleby, filmed his scenes in the late ’80s, the commercials were mostly aired in the 90s.
Conrad’s adverts took place in a Wild West setting, with the Milkybar Kid bursting into a saloon to buy everyone Milkybars as the patrons cheered.
THEN: Conrad’s adverts took place in a Wild West setting, with the Milkybar Kid bursting into a saloon to shout everyone Milkybars. Pictured on set during filming
But Conrad said there was a downside to being so famous.
‘As the Milkybar Kid in my younger days, I copped quite a bit of bullying for being one of the only kids in my neighbourhood to be on TV,’ he said.
‘I obviously enjoyed being teased so much that I decided to give everyone more ammunition and become a professional actor later on!’
NOW: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Monday, Conrad, now 39, revealed how being bullied as a child star in the iconic ads motivated him to become a successful actor
‘I have worked with every major Australian network’: Conrad played the role of Roman Harris (pictured) on Seven soap Home And Away from 2007 to 2009
‘Since then I have worked with every major Australian network and made my passion for performance into a 20-year career,’ he added.
Conrad scored his first major television role in Sabrina Down Under, a 1999 Disney special starring Melissa Joan Hart.
He went on to star in Australian soaps Home and Away (as Roman Harris) and Neighbours (as Vance Abernethy), and even scored a Logie nomination in 2001 for his role as Scott Zinenko in Channel Seven medical drama All Saints.
Conrad also shared a scene with Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman in the Marvel blockbuster Wolverine in 2013, playing Red Beard.
Remember this? Conrad played Dylan ‘Dutchy’ Mulholland in Sea Patrol in 2010
While Conrad still acts, he stepped behind the lens four years ago.
‘I also work as a freelance photographer covering action sports, portraiture, property and commercial brand work,’ he said of his business, Conrad Taylor Co.
Conrad, who can be found here on Instagram, now lives in the Gold Coast hinterlands and operates his business from his home studio.
Creative side: While Conrad still acts, he also works as a freelance professional photographer