Gino Esposito

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gino Esposito
First appearance	August 11, 2000 Episode 3595
Last appearance	June 27, 2007 Episode 5243
Cause/reason	Touring the world with his baby competitions.
Portrayed by	Shane McNamara (2001-2007) Claude Stevens (2000)
Information
Age	50+
Occupation	Hairdresser

Gino Esposito (né Ray Murphy) is a fictional character on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played first by Claude Stevens in one episode, then by Shane McNamara, who has continued in the role on a recurring basis for six years. He is the owner of 'A Good Hair Day', the salon Lyn Scully and later Janelle Timmins have worked at. He is also involved in community theatre.

Although it has never been explicitly revealed, Gino is almost certainly homosexual. He has clearly effeminate mannerisms, as well as a possé of attractive female friends (whose presence encouraged Lou Carpenter to befriend him at one point). Many scenes referred to a feud with a flatmate called Aaron, a much younger man who was later confirmed to be gay. His real name is in fact 'Ray Murphy'; he adopted an Italian-sounding name so as to appear more glamourous. Lyn discovered this and he paid her a bribe to keep it a secret.