Erik Thomson: Actor Biography, New Love & Career Highlights

From the underworld of Hercules to the suburban living rooms of Australian television, Erik Thomson has built a career on contrast. The New Zealand-Australian actor, best known as Dave Rafter in Packed to the Rafters, has recently made headlines for a new chapter in his personal life.

Nationality: New Zealand-Australian ·
Best-known role: Dave Rafter in Packed to the Rafters ·
Award: AFI Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama (2004) ·
Origin: Scottish-born, moved to New Zealand at age seven

Eight key details about Erik Thomson, one pattern: a career marked by versatility from fantasy epics to family dramas.

Who is Erik Thomson’s new love?

According to a 2024 report from New Idea (Australian tabloid), Thomson has found love again after the end of his long-term marriage. The article, citing unnamed sources, states he is in a new relationship as of 2023/2024. However, the identity of his new partner has not been publicly disclosed in any verifiable source.

While tabloid reports fill the gap left by Thomson’s private nature, concrete details remain scarce.

Is Erik Thomson still married?

Erik Thomson is not currently married. According to New Idea (Australian tabloid), he and Caitlin McDougall split after more than 25 years together. The couple reportedly met in September 1997 on AFL Grand Final day and married in April 1999 at a winery in South Australia’s McLaren Vale region (SALIFE / InDaily – South Australian lifestyle and news).

They have two children – Eilish and Magnus. In 2021, Thomson told SALIFE / InDaily that he and McDougall had “come close to breaking up at times” but that being apart was “not palatable to either of us.” The 2024 New Idea report claims the split has now occurred, but no divorce details have been confirmed.

The pattern: a long marriage that weathered strains, but ultimately ended privately.

What is Erik Thomson’s best-known role?

His role in Packed to the Rafters

• Dave Rafter – the quintessential Australian TV dad

Thomson is best known for playing Dave Rafter in the Australian TV series Packed to the Rafters, which ran from 2008 to 2013. The role made him a household name in Australia and earned him the AFI Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama in 2004 (the award actually came during the show’s run, though the series began in 2008 – the AFI award was for his earlier work, but the role cemented his fame). According to Australian Television (TV reference site), the show is repeatedly described as the role that made him a household name. In 2021, he reunited with the cast for Back to the Rafters, which was cancelled about a month after it premiered (Now To Love NZ).

His role as Hades in Hercules and Xena

• Hades – the god of the underworld

Before family dramas, Thomson played Hades in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. According to Wikipedia (open-edited encyclopedia), this role gave him early cult recognition in the fantasy genre. The contrast between Hades and Dave Rafter highlights Thomson’s range as an actor.

: despite his fame as a TV dad, Thomson’s early role as Hades shows a surprising range that many casual viewers may not know. His career is broader than one character.

Did Erik Thomson do his own surfing in 800 Words?

Yes, Thomson performed his own surfing stunts in the TV series 800 Words. According to The West Australian (Western Australian newspaper), the actor learned surfing for the role and performed the stunts himself. The show, which aired from 2015 to 2018, featured him as widower George Turner who moves his children to New Zealand after his wife’s death.

The implication: authenticity on screen meant real risk, but it paid off in credibility.

What is Erik Thomson’s background and early life?

Scottish origins and move to New Zealand

• Born in Inverness, Scotland, on 27 April 1967 (IMDb)

Thomson moved to New Zealand at age seven, with his family settling in Tauranga, according to NZ On Screen (New Zealand film and TV archive). He grew up in New Zealand and later moved to Australia in 1995, where his acting career took off in the mid-1990s (Wikipedia).

Education and early acting career

• Trained at the New Zealand Drama School (Toi Whakaari) – confirmed by multiple sources

Thomson began acting in the mid-1990s in Australia. His early work included guest roles in Australian television before landing the part of Hades. NZ On Screen notes that his career breakthrough came after his move to Australia. He became a regular on shows like The Strip and Water Rats before achieving national fame.

Key career and life milestones

• Mid-1990s – Acting career takes off in Australia after moving from New Zealand (NZ On Screen)
• 2004 – Wins AFI Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama (IMDb)
• 2008–2013 – Stars as Dave Rafter in Packed to the Rafters (Australian Television)
• 2015–2018 – Stars in 800 Words, performs own surfing stunts (The West Australian)
• 2021 – Reunites with cast for Back to the Rafters (Now To Love NZ)
• 2023–2024 – Reports of a new romantic relationship (New Idea)

What this means: Thomson’s timeline shows a steady, evolving career with a notable shift from fantasy to family drama, while his personal life has recently drawn public attention.

“Scottish born Australasian. Professional pretender.”

Erik Thomson, via his Instagram (social platform) bio

“Scottish-born Erik Thomson moved to New Zealand at age seven. In the mid 1990s his acting career took off in Australia.”

NZ On Screen (New Zealand film and TV archive)

“Erik packs a lot into 800 Words” – the actor performed his own surfing stunts for the role of George Turner.

The West Australian (Western Australian newspaper)

For Australian television audiences, the implication is clear: Erik Thomson remains one of the most versatile actors on the scene, and his personal journey adds depth to the characters he portrays. The choice for fans is to appreciate the performer while respecting the privacy that he values.