APRIL ROSE PENGILLY

​April Rose Pengilly is an Australian actress and former model, born on April 12, 1988, in Sydney, New South Wales. She is best known for her award-winning role as Chloe Brennan in the long-running soap opera Neighbours (2018–2023). April is the daughter of INXS musician Kirk Pengilly and designer Karen Hutchinson. She began her modeling career at age 12 and later transitioned into acting, studying at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and Actors Centre Australia. Her modeling work included campaigns for Sony, Nokia, L'Oréal, and Elle magazine. In addition to her acting and modeling careers, April has been involved in various charitable organizations, including Dementia Australia, The Eye Foundation, and the RSPCA. She is also known for her fashion and lifestyle blog and has been a prominent figure at fashion events.​

Early Life and Background

April Rose Pengilly was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She is the daughter of Kirk Pengilly, a member of the rock band INXS, and designer Karen Hutchinson. April attended Wenona School, a girls' school on Sydney's North Shore. She began modeling during her school years and signed with Chadwick Models at age 16. After graduating, she joined Wilhelmina Models in New York and worked internationally in cities like London, Tokyo, and Osaka. April used the stage name "April Rose" to establish her own identity separate from her father's fame. ​

Modeling Career

April's modeling career included working with top photographers such as Rankin, Steven Chee, and Terry Richardson. She appeared in magazines like InStyle, Elle UK, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire. April was the face of the Melbourne Fashion Festival and served as an ambassador for brands like David Jones, Sony, Nokia, and Barbie. She also represented the Japanese stocking label ATSUGI. In 2009, she co-hosted FashionTV's coverage of London Fashion Week. ​

Transition to Acting

April pursued acting by studying at NIDA and Actors Centre Australia. She made her film debut in LBF (2011), which premiered at the South by Southwest festival. She appeared in short films like Object (2013), Jinxed (2016), and Lovelost (2018). April also had roles in miniseries such as Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door (2015) and Brock (2016).

Breakthrough with Neighbours

In 2018, April joined the cast of Neighbours as Chloe Brennan. Her portrayal earned her the Best Daytime Star award at the 2021 Inside Soap Awards. She remained on the show until its cancellation in 2022 and returned for a guest appearance in 2023. April was one of six cast members selected for the Neighbours Celebration Tour in 2023, which included sold-out shows across Europe and Australia.

Other Endeavors and Personal Life

April competed on Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2014, partnering with Aric Yegudkin. She has been involved with charities like Dementia Australia, The Eye Foundation, and the RSPCA. April maintains a strong presence in the fashion industry, attending events hosted by Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Hermès. She has also contributed writings to magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Women's Fitness. In her personal life, April announced her engagement to Adam Paul in December 2023. ​

April Rose Pengilly's journey from modeling to acting showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her contributions to the entertainment and fashion industries, along with her charitable work, highlight her multifaceted career and commitment to making a positive impact.