1980s TV Shows: A Trip Down Memory Lane With… Liz Burch (Dr. Chris Randall in “The Flying Doctors”)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen

Liz Burch is an Australian actress who starred as Dr. Chris Randall in the show “The Flying Doctors”. The medical show ran for nine seasons and Liz played Dr. Randall from season 1 – 6. The series’ episodes explored social issues, such as domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and the struggles faced by Indigenous Australians. The show was very popular in Europe where it was shown in The UK, The Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and Sweden. The show is still very beloved with re-runs on television.

KB: “The Flying Doctors”: What was the show about?

About the RFDS flying through the country of Australia.

KB: How did you get the part as Dr. Chris Randall?

I auditioned.

KB: What did you like about the character and how did you make it your own?

I found it terrific to have a female doctor in the outback. I did a few flights in Queensland.

KB: Did you and the others get some sort of medical training to make acting look believable?

No, although we always had a nurse on set.

KB: How did a week on the set looked like from getting the script to filming?

Once I received the script, I did a lot of study.

KB: Where was the show filmed?

The outside was in Minyip. We drove there Sundays for a week. The interior scenes were in Victoria.

KB: What was it working with Andrew McFarlane who played Dr. Tom Callaghan? Are you still in touch?

Andrew is the dearest person and we had great fun working together. We are still close as we live in the same suburb in Sydney.

KB: Do you have a favorite episode on the whole show and why this one?

It a long time ago. I just love the show, working with wonderful people.

KB: Looking back now would you have played Dr. Chris Randall differently?

I might have asked for her to have more operations.

KB: How do you explain that this show is still so beloved even after 40+ years?

I can’t explain it. I have a fan who I’m still in contact with. She is from The Netherlands and she stated watching “The Flying Doctors” when she was 12. She is still is in contact with me and obviously still loves the show.

So strange. Perhaps because it’s set in the outback and also having a female doctor.

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