The Mermaids Are Grown Up: Where Are The H2O: Just Add Water Actors Now In 2025?

It has been nearly two decades since the Australian fantasy series H2O: Just Add Water first captivated audiences worldwide, chronicling the lives of three teenage girls—Rikki, Cleo, and Emma—who transform into mermaids upon contact with water. The show, which ran from 2006 to 2010, became a global phenomenon, launching the careers of its young, talented cast into international stardom. Fans continue to search for updates on the actors who brought the magic of Mako Island to life.

As of late 2025, the original cast members have made headlines with major career moves, personal milestones, and appearances in some of the biggest franchises on television and film. From welcoming new family members to starring in new Paramount+ series and walking the Cannes red carpet, the H2O alumni are busier than ever, proving their careers were "No Ordinary Girl" stories.

H2O: Just Add Water Main Cast Biography and Profiles

The core cast of H2O: Just Add Water featured five main actors across its three-season run. Here is a quick profile of the stars who played the iconic mermaids and their loyal confidant, Lewis McCartney.

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• Cariba Heine (Rikki Chadwick)
  • Full Name: Cariba Cecilia Heine
  • Date of Birth: October 1, 1988
  • Birthplace: Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa
  • Role in H2O: Rikki Chadwick, the rebellious and free-spirited mermaid with the power of hydro-thermokinesis (controlling heat in water).
• Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo Sertori)
  • Full Name: Phoebe Jane Elizabeth Tonkin
  • Date of Birth: July 12, 1989
  • Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Role in H2O: Cleo Sertori, the initially timid mermaid who gains the power of hydro-kinesis (controlling the shape and movement of water).
• Claire Holt (Emma Gilbert)
  • Full Name: Claire Rhiannon Holt
  • Date of Birth: June 11, 1988
  • Birthplace: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  • Role in H2O: Emma Gilbert, the responsible and athletic mermaid who possesses the power of hydro-cryokinesis (freezing water). She departed after Season 2.
• Angus McLaren (Lewis McCartney)
  • Full Name: Angus McLaren
  • Date of Birth: November 3, 1988
  • Birthplace: Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia
  • Role in H2O: Lewis McCartney, the girls' best friend, a science enthusiast, and the only person who knows their secret.
• Indiana Evans (Bella Hartley)
  • Full Name: Indiana Rose Evans
  • Date of Birth: July 27, 1990
  • Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Role in H2O: Bella Hartley, a new mermaid introduced in Season 3 with the power of hydro-solid-kinesis (turning water into gelatin and crystal).

The Mermaids Today: Career and Personal Milestones in 2025

The actresses who starred as the central mermaids—Cariba Heine, Phoebe Tonkin, and Claire Holt—have maintained a strong bond and have each achieved significant success in Hollywood and their personal lives, making major waves in 2025.

Phoebe Tonkin (Cleo Sertori): From Mako to Major Movies

Phoebe Tonkin, who played the sweet and cautious Cleo Sertori, has arguably had the most high-profile career trajectory, largely due to her work in the supernatural genre. After H2O, she famously reunited with co-star Claire Holt on The CW's hit series The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off, The Originals, where she played the werewolf Hayley Marshall.

In 2025, Tonkin’s career is accelerating on multiple fronts. She is set to star in the new Paramount+ series, Two Years Later, alongside fellow Australian actor Brenton Thwaites. Additionally, she has a major film project on the horizon, the 2025 thriller THE 8TH DAY. Beyond acting, Tonkin is a recognized fashion icon, having been featured in the June 2025 issue of Vogue Australia, showcasing her work with luxury brands like Chanel. Her transition from teen star to an established, versatile actress and model has been seamless.

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Cariba Heine (Rikki Chadwick): Motherhood and Continued Acting

Cariba Heine, the fiery Rikki Chadwick, has recently celebrated one of the biggest personal milestones of her life. In a piece of heartwarming news that delighted fans in late 2024 and early 2025, Heine announced the arrival of her first baby with her husband, Matt Pong. The actress, who also starred in the spin-off series Mako Mermaids, has continued her acting career with roles in Australian television, including the comedy-drama Everyone Is Doing Great... Right? Her recent focus on family has been a lovely update for fans who followed her journey from the rebellious mermaid of the Gold Coast.

Claire Holt (Emma Gilbert): Hollywood, Health, and Family

Claire Holt, who played the responsible Emma Gilbert in the first two seasons, has also carved out a successful career, most notably as the original vampire Rebekah Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, often working alongside Phoebe Tonkin.

Holt has balanced her acting career—including the horror film 47 Meters Down—with a strong focus on health and family. In a display of her dedication, she recently completed the New York City marathon, a feat that garnered significant attention. Furthermore, she remains a fixture in the fashion world, making a notable appearance at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, showcasing her enduring star power on the global stage. Holt is also a prominent advocate and entrepreneur in the wellness space.

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What Happened to Lewis, Bella, and Zane? Supporting Cast Updates

The supporting cast members, who were crucial to the show's dynamic, have also moved on to diverse and interesting projects, expanding their own careers in Australian and international media. Their stories add depth to the legacy of the original series created by Jonathan M. Shiff.

• Angus McLaren (Lewis McCartney): The Dedicated Actor

  Lewis, the lovable science nerd and the girls' secret-keeper, was played by Angus McLaren. Beyond H2O, McLaren is perhaps best known for his long-running role as Nathan Rafter in the popular series Packed to the Rafters. More recently, McLaren has been focusing on challenging roles in theatre and film, including his appearance in the critically acclaimed movie Hotel Mumbai. Having graduated from the esteemed Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), he continues to work consistently in Australian productions, emphasizing his commitment to the craft of acting.

• Indiana Evans (Bella Hartley): Landing a Hollywood Role

  Indiana Evans stepped in as the third mermaid, Bella Hartley, in Season 3. Before and after H2O, Evans was a staple on Australian television, including a significant role as Matilda Hunter on the soap opera Home and Away. In a major career development that made headlines in 2025, Evans reportedly landed a major Hollywood role after a 14-year career in Australian television, signaling a significant push into international projects. This move has generated considerable excitement about her future work.

• Burgess Abernethy (Zane Bennett): From Rich Kid to Royalty

  Burgess Abernethy played Zane Bennett, the wealthy and often arrogant love interest of Rikki. After his time on the show, Abernethy diversified his career, taking on roles as an actor, writer, producer, director, and editor. One of his most recognizable international roles was portraying a member of the British Royal Family: he played Prince William in the Lifetime TV movie Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. He continues to work in both creative and performing roles in the industry.

The Enduring Legacy of H2O and Topical Authority

The success of H2O: Just Add Water, produced by Jonathan M. Shiff, was not just a fleeting moment but a foundational piece of Australian children's television that continues to influence the genre. The show’s impact led to the creation of the spin-off series Mako Mermaids, which expanded the lore of the magical Mako Island.

The original cast members, including Luke Mitchell (who played Will Benjamin in Season 3) and Cleo Massey (who played Cleo’s sister, Kim Sertori), have all gone on to successful careers in various international productions, from superhero shows to major network dramas. The enduring friendship and occasional reunions between the lead actresses—Cariba Heine, Phoebe Tonkin, and Claire Holt—are frequently documented on social media, keeping the fan community engaged and the H2O legacy alive. The show remains a powerful source of nostalgia, proving that the magic of the moon pool and the bond between the original mermaids is truly timeless.