Tim Robards’ Surprising Career Shift and Family Life: His Lasting Fear

He first stole hearts as Australia’s original Bachelor more than a decade ago.

And now, Tim Robards has revealed how life has completely transformed since finding fame on the reality TV juggernaut.

The 43-year-old chiropractor-turned-actor sat down with Daily Mail for an exclusive chat about fatherhood, his marriage to Anna Heinrich, the challenges of breaking into Hollywood and his brand-new film role. 

Reflecting on his Bachelor days, Tim admitted the show gave him unexpected lessons in confidence.

‘When you put yourself out there, you’re outside your comfort zone and under pressure. Weirdly, it gives you self-belief,’ he explained.

That belief pushed him to pursue acting – but he confessed the transition was far from smooth.

‘In Australia it’s been hard to shake the reality TV tag. People see me as the Bachelor before they see me as an actor. In the US, they just look at your audition tape. Did you do a good job or not? That’s been refreshing.’

Tim revealed he has just wrapped filming his biggest project yet – a romantic comedy titled Chef’s Kiss (to be released as From Italy with Love in Australia).

‘I play a chef called Mason. We filmed in a stunning location in Sydney that looks just like Tuscany. It should be out in the US for Valentine’s Day 2026.’

Now a proud father to two little girls, Tim says raising daughters has softened him and changed his outlook.

‘They’re such girly girls – I try to give them every opportunity, but they still mimic their mum,’ he laughed.

To add a ‘masculine influence’, Tim has introduced his eldest daughter to Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

‘We’re both on our white belts with four stripes and racing each other. It’s discipline, confidence, and self-protection – everything I want them to have.’

Fatherhood, he says, has also unlocked his vulnerable side.

‘Strong men on screen are often those who can also tap into their feminine side. Having daughters really teaches you that balance.’ 

Tim admitted Anna pulled out all the stops for his recent birthday, even roping in their young daughter to help keep the secret.

‘Leading up to it she said, ‘Leave your birthday clear,’ and I thought maybe someone was coming up to visit us on the Gold Coast,’ he said.

‘Then she got my daughter to drop that we were going to Singapore to see her sister. It was such a surprise and we kept really busy over there.’

Known for his enviable rig, Tim insists exercise isn’t negotiable – it’s what keeps him sane.

‘If you could bottle exercise into a pill, it would be the most effective one on the market. When I work out, I’m a better father, I’m more balanced and less stressed.’

To celebrate National Banana Day on October 8, Tim has partnered with the quirky ‘Banana Gym Pass’, which lets Aussies trade a banana for a free workout at gyms nationwide.

‘It’s a great way for people who might have fallen out of routine to get back into the gym, or if you’ve always wanted to try the local gym around the corner. It’s such a good incentive,’ he explained.

The fitness fanatic insists bananas are an essential part of his day – especially when he’s training.

‘I’m usually either smashing down a banana right before a workout, or I’ll have one as well when I finish – with a little protein shake,’ he revealed.

‘They’re one of the best natural foods you can eat before the gym. They fuel you, they give you plenty of energy, they’re great for the heart.’

Robards even shared his go-to snacks, which all feature the humble fruit.

‘If I’m in a rush, I’ll grab a banana and eat it in the car,’ he said.

‘Otherwise it’s sourdough toast with peanut butter and thinly sliced banana – it doesn’t leave you too heavy but it’s delicious. Post-workout, I’ll throw a banana in the blender with vanilla protein and some berries. That’s my routine.’

For Tim, the campaign is about more than just free gym access – it’s a reminder that fitness can be simple and fun.

‘Bananas are nature’s energy bar,’ he said. ‘They’re quick, healthy and they give you the firepower to smash through a workout.’

Despite conquering SAS Australia and reality TV fame, Tim confessed there’s one thing that still brings him undone: heights.

‘I might look like a big burly guy, but when it comes to heights I’m reduced to about this big,’ he laughed.

He recalled a recent family trip to Singapore where his wife and daughters convinced him to try a terrifying high ropes course.

‘They were laughing at me the whole time. Then there was a mini-bungee jump from four storeys up – I couldn’t let them do it without me, so I had to go too. I was absolutely cracking myself.’

Twelve years after fronting the first season of The Bachelor, Tim still stands by one mantra.

‘My grandma once wrote on a coffee cup: ‘Be true to thyself.’ That’s my advice to anyone doing reality TV. Go in with integrity – if you’re not being genuine, the audience will see straight through you.’