Shane Jacobson’s Surprising Career Move

Actor Shane Jacobson is embarking on a new adventure in regional Victoria, to film his journey of buying the historic Dederang Hotel for a proposed reality TV show.

Known fondly as the Ranga to locals along the scenic Kiewa Valley Highway, the pub has become the latest passion project for Jacobson and a group of investors.

The Kenny star, 55, will be making the shock move with the help of his filmmaker friend Dean Murphy. 

While the purchase was Murphy’s brainchild, Jacobson emphasises their mutual commitment to preserving the pub’s cherished character.

‘The potential show will follow the journey of us buying the pub, and doing a bit of work to it,’ Jacobson told the Herald Sun.

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Actor Shane Jacobson is embarking on a new adventure in regional Victoria, to film his journey of buying the historic Dederang Hotel for a proposed reality TV show

‘I don’t want to say “renovation” because I’m nervous about making too many changes to the place.

We have to make sure we don’t ruin the locals’ pub. I’ve seen passion for football clubs, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the love the locals have for the Ranga.’

With plans to occasionally roll up his sleeves behind the bar, Jacobson quipped, ‘Will I be up there pulling beers? Yes, but I bet you I’ll drink all the beers I pour.’

For Jacobson, owning a quintessential Aussie pub is a dream come true. 

‘We’ve been told all our lives that the great Australian dream is to own your own home,’ he said. 

‘But to that I say, “frog s**t.” Every bloke I’ve ever spoken to says they want to own a pub. I’m about to find out if I’ve bought the great Australian dream, or a nightmare.’

The proposed series is currently in the early stages of development, it is not yet known when it will air or on which channel.

In June, the Dederang Hotel shared a post to social media confirming it had been purchased by Jacobson.

Known fondly as the Ranga to locals along the scenic Kiewa Valley Highway, the pub has become the latest passion project for Jacobson and a group of investors

In June, the Dederang Hotel shared a post to social media confirming it had been purchased by Jacobson

Alongside a photo of Jacobson having a drink at the venue, they wrote some informative words: ‘New Chapter! It’s with a mix of sadness and great excitement we announce the Ranga will officially be under new ownership as of Monday 23 June.’

Jacobson is best known for his starring turn as a hapless plumber in the 2006 film Kenny. 

In 2018, he revealed that down-and-out fans often contact him, requesting copies of the film to cheer them up, assuming he has a stash. 

Instead, the actor says he has to pop out to the shop and buy copies of the film just like everyone else, before he mails them off to those who ask.

‘I guess people assume I have a warehouse full of them,’ he told The Sydney Morning Herald. 

He added: ‘In reality, I have to go out and buy the copies just like everyone else and send them out.’

Jacobson revealed that he has spent a lot of money sending the DVDs out to his fans but simply can’t refuse.

He said: ‘I don’t mind doing it. I reckon I’ve spent many thousands of dollars over the years… but how could I ever say no?’