Simone Buchanan born 11 March 1968 is an Australian film and television actress and television director She is best known for her television roles as Debbie Kelly in Australias most successful and longest running sitcom Hey Dad Simone Buchanan went on to star alongside Deborah Lee Furness in internationally acclaimed feature film Shame Simone has also starred in many television dramas including Neighbours McLeods Daughters Blue Heelers Water Rats All Saints Pacific Drive A Country Practice Sons and Daughters and Upper Middle Bogan Her film credits include Forced Entry Push High Country Doctors and Nurses My Brilliant Career Patrick alongside Rachel Griffiths and Charles Dance and most recently Boar starring alongside Huge Sheridan and John Jarratt She has been married to Brett Smith since April 5 2008 They have two children