25 Years of Shortland Street: Elizabeth McRae

Elizabeth McRae's character Marj was one of Shortland Street's best loved. But not everyone was a fan of the soap.

As Shortland Street turns 25, New Zealand on Screen opens the archives to bring us 25 years of trivia.

From clinic receptionist to politician - in addition to being one of our favourite screen Mums - Marj Brasch (formerly Neilson)'s story arc puts House of Cards to shame.

Here Elizabeth McRae reflects on playing the "lemon-lipped" character, and on uttering the very first line on Shortland Street.

See more great Shortland Street moments here, in NZ on Screen's collection.

Are you a Shortland Street superfan? Take our quiz and put your knowledge to the test.