New Zealand Actors Who Made It Big in Hollywood
by Relatively unknown is the smattering of New Zealand actors and actresses that have graced the Hollywood movie scene and to change that is a list of famous people that you may or may not have known were true, blue kiwis.
Martin Henderson
Perhaps the most well known of all of the kiwi actors, Martin Henderson has starred in Hollywood blockbusters, The Ring, The Ring Two, Flyboys and war film Windtalkers. He also made a saucy cameo appearance in the Britney Spears music video Toxic. Henderson kick started his career with humble beginnings on New Zealand longest running soap Shortland Street.
Temuera Morrison
The Shortland Street then heart throb Temuera Morrison made his big screen debut in 1994 in Alan Duff’s Once Were Warriors, where he played Jake Heke in the tale of life growing up in a Maori family in South Auckland. He is perhaps most well known for his blockbuster role as Jango Fett, the head of the Clone Troopers in the Star Wars prequels. As well as Star Wars he has had roles in vampire flick, From Dusk Till Dawn 3, Speed 2 and Vertical Limit.
Cliff Curtis
Rotorua born Cliff Curtis has gained a great reputation in Hollywood circles for being able to play all sorts of ethnicities thanks to his Maori ancestry coupled with some excellent acting skills. He acted alongside Temuera Morrison in Once Were Warriors played Jakes brother Uncle Bully in a controversial role. His big break came in Hollywood film The Piano directed by Jane Campion and then in Witi Ihimaera’s The Whale Rider. He has also featured in cinema money makers such as drug tale Blow, Training Day and 10,000 BC.
Anna Paquin
Paquin was sprung from obscurity to win an Oscar for best supporting actress as an 11 year old for her role in The Piano. Although Canadian born, Paquin has lived in New Zealand since 1991 and claims to be a New Zealander. Paquins mother is Wellington born and bred. Most recently Anna Paquin can be seen in the X-Men movies playing the character known as Rogue.
Rhys Darby
Relatively new to the Hollywood scene is comedian Rhys Darby who is most well known as the hapless Flight of the Conchords manager Murray. He has recently branched out into movies landing a role alongside Jim Carrey in the blockbuster Yes Man.
Melanie Lynskey
Lynskey started her career acting alongside Kate Winslet in Peter Jackson’s low budget film Heavenly Creatures in 1994. She then moved on to play roles in big budget films including Coyote Ugly and opposite Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama. She is perhaps most well known for playing the part of Rose in television sitcom Two and a Half Men with Charlie Sheen.
Karl Urban
Urban, born and raised in Wellington, can be seen playing Eomer in The Lord of the Rings and in horror flick Ghost Ship. Perhaps his best roles were as Kirill in blockbuster The Bourne Supremacy starring Matt Damon and in the comic book adaptation The Chronicles of Riddick. Look out for him in the movie version of Star Trek in 2009.
Lucy Lawless
Xena: Warrior Princess star Lawless, first burst on to the scene in the Hercules television sitcom as Xena before getting her own show. She then had a cameo in the X-Files television sitcom before Hollywood flops including Boogymen in 2005 and Vampire Bats the same year. She also played a role in the movie Curb Your Enthusiasm. She was recently a participant in singing competition Celebrity Duets where she was runner up.
More film articles by RJ Chamberlain:
Scum Dog Billionaire: Slumdog Millionaire
Film Trailers: You ve Heard the Voice, Now Meet the Man
Film: The Top 10 Money Making Movies of All Time
The Most Hilarious Quotes From Channel 4 s Favourite News Anchor
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Post Commentpapaleng
On April 5, 2009 at 9:33 am
Wow! this a very informative article, I’ve learned something new today, I taught Lucy Lawless is an American.. I love her in Xena.
Dee Gold
On April 5, 2009 at 10:00 am
Like papaleng,I enjoyed watching Lucy as Xena.
CHAN LEE PENG
On April 5, 2009 at 10:46 am
I’ve seen some of them, but don’t realise that they’re from New Zealand. Thanks for reminding.
R J Evans
On April 5, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Like Chan, had heard of some! Thanks RJ!
HatedNation
On April 5, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Paquin also had a starring role in “Darkness” A creepy movie well acted.
Mystical Whitewolf
On April 5, 2009 at 6:52 pm
This is great to see other actors from other parts of the world. Great article.
clay hurtubise
On April 5, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Interesting piece, now I’ll keep an eye out for their new films.
Thanks,
Clay
Eunice Tan
On April 5, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Thanks for introducing / reminding us to notable New Zealanders.
John McDonnell
On April 5, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Great story. I liked Anna Paquin in The Piano. I didn’t know she was a kiwi.
Juancav
On April 5, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Good to know to New Zealand actors.
Lauren Axelrod
On April 6, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I just adore Anna Paquin.
CutestPrincess
On April 8, 2009 at 1:01 am
nice to know, i thought their american… i like anna paquin and karl urban
Joshua Miguel
On April 11, 2009 at 9:21 pm
you missed one famous actor … RJ Chamberlain
he is also a good writer.
James DeVere
On April 14, 2009 at 10:09 pm
What about RJ Chamberlain making it big globally!
Brenda Nelson
On April 17, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Phil Keoghan is my favorite Kiwi (not counting RJ Chamberlain of course)
Phil is the host of the TV show “The Amazing Race” last season his dad was on the show too, it was cool.
Great show if you ever get to watch it.. only problem is that they dont let Canadians on.
Jo Oliver
On April 29, 2009 at 1:12 am
Now, how did i miss this? Great read, my friend. Sorry for the tardiness.