New Zealand actors who were born in 1938
Here are 5 famous actors from New Zealand were born in 1938:
Peter Adams
Peter Adams (May 18, 1938 Taumarunui-December 13, 1999 Melbourne) also known as Peter John Adams was a New Zealand actor. His child is called Aileen Adams.
Peter Adams began his acting career on stage in New Zealand before transitioning to television and film. He appeared in several iconic New Zealand television shows including "Pukemanu" and "Gather Your Dreams". In the late 1970s, Adams moved to Australia where he continued to act and became a well-known and respected character actor. He appeared in a number of Australian films such as "Breaker Morant" and "Gallipoli". He was also a regular on Australian television shows including "A Country Practice" and "Blue Heelers". Sadly, Peter Adams passed away in 1999 due to cancer, he was 61 years old.
Peter Adams was married to actress Christine Calcutt and the couple had a daughter named Aileen Adams. In addition to his acting career, Adams was also a director and drama teacher. He founded The Australian Drama Academy in Melbourne where he coached many young actors. Adams won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 1990 AFI Awards for his performance in the film "The Big Steal". Despite battling cancer for several years, Adams continued to act and was working on a film at the time of his death. He is remembered as a talented actor and teacher who made significant contributions to the Australian acting industry.
During his time in New Zealand, Peter Adams was a member of the Mercury Theatre Company in Auckland and performed in numerous stage productions. He also appeared in the 1970 film "To Love a Maori". In addition to his acting and teaching work, Adams was a keen singer and songwriter. He released an album of original songs in 1994 called "Phoenix". The album received critical acclaim and showcased Adam's talent as a musician. His daughter Aileen has followed in her parents' footsteps and pursued a career in acting. She has appeared in a number of Australian television shows and films. Despite his success in Australia, Peter Adams remained proud of his New Zealand heritage and often returned to visit. He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to drama in 1998, just one year before his death.
Bruce Purchase
Bruce Purchase (October 2, 1938 Thames-June 5, 2008 Putney) also known as William Reginald Bruce Purchase was a New Zealand actor.
He appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. Some of his notable film roles include playing the character of Pirate in the film "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988) directed by Terry Gilliam, and the role of Judge in the film "The Bounty" (1984) directed by Roger Donaldson. On television, he appeared in shows such as "EastEnders", "Doctor Who", and "Robin of Sherwood". Purchase was also a renowned stage actor, performing in productions of Shakespearean plays such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth". Throughout his career, he was highly regarded for his commanding presence and powerful voice. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 69.
Bruce Purchase was born on October 2, 1938 in Thames, New Zealand. He began his acting career in his home country and then moved to England to further his career. Purchase quickly became a well-respected actor in the British entertainment industry, particularly on stage. He was known for his powerful and commanding voice, which lent itself well to both Shakespearean plays and larger-than-life film characters.
In addition to his film and television roles, Purchase also made a significant impact on the stage. He took on a variety of challenging roles including Prospero in "The Tempest," Captain Hook in "Peter Pan" and King Lear in "King Lear." He was noted for his ability to bring an intense energy to his performances.
Bruce Purchase was also a mentor to many actors, particularly those just starting out in their careers. He was known for his generosity and guidance, and was always willing to offer advice to those seeking it. He was remembered fondly by his colleagues and fans, both for his talent and for his warmth and kindness.
Purchase passed away on June 5, 2008 in Putney, London at the age of 69. His legacy lives on in his impressive body of work, and he is remembered as one of New Zealand's most celebrated acting exports.
In the early 1980s, Purchase was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a progressive neurological disease that affects movement and coordination. Despite this, he continued to work in the entertainment industry and was determined to not let the disease hold him back. He became an advocate for awareness and raised money for MS research through various charitable events and speaking engagements.
Throughout his career, Purchase worked with many acclaimed directors and actors, including Terry Gilliam, Roger Donaldson, and Sean Connery. In addition to his film and stage work, he also did voiceover work for video games, including "Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos" (1993) and "Simon the Sorcerer" (1993).
Purchase's contributions to the entertainment industry were celebrated posthumously in 2010 when he was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements as an actor. His performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Noel Trevarthen
Noel Trevarthen (January 10, 1938 Auckland-November 5, 2014 New Zealand) a.k.a. Noel Travarthen, Noel Trevarthan or Noël Trevarthen was a New Zealand actor.
Trevarthen trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before starting his acting career. He appeared in various television shows and films throughout his career, including Doctor Who, The Sweeney, and Blake's 7. In addition to his acting work, he also worked as a stage director and wrote plays. Trevarthen was also a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to theatre. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 76.
Trevarthen was born in Auckland, New Zealand and spent his early years growing up there. He had a deep passion for acting from a young age and pursued this interest by attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. After completing his training, he began his acting career in the United Kingdom, where he rose to prominence and became a respected figure in the industry.
Throughout his career, Trevarthen established himself as a versatile actor, equally at home in dramatic and comedic roles. He appeared in a wide range of television shows and films, entertaining audiences with his incredible acting skills. Some of his notable performances include roles in popular TV shows such as the science fiction series Doctor Who and the police drama The Sweeney.
In addition to his acting career, Trevarthen was also a gifted writer and director. He wrote plays and directed several stage productions, including adaptations of popular works such as Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Thanks to his contributions to the theatre industry, Trevarthen was honored with the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognizing his significant services to theatre. Even after his passing in 2014, he remains a revered figure in the acting community, and his work continues to inspire actors and entertain audiences around the world.
Trevarthen was known for his dedication to his craft, and his work was celebrated both in New Zealand and overseas. He was a founding member of the Mercury Theatre in Auckland, and he appeared in numerous productions with the company throughout the years. He also appeared in productions with other theater companies, and his work as a director was highly regarded. Trevarthen collaborated with his wife, playwright Briar Grace-Smith, on several productions, and the two formed a successful creative partnership.
Trevarthen's talent and contributions to theatre were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the New Zealand Order of Merit, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 2006. He was also made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to theatre in 1996.
Trevarthen's legacy continues to inspire those in the performing arts industry, and his accomplishments are a testament to his passion for his craft. He will always be remembered as a gifted actor, writer, and director, and his work will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
Martyn Sanderson
Martyn Sanderson (February 24, 1938 Westport-October 14, 2009 Otaki) was a New Zealand screenwriter, poet and actor.
He is best known for his roles in films such as "The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring" and "Sleeping Dogs". Sanderson was also a prolific writer, having written several plays and screenplays throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Wellington-based theatre company Downstage Theatre and was also involved in the establishment of the New Zealand Film Commission. In addition to his work in film and theatre, Sanderson was also known for his poetry and was awarded the Robert Burns Fellowship in 1975.
Sanderson was born on February 24, 1938, in Westport, New Zealand. He spent his early years in the small mining town before moving to Wellington to attend Victoria University. Sanderson's career started in the theatre when he co-founded the Downstage Theatre in Wellington in 1964. He served as the theatre's artistic director for several years before transitioning to film in the 1970s. Sanderson appeared in more than 40 films and television series during his career, including "The Gravy Train," "Out of the Blue," and "The Grasscutter."
Apart from his various accomplishments in the arts, Sanderson was also known for his commitment to political and social causes. Throughout his career, he supported the efforts of the Maori people in their political struggles and was a vocal advocate for their rights. He was also involved in various environmental initiatives in New Zealand and was a prolific writer on environmental issues.
Sanderson passed away on October 14, 2009, at his home in Otaki, New Zealand, at the age of 71. He is remembered as a talented actor, writer, and activist who made a significant contribution to New Zealand's cultural landscape.
Sanderson's acting career began in the 1970s when he starred in the film "Sleeping Dogs," which was a critical success and established Sanderson as a prominent actor in New Zealand. He also appeared in Peter Jackson's film "The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring," playing the role of the gatekeeper of the Prancing Pony Inn. Sanderson's work in film earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the New Zealand Film Awards for his performance in the film "The Scarecrow." In addition to his work in film and theatre, Sanderson was also a prolific writer of poetry, plays, and screenplays. His poetry was published in several anthologies, and his plays were performed in New Zealand and internationally. One of his most famous plays, "Fathers Day," explores the relationship between a father and son and tackles themes of family, identity, and power. Sanderson's work also reflected his concern for social justice and environmental issues. He was an activist and outspoken supporter of indigenous rights, and his works often examined the intersections between politics, culture, and environmentalism. Sanderson's contributions to New Zealand's cultural and artistic communities have been recognized through numerous awards and honours, including the Spencer H. R. Foundation Fellowship and the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Wi Kuki Kaa
Wi Kuki Kaa (December 16, 1938 New Zealand-February 19, 2006 Wellington) a.k.a. Kuki Kaa was a New Zealand actor and theatre director.
He was of Maori descent and began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in television dramas and films such as "Utu" and "Once Were Warriors". Kaa was also deeply involved in the theatre scene, co-founding the Te Ohu Whakaari theatre company and serving as artistic director of the Taki Rua theatre company. In addition to his acting and directing work, Kaa was also a writer, penning several plays and screenplays. He was a well-respected figure in the New Zealand arts community and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 for his services to theatre and film. Kaa passed away in 2006 at the age of 67.
Kaa was born in the small town of Rangiātea, New Zealand, and was raised in the nearby town of Pahiatua. Prior to his acting career, Kaa worked in a variety of professions, including as a shearer and a printer. He began to make a name for himself in the New Zealand arts scene in the 1960s, with his breakout role coming in the 1970 film, "To Love a Māori". Through his career, Kaa played a wide range of roles, often portraying strong, dignified Māori characters. In 2001, Kaa was made an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate. In addition, Kaa served as a mentor to many young actors and directors, and his legacy continues to inspire many in the New Zealand arts community.
Kaa was married to actress and theatre director, Miranda Harcourt, and the couple had two children together. Kaa's family has also been involved in the creative arts, with his son, Bronwyn Turei, becoming a well-known actor on New Zealand television shows like "Go Girls" and "Shortland Street". Kaa's passing was mourned by many in the New Zealand arts community, who remembered him as a talented actor, director, writer, and mentor. In his honor, the annual Wi Kuki Kaa Award was established to recognize excellence in the craft of Māori theatre. Kaa's legacy continues to live on through his contributions to the arts in New Zealand.