New Zealand actors who were born in 1976
Here are 6 famous actors from New Zealand were born in 1976:
Karl Burnett
Karl Burnett (February 27, 1976 New Zealand-) is a New Zealand actor.
He is best known for his role as Nick Harrison in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Karl graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington in 1997. After his graduation, he appeared in several local theater productions and TV shows, including Mercy Peak and The Strip. He made his debut in Shortland Street in 2002, and his character quickly became a fan favorite. Burnett has won several awards for his performance in the show, including two New Zealand Television Awards for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to his work in television, Karl has also appeared in several films, including the 2011 comedy Diagnosis: Death.
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Bret McKenzie
Bret McKenzie (June 29, 1976 Wellington-) also known as The Rhymenoceros, Video Kid, McKenzie, Bret, Fllight of the Conchords, Bret Peter Tarrant McKenzie, Rhymenoceros or Bret Peter Tarrant McKenzie, ONZM is a New Zealand screenwriter, actor, television producer, musician, comedian, lyricist and composer. He has two children, Vita McKenzie and Leo McKenzie.
McKenzie is best known for being one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords alongside Jemaine Clement. The duo started performing together in the late 1990s and gained a following with their self-titled radio series. They then went on to star in their own HBO television series titled "Flight of the Conchords" which ran from 2007-2009.
McKenzie has also made appearances in popular films such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit" trilogy, and "The Muppets" movie. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2012 for his work on "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" movie soundtrack.
In addition to his work in entertainment, McKenzie also supports various charities and causes such as the Mental Health Foundation and the New Zealand Red Cross. In 2012, he was appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music and film.
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Sala Baker
Sala Baker (September 22, 1976 Wellington-) is a New Zealand actor and stunt performer.
He is best known for his roles as Sauron and the Witch-King of Angmar in the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. Prior to his acting career, Baker was a professional Muay Thai kickboxer and traveled the world competing in matches. He later transitioned into the film industry as a stunt performer and has worked on films such as "The Chronicles of Narnia," "The Hobbit," and "Avatar." In addition to his work in film, Baker is also a martial arts instructor and has taught kickboxing and self-defense to adults and children alike.
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Dean O'Gorman
Dean O'Gorman (December 1, 1976 Auckland-) a.k.a. Dean Lance O'Gorman is a New Zealand actor, artist, photographer and visual artist.
He is best known for his roles as Fili in the "The Hobbit" trilogy and as Anders Johnson in the television series "The Almighty Johnsons".
O'Gorman began his acting career in the 1990s with roles in New Zealand television shows and films, including "Shortland Street" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys". In addition to his acting career, he is also a skilled artist and photographer, having held several art exhibitions in New Zealand.
As a visual artist, O'Gorman has worked on several film projects, including "The Hobbit" trilogy, where he served as a set builder, illustrator, and costume designer. He has also worked as a photographer, shooting for magazines and advertising campaigns.
In 2018, O'Gorman directed his first feature film, "The Murder of Hi Good", a gangster film set in 1970s New Zealand.
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Brendan Cole
Brendan Cole (April 23, 1976 Christchurch-) a.k.a. brendan_cole is a New Zealand actor and dancer.
He is best known for his appearances as a professional dancer on the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. Cole began dancing at the age of 6 and went on to become a professional ballroom dancer, winning numerous titles in New Zealand and Australia. He later moved to the UK and joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he remained until 2018. During his time on the show, he became one of its most popular and controversial dancers, gaining a reputation for his outspoken personality and fiery on-screen disputes with the judges. Cole has also appeared on several other TV shows in the UK, including Loose Women, Lorraine, and The One Show. In addition to his work as a dancer, he is also a singer and has released two albums of swing music.
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Daniel Gillies
Daniel Gillies (March 14, 1976 Winnipeg-) also known as Daniel J. Gillies or Dan Gillies is a New Zealand actor.
He is best known for his roles as Elijah Mikaelson on the television series "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals", as well as Dr. Joel Goran on the medical drama "Saving Hope".
Gillies was born in Winnipeg, Canada to New Zealand parents and raised in New Zealand. He began his acting career in Vancouver, Canada, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career further. In addition to his acting work, he is also a writer and director.
Gillies is married to actress Rachael Leigh Cook, with whom he has two children. He is also an advocate for various humanitarian causes, including UNICEF and The Water Project.
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