New Zealand actresses who were born in 1978
Here are 5 famous actresses from New Zealand were born in 1978:
Claire Chitham
Claire Chitham (July 12, 1978 Auckland-) a.k.a. Margaret Chitha is a New Zealand actor.
She is best known for her roles in popular New Zealand TV shows such as "Shortland Street" and "Outrageous Fortune". Chitham trained at the New Zealand Drama School and began her acting career in the early 2000s. In addition to her television work, she has also appeared in films such as "The Strip" and "Kombi Nation". Chitham has won several awards for her acting, including Best Supporting Actress at the 2004 New Zealand Television Awards. In her personal life, she is married to fellow actor Cohen Holloway and they have two children together.
Chitham's career in show business started with her appearance on the children's TV show "Minnie and the Monster". In 2001, she landed her breakthrough role as Waverley Wilson in the long-running New Zealand soap opera "Shortland Street". Chitham's portrayal of Waverley earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Following her success on "Shortland Street", Chitham appeared in several other popular New Zealand TV shows, including "The Tribe", "Mercy Peak", and "Being Eve". In 2005, she joined the cast of the hit drama series "Outrageous Fortune", playing the role of Aurora Bay. Her performance on the show was widely praised and earned her another nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the New Zealand Television Awards.
Chitham has also worked on stage, playing the lead role of Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie in the New Zealand production of "Steel Magnolias". In addition to her work as an actor, she has also directed episodes of "Shortland Street" and the New Zealand sitcom "Step Dave".
Outside of her career, Chitham is actively involved in charity work. She is a patron of the New Zealand charity Brainwave Trust, which aims to improve the lives of young children through education and support.
In recent years, Claire Chitham has also become a successful businesswoman. In 2018, she opened her own yoga studio, named Om Yoga Studio, in Auckland. The studio has been a huge success, offering a variety of classes to people of all levels, from beginners to experienced yogis.
Chitham is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression. She has spoken publicly about the importance of seeking help and removing the stigma around mental health issues.
Despite her busy schedule, Claire Chitham continues to act, taking on a range of roles in both television and film. In 2021, she starred in the drama film "One Lane Bridge" and the television series "The Luminaries". With her talent, hard work, and dedication to various causes, Chitham has become one of New Zealand's most beloved actors and public figures.
Zoë Bell
Zoë Bell (November 17, 1978 Waiheke Island-) otherwise known as Zoe Bell, Zöe Bell, Zoe the Cat or Zoë E. Bell is a New Zealand actor, stunt performer and film producer.
Bell began her career in the entertainment industry as a stunt double for Lucy Lawless on the television show Xena: Warrior Princess. She later worked as a stunt double for Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films. Bell has since appeared in several other films, including Death Proof, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight, all directed by Tarantino. In addition to her work as a performer, Bell has produced films such as Raze and Camino. She was also one of the producers of the documentary Quentin Tarantino: The Bloody Genius. In 2020, Bell appeared in the Netflix film The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Bell was born in Waiheke Island, New Zealand, and grew up with three siblings. Her father was a doctor and her mother was an artist. Bell began her career in the entertainment industry as a stunt double for Lucy Lawless on the television show Xena: Warrior Princess. She quickly became known for her skills and went on to work as a stunt double for Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films.
Bell's talent and dedication to the craft have made her one of the most sought-after stunt performers in the industry. She has worked on numerous films, including Iron Man 3, Thor: Ragnarok, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Bell has also appeared in several of Tarantino's films, including Death Proof, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight.
In addition to her work as a performer, Bell has also produced several films. She produced the 2013 film Raze, in which she also starred, and the 2015 film Camino. Bell was also one of the producers of the 2019 documentary Quentin Tarantino: The Bloody Genius, which explores the life and career of the iconic filmmaker.
Bell continues to work in the entertainment industry and has recently appeared in the 2020 Netflix film The Babysitter: Killer Queen. She is known for her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on challenging roles and stunts.
Bell has received numerous awards and nominations for her work as a stunt performer, including a Taurus World Stunt Award for Best Overall Stunt by a Stunt Woman for her work on Death Proof. In addition to her film work, Bell has also appeared in music videos for artists such as Janet Jackson and Cher.
Bell is also an advocate for women in the stunt industry and has spoken out about the need for more opportunities for women in the field. She founded a group called the "Zoë Bell Stunt School" to provide training and support for aspiring stunt performers, particularly women.
In her personal life, Bell enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. She has also been involved in philanthropic work, including supporting organizations such as the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Michala Banas
Michala Banas (November 14, 1978 Wellington-) a.k.a. Banas, Michala or Michala Elizabeth Laurinda Banas is a New Zealand singer and actor.
She is best known for her roles in popular Australian television shows such as McLeod's Daughters, Winners & Losers, and Upper Middle Bogan. Outside of acting, Banas is also a talented singer and released her debut album "Signal Hill" in 2002. She has also appeared in various stage productions such as the Australian production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Banas has won several awards for her acting work, including a Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent. In addition to her entertainment career, Banas is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has shared her own personal struggles with anxiety and depression.
Banas grew up in New Zealand and began her career as a child actor, appearing in local television shows such as Mirror, Mirror and Children's Ward. She continued to act in her teenage years, until she landed a major role in the Australian series, Always Greener in 2001. This led to further opportunities in the Australian television industry, and she quickly became a well-known face.
Apart from acting and singing, Banas is also a talented writer, having co-authored a children's book, "Kumiko and the Dragon". She has also been involved in various philanthropic causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Banas has been known to keep her personal life private, but it is known that she is married to Kade Greenland, with whom she has a daughter. She often shares pictures of her family on social media, as well as snippets of her work and other interests.
Banas has also made appearances in several movies, including "Scooby-Doo" and "Now Add Honey". She has also made guest appearances on various television shows, such as "Neighbours" and "City Homicide". In addition to her acting work, Banas has also lent her voice to several animated series, including "Little J & Big Cuz" and "Mako: Island of Secrets".
Banas has been recognized for her talent and contribution to the entertainment industry through various nominations and awards. She has been nominated for several Logie Awards for her roles in McLeod's Daughters and Winners & Losers, winning the award in 2006 for Most Popular New Female Talent. She has also been nominated for AACTA Awards for her performances in the films "Now Add Honey" and "Drowning".
Despite her success, Banas remains grounded and committed to her craft. She has stated in interviews that she is passionate about acting and singing, and works hard to continually improve her skills. Her dedication and talent have made her a beloved figure in the Australian entertainment industry.
Amber Sainsbury
Amber Sainsbury (August 28, 1978 New Zealand-) is a New Zealand actor.
She is best known for her role as "Mai" in the television series "The Tribe". Sainsbury began her career in acting in the early 2000s, with minor roles in New Zealand television and film productions. She has also appeared in Australian television series such as "Sea Patrol" and "All Saints". In addition to acting, Sainsbury has also worked as a model and has been featured in several international campaigns. She currently resides in London with her husband and children.
After gaining popularity in "The Tribe", Sainsbury went on to appear in international productions such as "Hex" and "The Tudors". She also had a lead role in the horror film "The Ferryman". In the mid-2000s, Sainsbury took a break from acting to pursue a degree in psychology, but returned to the industry in 2013 with a role in the New Zealand television series "The Blue Rose". Along with acting, Sainsbury is also known for her charity work and has been involved with organizations such as UNICEF and World Vision. She is also a practicing Buddhist and has spoken publicly about her faith.
Sainsbury's acting career began when she attended the Actors' Program in Auckland, New Zealand. She got her big break in 1999 when she was cast in the role of "Mai" in the science fiction series "The Tribe", which aired from 1999-2003. The show was a hit and gained a large following, making Sainsbury a recognizable face in New Zealand and beyond.
After "The Tribe", Sainsbury moved to the United Kingdom to pursue her acting career further. She appeared in several British television series, including "Hex" and "The Tudors". In addition to her work on television, Sainsbury also starred in the 2007 horror film "The Ferryman".
In 2008, Sainsbury took a break from acting to study psychology at Massey University in New Zealand. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Sainsbury returned to acting in 2013 with a role in the New Zealand television series "The Blue Rose", which ran for two seasons.
Aside from her acting and charity work, Sainsbury is also an accomplished model. She has been featured in campaigns for brands such as Max Factor, Pepsi, and L'Oreal. She has also been a brand ambassador for companies such as BMW and Sony.
Sainsbury is married to British film producer Aaron Trowbridge, whom she met while filming in the United Kingdom. The couple has two children together and currently resides in London. In her free time, Sainsbury enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her family.
Shavaughn Ruakere
Shavaughn Ruakere (March 3, 1978 Hawera-) also known as Shavaughan Ruakere is a New Zealand actor.
He studied performing arts and drama at Te Wharekura o Arowhenua and later at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in Wellington. He is best known for his role as host of the New Zealand version of the reality competition show, The Amazing Race. He has also appeared in several New Zealand television series, including Shortland Street, Go Girls and Step Dave. In addition to his work in acting, he is also a radio host and television presenter for other programs such as Mai FM and What Now. He is of Māori and European descent and is known for promoting indigenous culture and issues in his work.
Shavaughn Ruakere began acting in theatre productions in high school before pursuing a professional career in the arts. He made his screen debut in 2001 in the New Zealand film, KISSING PARADISE. Since then, he has gone on to appear in numerous films, including The Waiting Place, The Rehearsal, and Jabberwocky: A New Zealand Story.
Aside from his acting career, Ruakere is also a highly regarded voice actor, lending his voice to major campaigns such as New Zealand’s National Breast Cancer Foundation and the AIDS Foundation. He’s well known for his charitable endeavors, including work for organisations such as KidsCan and Outward Bound Trust.
Ruakere has been an outspoken advocate for Māori culture and its place in New Zealand society. He is heavily involved in both preserving and promoting Māori traditions and has been awarded for his work with youth, including his support for programmes promoting te reo Māori, the Māori language.
In his free time, Ruakere enjoys working on his farm in Motu where he grows and eats a lot of organic produce. He is also an advocate for a healthy lifestyle and is known to participate in marathons and other fitness events, often raising funds for charity.
Shavaughn Ruakere is not only an accomplished actor, but also a talented musician. He is skilled in playing the guitar and has performed with various bands throughout his career. Ruakere has also made appearances in music videos for New Zealand artists such as Stan Walker, Anika Moa, and Scribe.
As a television presenter, Ruakere has hosted a variety of shows that have earned him a loyal following. He co-hosted New Zealand’s version of the popular show Dancing with the Stars, and has also hosted youth programs such as Studio 2 and The Erin Simpson Show.
Ruakere is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with depression. He believes in using his platform as a celebrity to help others who may be facing similar challenges.
Despite his busy career, Ruakere is passionate about spending time with his family. He is a devoted father and husband who values his time at home with his loved ones.