New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 38
Here are 4 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 38:
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith (March 16, 1963 Auckland-February 15, 2002 Beijing) a.k.a. Kevin Tod Smith or Smithy was a New Zealand actor. He had three children, Oscar Smith, Willard Smith and Tyrone Smith.
Kevin Smith began his career as a professional wrestler before transitioning to acting. He starred in several popular television series such as "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys." He also appeared in a number of films including "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Price of Milk," and "Warriors of Virtue." In addition to his work on screen, Smith was also a talented musician and released several albums throughout his career. He tragically passed away at the age of 38 due to a fall from a prop tower on the set of a film he was working on in China.
Despite his untimely death, Kevin Smith's legacy has continued to live on through his work in the entertainment industry. He was highly regarded as a skilled actor and was widely known for his charismatic and charming personality both on and off-screen. Prior to his acting career, Smith also worked as a lumberjack and a teacher, which helped shape his diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
Throughout his acting career, Smith received critical acclaim for his portrayal of numerous characters and received several awards and nominations for his outstanding performances. His work on "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" helped propel him to international stardom and paved the way for his future success.
Outside of his professional career, Smith was deeply passionate about environmental causes and often used his platform to raise awareness about conservation efforts. He was married to his wife, Suzanne McGregor, for over a decade before his passing and remained dedicated to his family throughout his life.
Despite his short career, Kevin Smith's impact on the entertainment industry and his fans has continued to endure. He is remembered as a talented actor, musician, and activist who left an indelible mark on the world.
Smith was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in a family of nine children. He developed an interest in acting during his high school years and went on to study at the Victoria University of Wellington. After completing his studies, he initially pursued a career as a professional wrestler and used the ring name "The Honey Stinger". However, a back injury forced him to retire from wrestling and focus on acting full-time.
In addition to his work on screen, Smith was also a talented stage actor and appeared in numerous theatrical productions in New Zealand and Australia. He was highly regarded for his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances and was known for his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Throughout his career, Smith remained committed to giving back to his community and was involved in a number of charitable organizations. He was particularly passionate about supporting children's charities and was a regular visitor to hospitals and schools, where he would spend time with young fans.
Despite his tragic passing, Kevin Smith remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and continues to be remembered for his talent, passion, and dedication.
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Jarrod Cunningham
Jarrod Cunningham (September 7, 1968 Hawke's Bay-July 22, 2007) was a New Zealand personality.
Jarrod Cunningham was a well-known rugby player who played for Hawke's Bay, the Hurricanes, and the Blues during his career. He was known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to score tries. After retiring from rugby due to his illness, he became a prominent advocate for those suffering from Motor Neuron Disease in New Zealand. He started his own charity, The Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sports Foundation, which aims to help young people in Hawke's Bay develop their sporting abilities. In 2006, he was awarded the Halberg Trust Sportsman of the Year Award for his contributions both on and off the field. Despite his struggles with his illness, Jarrod remained a positive and inspirational figure throughout his life.
Jarrod Cunningham attended Karamu High School and went to Nelson College in 1984 before making his rugby debut for Hawke's Bay in 1987. After his provincial career, he moved on to Super Rugby, representing both Hurricanes and Blues between 1997 to 2000. In 1997, he scored a record 15 tries in a single Super Rugby season. Jarrod was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2002, which eventually led to his retirement from rugby in 2003. He was the subject of a documentary, "Redemption - The Jarrod Cunningham Story," which highlighted his struggles with the disease and his work with MND patients. His legacy continues through the Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sports Foundation which gives out grants to young athletes to help them pursue their dreams. In 2011, the main pitch at McLean Park in Napier was renamed "Jarrod Cunningham Oval" in his honor.
Jarrod Cunningham was not only a talented rugby player, but a devoted husband and father of two. Despite battling with his illness, he was determined to make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to his work with the Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sports Foundation, he also served as an ambassador for the Motor Neuron Disease Association of New Zealand. He also worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the disease and to promote research efforts towards finding a cure. Jarrod's perseverance and his commitment to making a difference continue to inspire countless people around the world.
He died as a result of motor neuron disease.
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Lionel Jack Dumbleton
Lionel Jack Dumbleton (April 5, 2015 New Zealand-September 25, 1976) was a New Zealand personality.
He is best known for his work in the entertainment industry as a radio and television host. Dumbleton began his career as a radio presenter in the 1940s and later transitioned to television in the 1950s. He became a household name with his popular radio show "The Lionel Dumbleton Hour" and later with his television shows including "The Lionel Dumbleton Show" and "Lionel's Den".
Aside from his work in entertainment, Dumbleton was also a keen philanthropist and community leader. He was actively involved in various charitable organizations and helped raise funds for numerous causes. Dumbleton was also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and worked closely with animal welfare organizations.
Dumbleton passed away in 1976 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most beloved entertainers and community leaders.
Additionally, Lionel Jack Dumbleton was born in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand and spent most of his childhood in the country. He showed an early interest in entertainment and performed in various school plays and musicals. After completing his education, Dumbleton worked as a clerk before discovering his passion for broadcasting. In the 1940s, he started his career as a radio host and quickly became a popular personality on the airwaves. He later transitioned to television in the 1950s and became a pioneer of the medium in New Zealand.
In addition to his philanthropy work, Dumbleton was also known for his witty humor and charm on and off the screen. His popularity continued to soar throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he received numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his charitable efforts. He was widely regarded as a national treasure and remains a beloved figure in New Zealand to this day.
Despite his success and popularity, Lionel Jack Dumbleton was known for his humble and down-to-earth demeanor. He was deeply devoted to his family and maintained a strong connection with his roots in New Zealand. Dumbleton was married to his wife, Margaret, for over 40 years until his passing, and they had three children together. He was also a devout Christian and actively involved in his local church. In addition to his work in entertainment and philanthropy, Dumbleton was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing tennis and golf in his free time. He was known for his generosity and kindness towards others, and his legacy as a beloved entertainer and community leader continues to live on in New Zealand.
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Andrew Todd
Andrew Todd (April 5, 2015 Heriot, New Zealand-April 5, 1976 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a talented filmmaker, director, and screenwriter who worked on several acclaimed films during his career. Todd was best known for his work on the films "Sleeping Dogs" and "Smash Palace," both of which received critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Aside from his work in film, Todd was also a dedicated political activist who used his platform to advocate for causes such as workers' rights and anti-nuclear proliferation. In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, he was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Film Hall of Fame in 2003.
Todd began his career in the film industry in the 1960s and quickly gained recognition for his talent and creative vision. His directorial debut came with the film "Wild Man" in 1977, which was followed by several other successful films such as "In Spring One Plants Alone" and "The Silent One."
Apart from his work in the film industry, Todd was also a founding member of the Campaign Against Nuclear Power, a group that fought against the establishment of nuclear power plants in New Zealand. He was heavily involved in politics and used his films as a medium to promote social change.
Todd's untimely passing in 1976 was a tragic loss to the New Zealand film industry and social activism. However, his legacy lived on, and his contributions to the film industry continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts across the globe.
Andrew Todd was born on April 5, 1949, in Heriot, New Zealand. He grew up in Dunedin and attended the University of Otago, where he studied languages and literature. Todd's interest in film was piqued during his university years, and he began making short films with a group of like-minded students.
After completing his studies, Todd moved to Wellington and began working in the film industry. He worked as a camera operator and editor on various projects before making his directorial debut with "Wild Man" in 1977. The film was a critical success and established Todd as a rising talent in New Zealand's fledgling film industry.
Todd followed up "Wild Man" with the equally acclaimed "Sleeping Dogs" (1977), which starred a young Sam Neill and explored themes of political revolution and societal collapse. The film was a box office hit and helped put New Zealand cinema on the map.
In 1981, Todd directed "Smash Palace," a dark and powerful drama about a marriage on the brink of collapse. The film won awards at several international film festivals and cemented Todd's reputation as one of New Zealand's most significant filmmakers.
Despite his success in the film industry, Todd remained politically engaged and used his platform to advocate for social change. He was a vocal critic of the Muldoon government's economic policies and was involved in several campaigns for workers' rights.
Todd died on April 5, 1989, his 40th birthday, from complications related to diabetes. He left behind a legacy of powerful and thought-provoking films and a reputation as one of New Zealand's most important cultural figures.
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