Profile

Actor, Director, MC
Michael Hurst is recognised as one of New Zealand’s best actors. With a career that spans well over 30 years, Michael has worked on all sorts of projects, from starring in heroic-fantasy series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys to helping direct comedy-horror Ash vs Evil Dead. An award-winner many times over, Michael is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his services to film and television, as well as winner of an Arts Laureate. Michael and his wife, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, are acknowledged as the most powerful theatrical duo in New Zealand. A natural storyteller and avid reader, Michael is at home in front of the camera as much as he is behind it! His extraordinary life has meant he is a sought-after public speaker, his stories are sure to fascinate and interest all kinds of audiences.
Pronoun
He/Him
Ethnicity
European
Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Social Links
Skills
After Dinner Speaker, Compere/MC, Debator, Judge, Keynote Speaker, Panellist, Singer, Speech Writer
Interests
Adventure, Author, Dance, Directing, Health & Lifestyle, History, Intrepid Travel, Literature / Books, Opera, Parenting, Poetry, Politics, Producing, Psychology, Research, Satire, Theatre, Travel
Testimonials
EMA June 2018“Michael is a really amazing speaker - wow, what fascinating real life stories. To Lead, you need energy and enthusiasm and vision and able to think of solutions to turn imaginary concepts into realities. Also, situations and challenges are what they are, so you need to stay positive and accept that you just have to work your way through the challenge.” - Claudine Murray