Michael Hurst Writer/Director Profile

Michael is one of New Zealand’s leading actors and directors, having worked extensively across film, television and theatre for over 40 years. He and his wife Jennifer Ward-Lealand, are considered to be New Zealand's most powerful theatrical duo. Michael was already an accomplished theatre director before he began screen directing over 20 years ago. His earliest directing projects included Kiwi feature film Jubilee, which stars a young Cliff Curtis, and television satire Love Mussel. Since then, Michael has gone on to direct episodes of Westside, 800 Words and The Almighty Johnsons, as well as US series Ash vs Evil Dead. With countless awards under his belt, Michael is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to film and television, as well as the winner of an Art’s Laureate.