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.
Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Social Links
Skills
After Dinner Speaker, Broadcaster, Celebrity, Compere/MC, Debator, Documentary, Field Presenter, Improvisor, Judge, Keynote Speaker, Live Performance Host, MC / Stage compere, Panellist, Singer, Speech Writer, Television
Career Biography
Awards.
2022 | Power Rangers Season 30 - Dino Fury | ||
2020 | Nominated for Best Director at NZ TV awards | ||
2005 | Appointment as an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit | ||
2005 | Metro Readers Poll Winner - Best New Zealand Actor | ||
2003 | Arts Foundation of New Zealand Winner - Laureate Award | ||
1999 | TV Guide Best on the Box People's Choice Awards Winner - Best Director, Comedy - Hercules: The Legendary Journeys | ||
1997 | New Zealand Film & Television Awards Winner - Best Supporting Actor - Hercules: The Legendary Journeys |
Feature Film.
2019 | Northspur | Green (Lead) | Dir. Aaron Falvey |
2018 | Dead | Ross Marbeck | Dir. Hayden Weal |
2018 | Vermilion | Smoking Man | Dir. Dorthe Scheffmann |
2014 | Death Walks into a Bar | God of War | |
2008 | Bitch Slap | Gage (Lead) | Epic Slap LLC/USA Dir. Rick Jacobson |
2007 | We're Here To Help | Rodney Hide (Support) | South Pacific Picures/Friendly Films Dir. Jonothan Cullinane |
2006 | The Tattooist | Crash (Support) | Eyeworks Touchdown Dir. Peter Burger |
2005 | The Magician | The Agent | Tamarillo Films Dir. Andy Conlan |
2004 | Fracture | Athol Peet | Kahukura Productions Dir. Larry Parr |
1999 | I'll Make You Happy | Lou | Ample Films Dir. Athina Tsoulis |
1993 | Desperate Remedies | William Poyser | James Wallace Productions Dir. Peter Wells |
1991 | The Footstep Man | Toulouse Lautrec | John Maynard Productions Dir. Leon Narby |
1986 | Dangerous Orphans | Moir | Cinepro Films Dir. John Laing |
1984 | Death Warmed Up | Michael Tucker | Tucker Production Company Dir. David Blyth |
1983 | Constance | The Photographer | Mirage Films Dir. Bruce Morrison |
1982 | Prisoners | Sciano | Endeavor Film Productions Dir. Peter Werner |
Short Film.
2014 | Death Walks Into a Bar | God of War | Dir. Liam Wylie |
2004 | Hold the Anchovies | Manager/Old Iraqi | Screen Adventures Dir. Barry Duffield |
2002 | Honey | Nic | Frame Up Films Dir. Seth Keen |
1997 | The Bar | This Is It Productions Dir. Dorthe Scheffman | |
1996 | A Moment Passing | Joey | Rocket Pictures Dir. Charlie de Salis |
Film.
2012 | Inorganic | Brett |
Television.
2023 | Sweet Tooth S3 | Walt (Recurring Guest) | Netflix/WBTV Dir. Jim Mickle |
2022 | My Life is Murder S2 | Director (Director) | Greenstone Pictures MLIM Limited Dir. Michael Hurst |
2022 | Princess of Chaos | Len Brown (Lead) | TVNZ Dir. Kiel McNaughton |
2021 | My Life Is Murder S2 | Otto (Guest) | Greenstone TV Dir. Michael Hurst |
2018 | The Adventures of Suzy Boon | Michael | Fleet Street Productions |
2017 | Jono & Ben Show | Michael Hurst as Peter | Mediaworks |
2016 | The High Road | The Director | |
2014 | Terry Teo | Cornelius Jones | Semi-Professional Pictures Ltd Dir. Gerard Johnstone |
2012 | Auckland Daze | Michael Hurst (Guest) | Brown Sugar Apple Grunt Productions Dir. Kiel McNaugton |
2011 | Auckland Daze - Webisode | Michael (Guest) | Brown Sugar Apple Grunt Productions Dir. Various |
2011 | The All Mighty Johnsons, Series 2 | Kvasir (Major Guest) | South Pacific Pictures Dir. Simon Bennett |
2011 | Would I Lie To You | As himself | |
2010 | The Jono Project - C4 | Himself (Guest) | Mediaworks TV Dir. Jon Bridges |
2008 | Legend of the Seeker | Amfortas (Guest) | Walt Disney Productions Ltd Dir. G. Cawthorn |
2005 | Maddigan's Quest | Maska (Core) | South Pacific Pictures |
2003 | Murder on 'The Blade' | Defence Lawyer | Hunter Productions Dir. Keith Hunter |
2003 | Shortland Street | Dr Greg Vicelich | South Pacific Pictures |
2002 | Andromeda Series 2 | Ryan | Tribune Entertainment/Fireworks Entertainment |
2002 | Mataku 'The Final Plume: Te Raukura' | Dr Forbes | South Pacific Pictures |
2002 | Showstoppers | Talent Judge | Jump Productions |
2001 | Love Mussel | Stephen Jessop | Frame Up Films Dir. Michael Hurst |
2001 | The Man Who Has Everything | George Allwell (Core) | Discovery Health Dir. Keith Hunter |
2001 | Xena: Warrior Princess - Series 6 | Nigel | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
2000 | Jack of All Trades Series 2 | Captain Nardo da Vinci | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
2000 | Topp Twins | Celebrity Golfer | Diva Productions |
1999 | Duggan | Michael Taylor | Gibson Group Dir. Yvonne McKay |
1998 | Pale Blue | Warren | Gibson Group Dir. Harry Sinclair |
1998 | Young Hercules - The Movie | The Jeweler | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA Dir. T J Scott |
1998 | Young Hercules Series 1 | Charon | Pacific Renaissance Pictures, USA |
1997 | Blood, Documentary | Various | Fiona Copeland Productions Dir. Fiona Copeland & Judy Daragh |
1997 | Highwater Teleplay | Hugh (Core) | Rocket Pictures Dir. Mark Beesley |
1997 | Witi Ihimaera, Documentary | The Angel | Seannachie Productions Dir. Aileen O'Sullivan |
1996 | Xena: Warrior Princess Series 1 | Charon | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1995 | Hercules:The Legendary Journeys Series 1-6 | Iolaus (Core) | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1995 | Xena: Warrior Princess Series 1 - 2 | Iolaus (Regular Recurring) | |
1994 | Hercules & the Amazon Women ,Telemovie | Iolaus (Core) | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1994 | Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur, Telemovie | Iolaus (Core) | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1994 | Hercules in the Underworld, Telemovie | Aelus, Charon | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1993 | Typhon's People | Constantine | Gibson Group Dir. Yvonne Mackay |
1992 | Ray Bradbury Theatre Series 6 | Lt. Simmons | Atlantis Films |
1991 | Shark in the Park - Series 3 | David Jennings | Gibson Group Dir. Peter Barrett |
1990 | For the Love of Mike - Series 1 | Laurie | Comedia Productions |
1990 | Ray Bradbury Theatre Series 4 | Roger Shumway | Atlantis Films |
1990 | The New Adventures of Black Beauty - Series 1 | Kurt | Isambard |
1989 | The Shadow Trader - Mini Series | Bob Hoyle | TVNZ Dir. Wayne Tourell |
1984 | Country GP | Mark Slone | TVNZ Dir. Les Hansen |
1984 | Hanlon Series 1 | Elliot (Regular Recurring) | TVNZ Dir. Wayne Tourell |
1984 | Heroes Series 1 & 2 | Dave Nelson (Lead/Core) | |
1983 | Both Sides of the Fence Series 1 | Gary McNabb | Dir. Keith Hunter |
1982 | Casualties of Peace | Peter (Lead/Core) | TVNZ Dir. Mike Smith |
1982 | Daphne and Chloe | Young Man | TVNZ Dir. John Anderson |
Presenter.
2006 | Here to Stay - The English | Gibson Group Dir. Gary Scott | |
2006 | Settlers | Gibson Group | |
2005 | Yellow Pages | ||
2004 | Mondiale Sales Video | ||
2003 | Industry NZ DVD Worldwide |
Theatre.
2020 | The Daylight Atheist | Danny Moffat (Lead) | Dir. Colin McCol |
2013 | King Lear | The Fool | AUSA Summer Shakespeare Dir. Lisa Harrow |
2012 | Fix | Carter | Auckland Playwrights Collective Dir. Scott Wills |
2012 | Frequently Asked Questions | Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello | Nelson Arts Festival Dir. Dan Musgrove |
2012 | No Holds Bard | Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello | Royale Productions Dir. Dan Musgrove |
2012 | The Good Times | Ray | Silo Theatre |
2012 | The Trees Beneath the Lake | William Campbell | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Simon Bennettl |
2012 | Tribes | Christopher | Silo Theatre Dir. Shane Bosher |
2011 | Bare | Sleazy Producer | Benefit for Christchurch Dir. Hughes and Toa Fraser |
2011 | Flintlock Musket | Mason | The Edge |
2011 | Red | Mark Rothko | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Oliver Driver |
2011 | Six Degrees of Separation | Flanders Kittredge | Writers & Readers Festival/Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Colin McColl |
2010 | Cabaret | Emcee | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Michael Hurst |
2010 | She Came to Stay | Pierre Labrousse | Stepping Stone Project Dir. Sylvia Rands |
2010 | Sweeney Todd | Judge Turpin | Peach Theatre Company Dir. Jesse Peach |
2009 | Christ Almighty! | Angel Gabrielle | The Basement Dir. Cameron Rhodes and Colin Moy |
2009 | The Eight: Reindeer Monologues | Donner | The Basement Dir. Cameron Rhodes |
2008 | Blackbird | Ray | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Margaret-Mary Hollins |
2007 | The Mystery Of Irma Vep | Enid/Alcazar/Nicodemus | Silo Theatre Dir. Jennifer Ward Lealand |
2007 | The Pillowman | Ariel | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Simon Prast |
2005 | Jack & the Beanstalk | Mrs Sidebottom | AK05 Dir. Michael Hurst |
2005 | The Duchess of Malfi | Bosola | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Colin McColl |
2005 | The Goat Or Who Is Sylvia | Martin | Silo Theatre Dir. Oliver Driver |
2004 | Goldie | Charles F Goldie | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Colin McColl |
2004 | Macbeth | Macbeth | The Large Group, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
2003 | Aladdin | Widow Twankey | AK03 Dir. Michael Hurst |
2003 | Hamlet | Hamlet | The Large Group, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
2002 | Love Letters | Andrew Makepeace Ladd III | Creation Entertainment |
2002 | The Rocky Horror Show | Riff Raff | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Simon Prast |
2002 | Travesties | James Joyce | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
2002 | Waiting for Godot | Estragon | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Colin McColl |
2001 | Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead | The Player | Auckland Theatre Company Dir. Colin McColl |
1996 | Aladdin | Widow Twankey | Watershed Theatre, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1994 | Hamlet | Hamlet | Watershed Theatre, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1994 | The Holy Sinner | Wiligis/Gregoris | Inside Out Theatre Company - New Zealand International Festival of the Arts Dir. Michael Mizrahi & Marie Adams |
1993 | A Spectacle of One | Blaunt | Inside Out Theatre - Watershed Theatre,Auckland Dir. Michael Mizrahi & Marie Adams |
1993 | Jack & the Beanstalk | Mrs Sidebottom | Watershed Theatre, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1992 | Cabaret | Emcee | Watershed Theatre, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1991 | Richard III | Richard III | Pumphouse Winter Shakespeare Festival, Auckland Dir. Paul Gittins |
1991 | The Sex Fiend | Matthew | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Chris Schiel |
1990 | A Slice of Saturday Night | Eddie | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
1990 | The Holy Sinner | Wiligis/Gregoris | Inside Out Theatre Company, Auckland Dir. Michael Mizrahi & Marie Adams |
1990 | The Sex Fiend | Matthew | The Gods - Mercury Upstairs, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1990 | The Threepenny Opera | Tiger Brown | Inside Out Theatre Company, Auckland Dir. Michael Hurst |
1989 | King Lear | Gloucester | University of Auckland Summer Shakespeare Dir. Michael Hurst |
1989 | Ladies Night | Barry the Bass Guitar Bandit | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. David Coddington |
1989 | Romeo & Juliet | County Paris | Sydney Theatre Company Dir. Richard Wherrell |
1989 | The Cherry Orchard | Trofimov | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1989 | The Rover | Blunt | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1988 | Nana | Steiner/Bordenave/Jupiter | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
1988 | South Pacific | Luther Billis | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1988 | The Three Musketeers | Aramis | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1988 | The Threepenny Opera | Macheath | Downstage Theatre, Wellington Dir. Colin McColl |
1988 | Yerma | Victor | The Gods - Mercury Upstairs, Auckland Dir. Lee Grant |
1987 | Kiss of the Spider Woman | Valentin | The Gods - Mercury Upstairs, Auckland Dir. David Coddington |
1987 | Ladies Night | Barry the Bass Guitar Bandit | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. David Coddington |
1987 | Squatter | Olive | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Sarah Peirse |
1987 | The Mikado | Koko | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1987 | The Sound of Music | Rolf Gruber | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1987 | The Three Musketeers | D'Artagnan | Melbourne Theatre Company Dir. Simon Phillips |
1986 | As Is | Saul | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Murray Lynch |
1986 | Hedda Gabler | Eilert Lovborg | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Paul Sonne |
1986 | Macbeth | Macbeth | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1986 | Pass It On | Gus | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Sarah Peirse |
1986 | The Trojan Women | Agamemnon | Public Works Art Collective Dir. Sarah Peirse |
1985 | Caucasian Chalk Circle | The Singer | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1985 | Kiss of the Spider Woman | Valentin | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. David Coddington |
1985 | Torch Song Trilogy | Arnold Beckoff | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Murray Lynch |
1985 | Trafford Tanzi | Dean Rebel | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1984 | Cabaret | Master of Ceremonies | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1984 | The Winter's Tale | Florizel | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | A Street Called Straight | Jimmy Mackie | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | Jacques Brel is Alive & Well & Living in Paris | Singer | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1983 | King Lear | The Fool | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | Rip Tide | Various | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Harry Sinclair & Michael Hurst |
1983 | The Lady from the Sea | Lyngstrand | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | The Threepenny Opera | The Organ Grinder | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | The Trial | Joseph K | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1983 | Vinegar Tom | Jack | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Judith Gibson |
1982 | Accidental Death of an Anachist | Histriomaniac | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Murray Lynch |
1982 | Amadeus | Mozart | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Simon Phillips |
1982 | Armageddon Revisited | Beastly | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Simon Phillips |
1982 | Jesus Christ Superstar | King Herod | Mercury Theatre, Auckland Dir. Simon Phillips |
1982 | Total Eclipse | Arthur Rimbaud | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
1981 | As You Like It | Touchstone | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1981 | Beauty & the Beast | Various | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1981 | Mother Courage and Her Children | The Chaplain | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Roger McGill |
1981 | Piaf | The Agent/The Drug Pusher | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1981 | Shards | Singer | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Judith Gibson |
1981 | The End of the Golden Weather | The Boy | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
1981 | The Rose | The Leader | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1981 | Who's Randy | Singer | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1981 | Wings | Billy/Doctor | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Chris Shiel |
1980 | A Christmas Carol | Tiny Tim/Young Scrooge | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Jennifer Dalziel |
1980 | Bent | Rudy | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
1980 | Hamlet | Laertes | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1980 | Murder in the Cathedral | First Tempter/Knight | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1980 | Nativity | Various | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1980 | Sleeping Beauty | 2nd Courtier/The Frog/4th Fairy | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1980 | Stationary Sixth Form Poetry Trip | Jim | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Sunney Amey |
1980 | Tartuffe | Damis | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Raymond Hawthorne |
1980 | The Nobodies from Nowhere | Honk | Theatre Corporate, Auckland Dir. Paul Minifie |
Voice.
2017 | God of Ruin - Trailer | Yaros | |
2016 | Our Big Blue Backyard | Bronze Age Productions | |
2015 | Path of Exile | Emperor Izaro | Plus Play |
2015 | SKY 24 Hour People - Guide | DDB/Silk | |
2014 | Northland Tourism Historical Heritage Application | mytours.com | |
2014 | The Lion Queen | Top Shelf Productions Limited | |
2013 | Our Big Blue Backyard | Narrator | Natural History New Zealand Ltd |
2013 | Skoda - NZ | Big Communications | |
2013 | Undercover Rescue | Narrator | Paua Productions |
2008 | Business Mentors - TVC | ||
2008 | Ford - Radio | ||
2008 | L'Oreal - TV | ||
2008 | L'Oreal Pro South Africa - TV | ||
2008 | Mercury Energy - TV | ||
2008 | Nestle Scorched Almonds TVC | ||
2008 | Stonleigh - Cinema | ||
2008 | The Warehouse Toy Sale - TV | ||
2007 | Coca Cola - Radio | ||
2007 | Cottonelle - TV | ||
2007 | DVD Unlimited - TV & Radio | ||
2007 | Inside New Zealand - NCEA Kids vs Parents | Screentime | |
2007 | Lion Red - TV | ||
2007 | Microsoft - TV | ||
2007 | Pinnacle Life - Radio | ||
2007 | Sony Playstation - Radio | ||
2007 | Thai Airways - TV | ||
2007 | Vector - Internal | ||
2007 | Voopa the Goolash Series 1 | Moogabi and Choo | Photon Animation Dir. Nigel Godfrey |
2007 | Warehouse - Toy Sale - TV & Radio | ||
2006 | Anchor - Internet | ||
2006 | Clorox - Radio | ||
2006 | Coca Cola - TV | ||
2006 | Janola - TV | ||
2006 | Kelloggs Just Right - TV | ||
2006 | L'Oreal Garnier - TV | ||
2006 | Mazda - TV & Radio | ||
2006 | Oxfam - TV | ||
2006 | Telecom - Interactive CD | ||
2006 | The Girl Who Didn't Grow | RSVP Productions | |
2006 | Tower Insurance - TV | ||
2005 | Air Force TV Series 1 & 2 | Screentime Limited/TVNZ | |
2005 | BNZ - TV | ||
2005 | BP - TV & Radio | ||
2005 | Briscoes - Radio | ||
2005 | Cadbury Pineapple Lumps - TV | ||
2005 | Going Going Gone Series 5 | Greenstone Pictures | |
2005 | History Channel - Radio | ||
2005 | KFC - TV | ||
2005 | Kiwi Reconnect - TV | ||
2005 | Kiwi Recovery - TV | ||
2005 | MasterCard - TV | ||
2005 | Piano Man | 3rd Party Productions | |
2005 | Power Rangers: Space Patrol Delta | Monster Voice "Silverhead" | |
2005 | Sky TV - TV | ||
2005 | Tegal - TV & Radio | ||
2005 | Voice of Frescarini - Radio | ||
2005 | Xtra - Radio | ||
2004 | NZ Herald - Radio | ||
2004 | Phillips - TV | ||
2004 | Sunday Star Times - Radio | ||
2004 | Surf Live Saving - TV | ||
2004 | Val Morgan - Cinema | ||
2004 | Voice of Panadine - TV | ||
2003 | EECA Target 10 | ||
2003 | IRD - Cinema | ||
2003 | It's a Wives Life Series - 'Millionaire Wives' & 'Politician Wives' | Front of the Box Productions | |
2003 | Janola - TV | ||
2003 | Power Rangers: Ninja Storm | Monster Voice "Vexacus" | |
2003 | Project Legend - TV & Radio | ||
2003 | Robert Harris - TV & Radio | ||
2003 | Sanitarium - TV & Radio | ||
2003 | Sky Sports 'Rugby Great' Series | ||
2003 | UOB - TV, Singapore only | ||
2003 | Voice of BNZ - TV Radio Non Broadcast | ||
2003 | Voice of Mazda - TV Radio Non Broadcast | ||
2003 | Waikato University - TV | ||
2001 | Hawke's Bay Youth Drama School | The Documentary | |
1998 | Hercules and Xena, The Animated Movie | Iolaus | Pacific Renaissance Pictures/USA |
1998 | The Road to Jerusalem | ||
1985 | Napier: Newest City on the Map |