Michael Hurst

Biography

Moved to Christchurch, New Zealand at age 8. Eldest of four brother, Mark, Stuart, and Nicholas (half brother).
At age 14 became involved in school drama projects. Accepted into two year training program at Court Theatre at age 19. By 22 he was accepted at Theatre Corporation, Auckland. He ended up as chairperson in 1985. Between 1982 and 1991 he joined the Mercury Theatre, where he performed and directed over 20 plays. Co-founder of the disbanded Watershed Theatre.

Happily married to New Zealand actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand. They have two sons, Jack Louis Ward Hurst (25 Jan. 1997), and Cameron Lane Ward Hurst (2 Dec. 1999).

Michael, his wife, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, and Christian Penny started their own theatre company called the Large Group in 2003. Their first performance was Hamlet with Michael starring in the leading role and also directing. In 2004, it was Macbeth with Michael once again playing the lead and directing.

In 2003 Michael recieved the Arts Laureate Award, from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. In 2005 he managed to top that when he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit "for services to film and the theatre".