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Mark Wright is a New Zealand actor, comedic entertainer, writer, and raconteur. He is a Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School graduate. He is an international Theatresports champion, has appeared for every professional theatre company in New Zealand, and toured extensively throughout Australasia. Notably: The Rocky Horror Show, Bouncers, A Way Of Life, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has featured in some 40 different television series/programmes/specials and has won two New Zealand Film & Television awards – both for best performance. Recent theatrical appearances include
In June 2022, Wright premiered a new work 'The Gallipoli Monologues' (now titled 'Voices From Gallipoli') to great audience and critical acclaim. [1]
His films include Murder in Greenwich , Her Majesty , Dirty Dave, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, and Alex .
His television credits including Peppermint Twist, The Billy T James Show, Issues with McPhail and Gadsby, That Comedy Show, Comedy Central , and Newsflash. [2]
He has played three different characters on the iconic New Zealand series Shortland Street and also appeared on What Now , Amazing Extraordinary Friends , Power Rangers, Nothing Trivial, Terry Teo, Go Girls , and as the voices of Moa, Ichtheo and Niblicks on the animated series Kiri & Lou
He was raised in St Heliers and educated at Sacred Heart College, Auckland, Selwyn College, Auckland, and Toi Whakaari. [3] He graduated from Toi Whakaari with a Diploma in Acting in 1985. [4] He was a stage actor in Wellington, and his first television appearance was as Mick Ryan in Peppermint Twist. [3]
He was the 1994 TV Guide Television Award for Best Performer in an Entertainment Programme and the 1996 TV Guide Best Actor Award. [3]
Wright is also a professional speaker. [3] [5]
His wife is Natalie Wright (nee Dennis) who played Shelley Crombie on Shortland Street from 1998-2001. [6]