Michael Galvin

Last updated

Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin 2014.jpg
Galvin in Fiji filming Shortland Street, 2014
Born (1967-03-27) 27 March 1967 (age 56)
OccupationTelevision actor
SpouseMelissa Dines (m. 2004; sep. 2009)
Children1

Michael Galvin (born 27 March 1967) is a New Zealand actor, singer and playwright, well known for his role as Chris Warner on the soap opera Shortland Street, a character he has played almost since the show's debut in 1992 until 1996 and again from 2000 to present, and remains as of 2023, the only original cast member. He is the longest serving television soap opera actor in New Zealand.

Contents

Early life

Galvin attended and graduated both Victoria University and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. [1] He graduated from Toi Whakaari in 1989 with a Diploma in Acting. [2]

Career

Shortland Street

In 1992 Galvin, a theatre actor at the time, auditioned for a role as Chris Warner in the upcoming Television New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street alongside his flatmate Marton Csokas. [3] Galvin won the role, with Csokas later going on to play Leonard Dodds. Galvin predicted the show would only last 12 months. [4] Galvin portrayed Chris for four years, with the character picking up the nickname "Dr. Love" for the numerous love affairs he participated in. Galvin soon grew sick of portraying Chris, being quoted as saying "after four years on Shortland Street there was so much of me in Dr Warner I wasn't sure where he ended and I began." [5] He quit and went travelling to seek further job opportunities.

Overseas and return to Shortland Street

During this time, he had roles in the television productions Highwater and Coverstory, and feature film The Climb, which starred John Hurt. Galvin was asked to return to Shortland Street in 2000 following a revamp of the show. He returned in the season final much to the delight of his fans. Since returning, Galvin has written many plays including the successful "Station to Station" and in 2007 Galvin was recognised as an outstanding emerging playwright, winning New Zealand's most significant national theatre award, the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award. [6]

In October 2019 he was presented with a Scroll of Honour from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand for his contribution to New Zealand entertainment.

Personal life

Galvin is married to Melissa Galvin with whom he shares a daughter named Lily. The couple married in 2004, but separated 5 years later. [7] He was introduced to Melissa through on screen girlfriend Angela Bloomfield (Rachel McKenna).

Filmography

Film
YearFilmRoleOther notes
1989 Ray Bradbury Theatre RunnerTV series
1990 Shark in the Park AlistairTV series
Neighbourhood WatchDennisTV series
Safe SexSimonTV series
1991CoverstoryMark ChurchillTV series
1992HighwaterJeremyTV series
Charity QueensJontyTV series
1992–1996
2000–present
Shortland Street Dr. Chris Warner TV series
Nominated – Qantas TV and Film awards 2008 Best Actor
1997HighwaterJeremyTV movie
1998 The Climb Father Cronin
2001 What Now! 20th Birthday Special HimselfTV series
2002StrassmanHimselfTV series
2007 The Devil Dared Me To Good Looking Actor

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References

  1. "Michael Galvin". Playmarket. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  2. "Graduate". www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  3. "Star likes Dr Warners medicine". Stuff. May 2010.
  4. "Shortie's old enough to vote". The New Zealand Herald. May 2010.
  5. "Peter Feeney on Michael Galvin". January 2011.
  6. "Shortland Street star picks up national playwriting award" Archived 1 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine , thebigidea.co.nz
  7. "Michael Galvin: the man behind Chris Warner". New Idea. Yahoo! New Zealand. 22 May 2012.