John Shrapnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Shrapnell
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| Born |
John Gordon Shrapnell
25 December 1934 London, England
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| Died | 2 September 2020 (aged 85) Wellington, New Zealand
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| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Occupation | Journalist, actor, singer |
John Gordon Shrapnell (born December 25, 1934 – died September 2, 2020) was a talented person from New Zealand. He started his career as a television journalist. Later, he became known as a singer and an actor.
About John's Early Life
John Shrapnell was born in London, England, on December 25, 1934. His parents were Lillian Jeannette Shrapnell and Alfred Shrapnell. John was related to General Henry Shrapnel. This British army officer invented the "shrapnel shell."
John's Television Career
When television started in New Zealand in the early 1960s, John Shrapnell was very involved. He was one of the main editors for NZBC Television Newsreel. He also produced a show called The Veteran Statesman.
In 1964, John went back to the United Kingdom. There, he worked as a reporter for London Line and Today. He also worked as a Duty Editor at Visnews.
John returned to New Zealand in 1966. He became a reporter and director for popular shows like Town and Around and Network News. He also directed and produced many documentaries for the series Sunday's World.
John helped create reports on early New Zealand dance groups. These included Limbs and Impulse Dance Theatre. John was in charge of covering the Queen's visit to New Zealand. Because of this, he met the Queen and her family several times.
John Shrapnell became a New Zealand citizen in 1974.
John as an Actor and Singer
John Shrapnell appeared in several TV shows and movies as an actor. Some of these included Revelations – The Initial Journey and The Insider's Guide To Happiness. He also acted in Blonde Cargo, Market Forces, The Strip, and A Question of Justice.
As a singer, John performed with different groups. These included the Wellington City Opera and The NBR New Zealand Opera.
John Shrapnell was sometimes confused with his cousin, who was also named John Shrapnel. His cousin was a famous British actor. When they met in London, the British John Shrapnel joked that he was jealous. He wished he had met the Queen like the New Zealand John Shrapnell did. The New Zealand John Shrapnell replied that he was jealous his cousin got to act with the famous actress Julia Roberts.
John Shrapnell passed away in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 2, 2020. He was 85 years old.
