Michael Hurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Hurst
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Hurst in 2018
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Michael Eric Hurst
20 September 1957 Lancashire, England
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| Occupation | Actor, director, writer |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Michael Eric Hurst is a famous actor, director, and writer from New Zealand. He is best known for playing the hero Iolaus in the TV shows Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. He has also directed popular shows like Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Ash vs Evil Dead.
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Early Life and Family
Michael Hurst was born in Lancashire, England, on September 20, 1957. He was the oldest of three brothers. When he was seven, his family moved to Christchurch, a city in New Zealand. He went to Papanui High School and later studied at the University of Canterbury for a year.
Hurst is married to Jennifer Ward-Lealand, who is also an actress in New Zealand. They have two sons together.
Acting Career
First Movies
In 1984, Hurst starred in Death Warmed Up, which was one of New Zealand's first horror movies. In the film, his character has to survive a wild motorcycle chase through tunnels. The movie was a big success and won a major award at a film festival in Paris.
The same year, he played a drummer named Dave Nelson in a TV show called Heroes. The show was about a band trying to become famous.
In the 1986 crime movie Dangerous Orphans, Hurst acted alongside his wife, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, for the first time on screen. He played one of three orphans on a mission against criminals. He worked with his wife again in later films like The Footstep Man (1992) and Desperate Remedies (1993).
Becoming Famous with Hercules
Hurst's most famous role came in the 1990s. He played Iolaus, the loyal best friend and sidekick to Hercules, played by Kevin Sorbo. He appeared in the TV movies that came before the series, and then starred in the popular show Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
He also appeared as Iolaus in the spin-off series Xena: Warrior Princess. His character was a fan favorite, known for being brave, funny, and a great friend.
Work as a Director
Besides acting, Michael Hurst is also a talented director. He made his first feature film, Jubilee, in 2000. The movie, starring Cliff Curtis, is about a man who gets a chance to prove himself by organizing a town's 75th anniversary party.
He has directed episodes for many well-known TV shows, including:
- Xena: Warrior Princess
- Legend of the Seeker
- Spartacus
- The Almighty Johnsons
- Ash vs Evil Dead
- Power Rangers Dino Fury
His directing work shows his skill in creating exciting action scenes and telling powerful stories.
Awards and Stage Work
Michael Hurst has received many awards for his work in film and theater. In 2005, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to the arts. This is a special honor given by the government of New Zealand.
He has also performed in many plays. He created his own solo shows, like No Holds Bard, where he played several characters from Shakespeare's plays.
Selected Film and TV Roles
Here are some of Michael Hurst's most notable roles in movies and television:
- Death Warmed Up (1984) - Michael Tucker
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995–1999) - Iolaus
- Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001) - Iolaus / Charon / Nigel
- Young Hercules (1998) - The Jeweler / Charon
- Jack of All Trades (2000) - Captain Nardo da Vinci
- Power Rangers: Ninja Storm (2003) - Vexacus (voice)
- Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005) - Silverhead (voice)
- Maddigan's Quest (2006) - Maska
- Legend of the Seeker (2009) - Amfortas
- ... Slap (2009) - Gage
- The Almighty Johnsons (2012) - Kvasir
- Power Rangers Dino Fury (2021) - Nibyro Guardian (voice)
