Brian Sergent

Brian Sergent, born on December 29, 1959, is a multifaceted comedian, writer, and actor hailing from Wellington, New Zealand. Sergent's foray into acting commenced at the young age of 15 when he portrayed Lionel in the soap opera *Close to Home*.

He gained significant recognition on television for his roles as Eric Grady in *Outrageous Fortune*, the New Zealand Prime Minister in *Flight of the Conchords*, and Harold in *The Lost Children*. One of his most beloved characters, cabin steward Gavin Soper, graced the screen in the *Pulp Comedy* series.

A prominent figure at Circa Theatre in Wellington, Sergent has showcased his talents in productions such as *The Duchess of Malfi* (1982), *Travels with My Aunt* (1997), and *Take a Chance on Me* (2001). His filmography includes notable works like Peter Jackson's *Meet the Feebles*, *Braindead*, and *The Lord of the Rings*, along with leading roles in *The Shirt* and *Eagle vs. Shark*.

Sergent is also a familiar voice on Radio New Zealand, where he has narrated numerous short stories, novels, and radio plays, maintaining an active role within the station. He has earned multiple Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards, including Male Actor of the Year in 1992 for his performances in *The Homecoming* and *A Dangerous Game*, and Outstanding New Playwright of the Year in 2004 for *The Love of Humankind*. After a brief hiatus, he made a return to *Outrageous Fortune* in its fifth season. As a stand-up comedian and sketch writer since 1979, Sergent continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry.