Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Jennifer Cecily Ward-Lealand CNZM, born on November 8, 1962, in Wellington, New Zealand, is a distinguished actor and director known for her significant contributions to film and theatre. Her early television career began with a role as Jan in the series Close to Home from 1978 to 1980. After completing a diploma in acting from Auckland's Theatre Corporate in 1982, she gained recognition for her performance in the episode "Danny and Raewyn" from the About Face series, which earned her a GOFTA Best Actress Award.

Ward-Lealand made her cinematic debut as the nightclub singer Costello in the 1984 crime thriller Dangerous Orphans, showcasing her musical talent by performing three songs. Throughout the late 1980s, she collaborated with acclaimed artists Harry Sinclair and Don McGlashan in the theatre/musical group The Front Lawn, contributing to both stage productions and the film Linda's Body.

Her television credits include roles in the 1993 film Desperate Remedies, the popular soap opera Shortland Street, and the Australian comedy series Full Frontal. In addition to her acting career, she has directed numerous theatre productions and has toured with her celebrated cabaret show, Falling in Love Again, which also features her first solo CD.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Ward-Lealand is committed to improving working conditions for actors and is fluent in Te Reo Māori, having learned the language to engage more deeply with New Zealand's cultural heritage. She is married to actor Michael Hurst, and they have two sons.