Chris Smith

Actor / Voice
Age Range

65—77

Height

173cm

Eye Colour

Grey

Hair Colour

White

Ethnicity

New Zealander

Based In

Auckland, New Zealand

After a distinguished 52-year career in Marine Engineering, Chris Smith retired in 2020 and ventured into acting on the recommendation of his son. Embracing this new passion, Chris has immersed himself in acting classes and has been enthusiastic about developing skills he always felt he had.

Chris’s first experiences in the entertainment industry came as an Extra in 2020, and he began taking speaking parts in early 2021. Notable roles include 'The Professor' in Jerusalem Play (2022), 'Hopeful Christian' in I AM - I Escaped a Cult (2021), and a stills promotion for Olivani Spread.

He finds great satisfaction in all aspects of his acting journey, from background roles to being nominated for Best Supporting Actor by Northern Area Performance Theatre Awards. He particularly enjoyed his role as 'Hopeful Christian' in the Gloriavale Documentary.

Chris aspires to elevate his acting career in both screen and theatre, with a desire to take on challenging roles in film and TV while continuing to explore stage acting. His approach to acting is shaped by a natural ability to emulate voices and characters, a background in Marine Engineering with exposure to diverse personalities, and ongoing studies in the Michael Chekhov technique with Elena Stejko. Chris aims to master Method Acting and bring a rich, authentic portrayal to every role.

Chris Smith’s journey reflects a dedication to reinventing himself, a passion for acting, and a commitment to honing his craft with the same determination he brought to his previous career.

Chris Smith

Artist Resume

Stage

Year
Role
Production

2022

The Professor

Jerusalem

The Company Theatre

Dir. Kristof Haines

2021

Tubal

Merchant of Venice

Shoreside Theatre Takapuna

Dir. Trevor Sharpe

Theatre

Year
Role
Production

2024

Elgin

Spider's Web

Shoreside Theatre

2023

Dr Willis

The Welkin

Foolish Wit Theatre & The Pumphouse Theatre

Dir. Matthew Diesch