15 Facts About Michael Hurst

Michael Eric Hurst ONZM was born on 20 September 1957 and is a British-born New Zealand actor, director and writer.

Michael Hurst is known internationally for acting in the television programs Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and companion series Xena: Warrior Princess as Iolaus.

Michael Hurst enrolled at Papanui High School, then University of Canterbury, but for only one year.

Michael Hurst is married to New Zealand actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand and they have two sons.

In 1984, Michael Hurst won the lead role of David Blyth's Death Warmed Up, New Zealand's first splatter movie.

The plot saw Michael Hurst's character weathering institutionalisation, sundry wackos, and a motorcycle chase in the tunnels below Waiheke Island.

Crime thriller Dangerous Orphans is the first film in which Michael Hurst co-starred with real-life partner Jennifer Ward-Lealand.

Michael Hurst's role was one of three grown orphans caught up in a mission to one-up various criminal figures; Ward-Lealand played romantic interest to one of the other orphans.

Michael Hurst played a European mystery man uncovering the truth behind corporate genetic meddling.

Michael Hurst went on to co-star in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys with Kevin Sorbo, playing sidekick Iolaus to Sorbo's Hercules.

Michael Hurst made his feature debut as a director with Jubilee, based on the book by Nepi Solomon.

Michael Hurst followed Jubilee by directing Love Mussel, a one off satire for television.

In 2003, Michael Hurst was awarded an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award.

In 2015, after runs in New Zealand and at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Michael Hurst directed The Generation of Z: Apocalypse at a purpose-built venue in East London between 4 April 2015 to July 2015.

Michael Hurst has appeared in several solo stage productions including No Holds Bard in 2018, and An Illiad in 2019.