Mark Hadlow
Mark Hadlow (born 1957) is a New Zealand actor and comedian. Hadlow is perhaps best known internationally for playing the roles of Harry in King Kong and Dori, a Dwarf, in The Hobbit series.[1]
Life and career
Hadlow's early film appearances were in serious roles, such as in Beyond Reasonable Doubt, but he is perhaps better known in New Zealand for his comedy roles, particularly in the television sitcom Willy Nilly, and some of the voices for the 1989 Peter Jackson puppet film, Meet the Feebles. He also starred alongside New Zealand Maori comedian, Billy T James in "The Billy T James Show".
Hadlow has also released an audio CD called "Tall Tales". It consists of classic children's stories narrated and performed with a Kiwi twist.
Between films and television, Hadlow works in Christchurch's Court Theatre, where he has directed, produced, and acted in many plays. Hadlow is known for interacting with the audience whenever possible. This was made easy in the theatre's intimate, 200-seat setting, where the audience was literally next to the stage.
In 2009, Hadlow campaigned for the historic Odeon Theatre in Christchurch to be turned into an arts complex for an estimated NZ$60m.[2] The earthquake-prone building was severely damaged in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and later in 2012, the rear of the building was demolished.[3]
While appearing in a one-man play, he met his ex-wife. They met in the audience before the start of the play because Hadlow always started off in the audience. In his wife's words, "this nice man who I didn't recognise sat next to me and we started chatting. Within minutes he knew a lot about me. Suddenly he got up and started acting in the play."
In addition to his acting career, Hadlow is a commissioned lieutenant commander in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve.[4]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Beyond Reasonable Doubt | Bruce Roddick | |
| 1981 | Strange Behavior | Dancer at Party | |
| 1982 | Battletruck | Orrin | |
| Klynham Summer | Sam Finn | ||
| 1983 | Nate and Hayes | Gun Operator | |
| 1984 | Constance | ||
| 1988 | Just Me and Mario | ||
| 1990 | Meet the Feebles | Heidi the Hippo, Robert the Hedgehog, Barry the Bulldog (voices) | |
| 1992 | Absent Without Leave | Prison Corporal | |
| 1995 | Bonjour Timothy | Rugby's Coach | |
| 2005 | King Kong | Harry | |
| 2006 | The Waimate Conspiracy | Mr. Glue QC | |
| 2008 | Last of the Living | Dad | |
| 2009 | No Petrol, No Diesel! | Mr. Bligh | |
| 2010 | The Holy Roller | Wally | |
| 2012 | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey | Dori Bert | |
| 2013 | The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug | Dori | |
| 2014 | The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies | Dori | |
References
- ↑ Associated Press (October 21, 2010). "Peter Jackson Announces 'Hobbit' Cast". accesshollywood.com. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
- ↑ Gates, Charlie (22 December 2012). "Hadlow wants to turn Odeon into NoeDo". The Press. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
- ↑ Cairns, Lois (29 November 2012). "Powerless to stop heritage demolition". The Press. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
- ↑ Preece, Kate (29 November 2012). "Mark Hadlow as himself, and Dori". The Press. Retrieved 18 March 2014.