After decades of popping up on screens and airwaves around the country, I took a breather from acting in 2016. I'm now back at it again, refreshed and re-inspired (Jun 2025), and represented by the brilliant team at ODD Management.
What have I been up to in the break? I've been a bit busy! I've co-written and released four alternative rock albums, published THE MISSING PIECE with HarperCollins (2024), renovated my fair share of houses, and embraced rural homesteading life. Chickens, compost, and the occasional chat with the resident wild pheasant, all included.
It all started in my early 20s when I got 'the acting bug'. I was working in the film industry as a production manager and it had been suggested I should also try being on the other side of the camera. So, bravely I auditioned and scored a part in a McDonald's TVC. It was for 'value combo' which I believe was the first time combos were introduced in New Zealand. Dressed up as one of the Andrew's Sisters (well, a nod and a wink to one, anyway) it involved dancing and prancing to a big band in quite a spectacular set.
With regards to TV commercials, there have been plenty. In no particular order, I've been a dancing policewoman (BP), an Andy Walhol-esk Marilyn Monroe painting that came to life in an art gallery (Pineapple Lumps), and an ongoing presenter (GIB Living Solutions) for a number of years. I've been the KFC 'mum', a vivacious aunty in a Finn Brother's music video, and an unbemused farmer's wife (Mitsubishi Triton).
In my 30's I trained in the Meisner technique with Michael Saccente and launched into more character roles in film and television, while juggling motherhood and voice-over work. This continued through to my mid 40's when I decided to move 'down country' to the Waikato and throw myself into rural living and other creative pursuits.
Forgive me that I don't have a full list of acting credits at hand. These are the ones I can recall (and appear under my former name Julie Crean):
Television
| 2016 | Shortland Street | Role: DI Jessica Barrett | South Pacific Pictures |
| 2014 | Shortland Street | Role: DI Jessica Barrett | South Pacific Pictures |
| 2012 | The Politically Incorrect Guide to Grown Ups (series) | Role: Janine | Razor Films / Dir: Stephen Campbell |
| 2011 | The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers (series) | Role: Janine | Razor Films / Dir: Stephen Campbell |
| 2008 | The Jacquie Brown Diaries: Brown Live | Role: Debbie Thomas | Dir: Gerard Johnstone |
| 2006 | Shortland Street | Role: Melanie Kirk | South Pacific Pictures |
| 2006 | Power Rangers Mystic Force - Code Busters | Role: Woman | BVS Entertainment Inc |
Television Movie
| 2012 | Cancerman: The Milan Brych Affair | Role: Brych’s secretary | Dir: Robin Singleton |
| 2007 | The Man Who Lost His Head | Role: Emma | ITV/South Pacific Pictures / Dir: Terry Johnson |
ACTING related News and Updates
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Grown Ups – Janine (2012)
A year older, another great topic! The Politically Incorrect Guide to Grown Ups was the natural follow-up to The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers — written and directed by Nigel Latta, and again full of painfully relatable truths. I returned as “Janine,” and with my husband “Larry” (John Leigh), we navigated the kinds of problems...Continue reading
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers – Janine (2011)
One of those fun projects for me was playing “Janine”, mum to two headstrong teenagers, in The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers series. Hosted by New Zealand’s go-to clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and straight shooter, Nigel Latta, this wasn’t your typical drama series. Directed by Stephen Campbell and produced by Razor Films, The Politically Incorrect...Continue reading
The Man Who Lost His Head – Film for TV (2007)
‘The Man Who Lost His Head’ was a two-hour comedy-drama, an ITV/South Pacific Pictures production directed by Terry Johnson. It was filmed here in New Zealand, set in the fictional coastal town of Otakataka. Windswept and rural, most of it was shot on the West Coast of the North Island, around Huia and Bethells Beach....Continue reading