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
Shortland Street – Melanie Kirk (2006)
Melanie Kirk first appeared on Shortland Street in late 1992, originally played by Tina Regtien. She was introduced as Chris Warner’s (Michael Galvin) first wife, or more accurately, his soon-to-be ex-wife. Chris famously dumped his fiancée, Alison (Danielle Cormack), to rekindle things with Melanie. Their whirlwind romance ended when she moved to the South Island for work. Fast...Continue reading
Part of Me, Part of You – The Finn Brothers (2004)
This was a very special music video to be part of. Working with living legends Tim and Neil Finn was not only an honour, especially for someone like me who adored Split Enz in the ’80s, it was also a blast. Their creative energy is absolutely infectious, and the process of filming was truly intriguing....Continue reading