Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis (born July 27, 1968) is a New Zealand actor and film producer. After theater, he debuted in Jane Campion’s The Piano (1993), then starred in Once Were Warriors (1994). He won four New Zealand Film Awards: Best Actor for Jubilee (2000), The Dark Horse (2014) (also earning the Asia Pacific Screen Award), and Best Supporting Actor for Desperate Remedies (1993) and Whale Rider (2002). His international films include Three Kings, Blow, Training Day, The Meg, Meg 2, and Avatar: The Way of Water.
RELATED: Clarissa Molina Net Worth: Beauty, Broadcasting, and Bucks
Table of Contents
Cliff Curtis Net Worth
Cliff Curtis has a net worth of $3 million. He primarily earns income through his acting career, with notable roles in both television and film, as well as work as a film producer.
Known for his diverse range of roles, he is a successful and critically acclaimed actor with a global reputation. Additionally, Cliff Curtis is a co-owner of Whenua Films, an independent New Zealand production company, further solidifying his influence in the film industry.
Early life
Curtis was born in Rotorua in 1968, one of eight children of George Curtis, an amateur dancer. He is of Mฤori descent, affiliated with the Te Arawa and Ngฤti Hauiti tribes.
His uncle was Toby Curtis, a notable Mฤori educator and leader. As a boy, he studied mau rฤkau, traditional taiaha fighting, with elder Mita Mohi on Mokoia Island, developing skills in kapa haka. He also performed as a breakdancer and in rock ‘n’ roll competitions. He graduated from Toi Whakaari in 1989 with a Diploma in Acting.
Career
Curtis began acting in amateur musicals Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha with the Kapiti Players and Mantis Cooperative Theatre Company. He trained at New Zealand Drama School and Teatro Dimitri Scuola in Switzerland. He worked with Downstage, Mercury Theatre, Bats Theatre, and Centre Point. His stage roles include Happy End, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Othello, The Cherry Orchard, Porgy and Bess, Weeds, Macbeth, Serious Money, and The End of the Golden Weather.
Curtis debuted in film with a small role in Jane Campionโs The Piano. He gained fame in Once Were Warriors, featuring the iconic line “Uncle fucken Bully” by Temuera Morrisonโs character. He starred as Kahu in Kahu & Maia, and appeared in Desperate Remedies. In 2000, he played Billy Williams in Jubilee and later starred in Whale Rider.
Personal life
Curtis married in late 2009 in a private ceremony at his home and has four children. He is Roman Catholic. When asked about being an “all-purpose ethnic” actor, he said, “It’s been a real advantage, I love being ethnic, I love the colour of my skin.”
He acknowledged limitations in the industry but expressed gratitude for the many wonderful opportunities he has received throughout his career.
Does Cliff Curtis have tattoos?
Cliff Curtis sports a traditional tattoo of a manta ray, a nod to his cultural heritage and the symbolism of New Zealand, or Aotearoa, as a manta ray. This tattoo is a personal representation of his identity and connection to his Maori roots, embodying the cultural and spiritual values he holds dear.
Conclusion
Cliff Curtis’s illustrious career is a remarkable narrative of talent, versatility, and dedication to the art of acting. With a net worth of $3 million, Curtis has not only achieved financial success but has also made significant contributions to promoting cultural diversity in cinema. His journey from the stages of New Zealand to the screens of Hollywood exemplifies his ability to transcend cultural barriers, making him a respected and influential figure in the global entertainment industry.
RELATED: Millie Jackson Net Worth: Soulful Sounds and Savings
FAQs about Cliff Curtis
- What inspired Cliff Curtis to become an actor?
- Curtis’s passion for performing arts was nurtured early on through traditional Mฤori forms of expression and his participation in musicals and theatre productions.
- Has Cliff Curtis won any awards for his acting?
- Yes, Curtis has received critical acclaim for his work, including winning the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor for “The Dark Horse.”
- What production company does Cliff Curtis co-own?
- Curtis is the co-owner of Whenua Films, an independent New Zealand production company focusing on supporting indigenous filmmaking.
- How does Cliff Curtis prepare for roles across different ethnicities?
- Curtis immerses himself in the cultural and linguistic nuances of his characters, often conducting extensive research and working with dialect coaches.
- What is Cliff Curtis’s perspective on playing diverse ethnic roles?
- Curtis views his ability to play a wide range of ethnicities as an advantage, embracing his identity and using his platform to challenge industry stereotypes and promote diversity.
