Actor / Director Profile

Father was a famous New Zealand singer. Mother was the original bikini model for designer Paula Stafford. Family moved to Australia in 1970.During high school, Manu played representative rugby, studied classical ballet & piano before attending university to study Drama. His acting career began in 1993 on Paradise Beach. Manu then appeared on various TV dramas before landing his first feature film, 'Lantana' (1999), opposite Anthony La Paglia, then traveled to Japan to film 'Tomoko'(2000) opposite award-winning Japanese actress Rumiko Koyangi. Manu returned to New Zealand to star in Shortland Steet, Street Legal, Mataku, Creature Quest & Going Straight (2001/05).Manu was then cast opposite Robert Patrick in The Marine (2006), then alongside Vinnie Jones & Stone Cold Steve Austin in The Condemned (2007). In 30 Days Of Night (2007), Manu played a supporting role alongside Josh Hartnett & Melissa George.