Cliff Curtis Biography: Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis (born July 27, 1968) is a New Zealand actor and film producer. He began his career in theatre and made his film debut in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning The Piano (1993), gaining wider recognition with a standout performance in Once Were Warriors (1994). Curtis has won four New Zealand Film Awards: Best Actor for Jubilee (2000) and The Dark Horse (2014)—the latter also earning him the Asia Pacific Screen Award—and Best Supporting Actor for Desperate Remedies (1993) and Whale Rider (2002). His international film work includes roles in Three Kings and Bringing Out the Dead (both 1999), Blow and Training Day (both 2001), Collateral Damage (2002), Sunshine and Live Free or Die Hard (both 2007), Push and Crossing Over (both 2009), Colombiana (2011).
Cliff Curtis Biography
Cliff Curtis was born on July 27, 1968, in Rotorua, New Zealand. He is of Māori heritage, with tribal affiliations to Ngāti Hauiti and Te Arawa. He studied acting at the New Zealand Drama School (Toi Whakaari) before continuing his training at Teatro Dimitri Scuola in Switzerland. Upon returning to New Zealand from Europe, Curtis landed a role in The Piano (1993).
Cliff Curtis Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis
July 27, 1968 Rotorua, New Zealand
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|---|---|
| Alma mater | Toi Whakaari (1989) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1991–present |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Toby Curtis (uncle) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
Cliff Curtis Achievements
He went on to appear in several notable New Zealand films, including the stylized melodrama Desperate Remedies (1992), the powerful urban drama Once Were Warriors (1994), and the comedic Jubilee (2000). In Hollywood, Curtis became known for his versatility, often portraying characters of various ethnic backgrounds. He played a Colombian in Blow (2001), an Arab in Three Kings (1999) and The Insider (1999), a Latino in Training Day (2001) and Runaway Jury (2003), and a drug dealer of unspecified origin in Bringing Out the Dead (1999).
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About Cliff Curtis
Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis is a New Zealand actor and film producer. After working in theatre, he made his film debut in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning film The Piano, followed by a breakout role in the drama Once Were Warriors.
Cliff Curtis Wiki
- Born: 27 July 1968 (age 56 years), Rotorua, New Zealand
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Height: 1.84 m
- Upcoming movies: Avatar 5, Avatar 4, Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Children: 4
Early Life
Curtis was born in Rotorua, New Zealand, in 1968, one of eight children of George Curtis, an amateur dancer. He is of Māori descent, with tribal affiliations to Te Arawa and Ngāti Hauiti, and his uncle was respected Māori leader and educator Toby Curtis. As a child, Curtis trained in mau rākau, the traditional Māori martial art of taiaha combat, under elder Mita Mohi on Mokoia Island. This training, along with his participation in kapa haka, developed his skills as a performer. He also competed in breakdancing and rock ‘n’ roll dance competitions. Curtis attended Edmund Rice College in Rotorua and later graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1989 with a Diploma in Acting.
Cliff Curtis Facts
Where does Cliff Curtis live? And how much money does Cliff Curtis earn?
| Birth Date | 27-7-1968 |
| Heritage/origin | New-Zealander |
| Ethnicity | Other |
| Religion – believes in God? | Non-religious |
| Residence | He owns an apartment in Los Angeles, California. |
Cliff Curtis Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 3 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Kim Dickens |
Cliff Curtis: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
| Has any kids? | No |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly talented actor originating from Rotorua, New Zealand has a thin body & round face type.
| Hair color | Brown/Black |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | eye color |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 184 cm |
| Weight | 78 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Cliff Curtis smoke? | No, never |
| Does Cliff Curtis have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What acting schools did Cliff Curtis attend?
Cliff Curtis studied at New Zealand Drama School (Toi Whakaari), one of the country’s top performing arts institutions. He later furthered his training at the prestigious Teatro Dimitri Scuola in Switzerland.
What was Cliff Curtis’s first film role?
Curtis made his film debut in The Piano (1993), an internationally acclaimed drama directed by Jane Campion, marking the start of his successful screen career.
What kinds of characters has Cliff Curtis portrayed in Hollywood?
Cliff Curtis is known for his ability to portray a wide range of ethnicities. He has taken on roles as a Colombian, Arab, Latino, and characters with ambiguous backgrounds, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
What role brought Cliff Curtis international recognition?
While Curtis has played many roles, he gained significant international attention for his performance as Porourangi, the father of the main character in the critically acclaimed film Whale Rider (2002).
Did Cliff Curtis work in Europe before his film career?
Yes, before returning to New Zealand and beginning his film career, Curtis trained in Europe at Teatro Dimitri Scuola in Switzerland, where he refined his performance skills.
What genres has Cliff Curtis acted in?
Curtis has appeared in a wide variety of genres, including intense dramas like Once Were Warriors, historical pieces like The Piano, melodramas such as Desperate Remedies, and comedies like Jubilee.