08 Sep 2019
Creative New Zealand is saddened at the news of the passing of Ray Henwood, a stalwart of New Zealand theatre and performing arts.
Kua hinga te Tōtara haemata o te ao whakaari. Moe mai rā.
Welsh-born Ray immigrated to Wellington in his 20s to take up teaching after having studied chemistry at Swansea University. He developed a second career in acting and turned professional in 1970.
Well known in the Wellington theatre scene as one of the founding members of Circa Theatre in 1976, the veteran actor appeared in many plays, films and television shows – most notably the sitcom Gliding On in the early 80’s.
Other credits include Heavenly Creatures, Second-Hand Wedding, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and toured various shows playing Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton.
Ray was awarded the Order of Merit for services to film and theatre in 2006, and was recognised earlier this year at the Absolutely Positively Wellington awards.
He is survived by his wife, retired judge Carolyn Henwood, and two children, one of whom is the comedian and TV3 star Dai Henwood.
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