GET TO KNOW :
KIEREN HUTCHISON
May 31 2011
Taken from TVNZ Shortland Street.
Its been a huge secret but we can finally reveal that Rachel McKenna's brother Jonathon (Kieren Hutchinson) is back in Ferndale.
How did you get your role on Shortland Street?
I auditioned when I was 18 years old, sometime last century!
How long have you been acting and how did you get your first big break?
I have been acting professionally for 18 years. Mt 1st big break was Shorty!
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen character.
Funnily enough there are probably more differences than similarities - but I'd say our sense of humour, our love of traveling and our tendancy to screw up!
What has been you best experience / scene on the show to date?
I had a lot of great experiences on the show back in the day, but coming back after 15 years and reconnecting with the people and the character has been a blast.
Which other character would you like to be and why?
Chris Warner because he is the doctor of love.
What are your hobbies / interests outside of Shorty?
Playing squash, riding my bike, playing with my son, History, politics, watching movies, I love reading about the life of Elviz Presley. I find his rise and fall almost Shakespearean.
What do you do in your down time during the day when you're not shooting?
I hang out with my wife Nicole and our son Quin (3 1/2). I've been showing them around Auckland since we arrived last month, being tourists!
What is your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
In NZ it's probably Hahei in the Coromandel. Overseas, Florence - Italy for the class and Las Vegas, Nevada for the opposite.
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
October 9th 1974, Libra.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire the most?
Paul Newman.
What is your favourite food?
I love having my cereal in the morning, never miss it! I have also been a fan of vegemite, even when living in the states. I was a good kiwi boy.
What is your favourite television programme and / or film of all time?
Raiders of the Lost Ark has always been a favourite. Mad Men and The Wire just blew me away too.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Auckland and then spent my high school years in Whangarei. I spent the last nine years in LA and so have moved back for a while to do this stint on Shortland Street.
Which other actors / actresses do you like working with the most and why?
I am loving my scenes with Michael Galvin and Angela Bloomfield because of our shared history. It's such a unique experience to reconnect with the same actors, with us all playing the same characters.
Have you made any good friends among the cast and crew?
Yeah, over the years I have met some of my best friends on the show. There are still lots of familiar faces on both sides of the camera and some great new people too.
What's the best experience you've had with fan / fans?
There can be a lot of goodwill out there when you meet people. I always enjoy it when someone who genuinely likes the show wants to say hi.
What's the strangest experience you've had with a fan / fans?
Well when fans have had a few drinks it's always an interesting time but it was pretty strange to get recognized from Shorty when I was living in LA. Even after all these years it would happen occasionally and surprise the hell out of me.
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what was it like?
I remember on my first day back in 1993. I had been watching the show so it was great to be there in person. I remember finding out really quickly that it was going to be harder than it looks to be good. My first day coming back this time was just lovely and quite comforting.
Yes, Jonathon Mckenna is BACK. Catch him weeknights 7pm on TV2 |