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Profile image for John Callen

John Callen

Actor, Director

The distinctive voice of John Callen has graced dozens of documentaries and commercials. Onscreen, the Brit-born actor and director has played dwarves (in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit), PM David Lange (The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior) and villainous DJs (Send a Gorilla). Callen has also worked as a director, helming The Tribe, Battle of Britain doco The Kiwi Who Saved Britain and many episodes of Shortland Street.  

[Oin is] a little bit hard of hearing, so if we are being attacked for instance, I may not be the first person to know ... an elbow in the ribs from my brother is very useful. John Callen, describing his role as Oin in The Hobbit

Thumbnail image for The Brokenwood Mysteries

The Brokenwood Mysteries

2014 - ongoing, As: K.L. Carnaby - Television

Thumbnail image for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

2014, As: Oin - Film

Thumbnail image for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

2013, As: Oin - Film

Thumbnail image for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2012, As: Oin - Film

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Love Birds

2011, As: Professor Craddock - Film

Thumbnail image for The Kiwi Who Saved Britain

The Kiwi Who Saved Britain

2010, Director, Additional Script, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Try Revolution

Try Revolution

2006, Narrator - Television

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Taonga

2005, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Jackson's Wharf

Jackson's Wharf

1999 - 2000, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for The Tribe

The Tribe

2000, Director - Television

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The Lost Whales

1997, Narrator - Television

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Epitaph

1997, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for The Road to Jerusalem

The Road to Jerusalem

1997, Reader of Baxter's writings - Television

Thumbnail image for A Consuming Passion - An Unofficial History of the America's Cup

A Consuming Passion - An Unofficial History of the America's Cup

1995, Narrator - Television

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Shortland Street

1998 - 2002, 2006, Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Bungy Fishing - Instant Kiwi Attitude

Bungy Fishing - Instant Kiwi Attitude

1989, As: Fisherman - Commercial

Thumbnail image for Send a Gorilla

Send a Gorilla

1988, As: Chris Dean - Film

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Turn of the Century

1987, Narrator - Television

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Seekers

1986, As: Bill - Television

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Roche

1985, As: Pat Donnelly - Television

Thumbnail image for Roche - First Episode

Roche - First Episode

1985, As: Pat Donnelly - Television

Thumbnail image for Inside Straight

Inside Straight

1984, As: Bill - Television

Thumbnail image for Pioneer Women - Ettie Rout

Pioneer Women - Ettie Rout

1983, As: Fred - Television

Thumbnail image for Wild South

Wild South

1981 - 1997, Narrator - Television

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Pictures

1981, As: Casey - Film

Thumbnail image for The Governor 5 - The Lame Seagull (Episode Five)

The Governor 5 - The Lame Seagull (Episode Five)

1977, As: Private Landers - Television

Thumbnail image for Moynihan - You Can't Win 'Em All (Episode Two)

Moynihan - You Can't Win 'Em All (Episode Two)

1976, As: Bill - Television

Thumbnail image for Challenge - Knocking on Heaven's Door

Challenge - Knocking on Heaven's Door

1976, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Challenge - Never Go Near Him

Challenge - Never Go Near Him

1976, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Close to Home

Close to Home

1975 - 1983, As: Various roles - Television