We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. To find out more read our privacy policy.
Profile image for John Sumner

John Sumner

Actor

After making a career in marketing at record company RCA, English-born John Sumner switched back to his original love of performing in 1992. Since then he’s appeared in Shortland Street and had a memorable role in political satire Spin Doctors as Giles Peterson — "the buffoon", as Sumner calls him — the boss of a PR agency. He played the producer of a current affairs show on TV's Cover Story, and on the big screen was cameraman Herb in Peter Jackson’s remake of King Kong. Sumner has also lent his voice talents to numerous shows and documentaries, including Going Going Gone, Treasure Island and Piha Rescue.

In terms of the character of Giles, it was simply a guy who had gone in early, made a hell of a lot of money, decided he was gonna be a winemaker, it sucks, he creates vinegar, and it was just a wonderful character to be able to play ... "a buffoon", who's well-meaning but very conscious of himself. John Sumner on his role in Spin Doctors, in an interview for The Beat Goes On, 25 March 2013

Thumbnail image for Vegas - First Episode

Vegas - First Episode

2021, As: Lester Burton - Television

Thumbnail image for Dear Murderer - Full Series

Dear Murderer - Full Series

2017, As: JP (episode 5) - Television

Thumbnail image for Bombshell

Bombshell

2016, As: Harbour Master - Television

Thumbnail image for Pike River

Pike River

2016, As: Neville Rockhouse - Television

Thumbnail image for Strongman - The Tragedy

Strongman - The Tragedy

2012, As: Mr Taylor - Television

Thumbnail image for The Jaquie Brown Diaries

The Jaquie Brown Diaries

2008 - 2009, As: Kevin Blackwell - Television

Thumbnail image for Perfect Creature

Perfect Creature

2006, As: Howard Anderson - Film

Thumbnail image for King Kong

King Kong

2005, As: Herb the cameraman - Film

Thumbnail image for Baby Keegan - One of a Kind

Baby Keegan - One of a Kind

2004, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Spin Doctors - Series Four, Final Episode

Spin Doctors - Series Four, Final Episode

2003, As: Giles O'Connor - Television

Thumbnail image for Spin Doctors - Election Special

Spin Doctors - Election Special

2002, As: Giles Peterson - Television

Thumbnail image for Ben and Olivia: The Search for Truth

Ben and Olivia: The Search for Truth

2002, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Spin Doctors

Spin Doctors

2001 - 2003, As: Giles Peterson - Television

Thumbnail image for Spin Doctors - First Episode

Spin Doctors - First Episode

2001, As: Giles - Television

Thumbnail image for 1981 - A Country at War

1981 - A Country at War

2000, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Going Going Gone

Going Going Gone

2000 - 2006, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Going Going Gone - First Episode

Going Going Gone - First Episode

2000, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Cindy's Diary

Cindy's Diary

1999, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Coming Home - John Money & Wayne McIlwraith

Coming Home - John Money & Wayne McIlwraith

1999, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Coming Home - Richard O'Brien & Patrick Power

Coming Home - Richard O'Brien & Patrick Power

1999, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Coming Home - Roger Donaldson & Steve Millen

Coming Home - Roger Donaldson & Steve Millen

1999, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Cave Creek: The Full Story of a National Tragedy

Cave Creek: The Full Story of a National Tragedy

1998, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for The Mighty Moa

The Mighty Moa

1998, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Treasure Island/Celebrity Treasure Island

Treasure Island/Celebrity Treasure Island

1997 - 2007, 2019 - ongoing, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Cover Story - Episode Two

Cover Story - Episode Two

1995, As: Bernard Fry - Television

Thumbnail image for Cover Story

Cover Story

1995 - 1996, As: Bernard Fry - Television

Thumbnail image for Cover Story - First Episode

Cover Story - First Episode

1995, As: Bernard Fry - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street

Shortland Street

1992, 2002, Stan Clemo, Morrie Brownlee - Television

Thumbnail image for The Wall

The Wall

1992, As: Donald (the husband) - Short Film