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 Karl Burnett

Karl Burnett

Actor

When he left Shortland Street in 2005 after 14 years and 3100 episodes, Karl Burnett was the soap's longest-serving cast member. His often comical character Nick Harrison stole many scenes, romanced at least eight Shortland characters, and watched as longtime love Waverley Wilson was kidnapped. Post-Shortland, Burnett has worked on and off camera, and reported on video games for 2003 show Screenshot. In 2010 he master-minded and co-starred in low budget comedy Captain Amazingly Incredible and the Space Vampires from the Evil Planet. In 2019 Burnett hit the headlines, after withdrawing from reality show Celebrity Treasure Island.

When the show started, people wondered what this creature was all about. Now he's, like, this comic genius — a Buster Keaton who talks, crossed with Bart Simpson. He's just great, so deadpan. Shortland Street actor Michael Galvin, in a 1995 Shortland Street tie-in magazine

Thumbnail image for NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Shortland Street

NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Shortland Street

2019, As: Nick Harrison - Web

Thumbnail image for Bloopers - Shortland Street

Bloopers - Shortland Street

2018, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Pork Pie

Pork Pie

2017, As: Grumpy father in mini - Film

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - 25th anniversary (volcanic eruption)

Shortland Street - 25th anniversary (volcanic eruption)

2017, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for This Giant Papier Mâché Boulder is Actually Really Heavy

This Giant Papier Mâché Boulder is Actually Really Heavy

2016, As: Cardron - Film

Thumbnail image for AFK - Series One

AFK - Series One

2015, As: Devil's Cheerleader (Episode 1) - Web

Thumbnail image for Captain Amazingly Incredible and the Space Vampires from the Evil Planet

Captain Amazingly Incredible and the Space Vampires from the Evil Planet

2010, Director, Writer, Original Concept, Producer, Editor, Cinematographer, Visual Effects, Sound Design, As: Detective Jack Spartan, Voice of Bachman and Turner - Film

Thumbnail image for 7 Days

7 Days

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for The Jaquie Brown Odyssey - Brownward Spiral (Episode Seven)

The Jaquie Brown Odyssey - Brownward Spiral (Episode Seven)

2009, As: Karl Burnett - Television

Thumbnail image for United Travel Getaway - Clarke Gayford and Hayley Holt in Lake Wakitipu

United Travel Getaway - Clarke Gayford and Hayley Holt in Lake Wakitipu

2008, Sound - Television

Thumbnail image for Rocked the Nation

Rocked the Nation

2009, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Tina-Anne Harrison's birth

Shortland Street - Tina-Anne Harrison's birth

2004, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - 2002 Christmas cliffhanger (Rachel's car crash)

Shortland Street - 2002 Christmas cliffhanger (Rachel's car crash)

2002, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Nick and Waverley's wedding

Shortland Street - Nick and Waverley's wedding

2002, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Musical episode

Shortland Street - Musical episode

2001, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Strassman

Strassman

2001, Guest - Television

Thumbnail image for When Love Comes

When Love Comes

1998, As: Troy - Film

Thumbnail image for Treasure Island/Celebrity Treasure Island

Treasure Island/Celebrity Treasure Island

2019, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - 1995 Christmas cliffhanger (truck crash)

Shortland Street - 1995 Christmas cliffhanger (truck crash)

1995, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Tuesday Warner's birth

Shortland Street - Tuesday Warner's birth

1995, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Kirsty and Lionel's wedding

Shortland Street - Kirsty and Lionel's wedding

1994, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - The birth of Carrie's triplets

Shortland Street - The birth of Carrie's triplets

1993, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street

Shortland Street

1992 - 2005, 2017, Sound Recordist, As: Nick Harrison - Television

Thumbnail image for Moonrise (aka Grampire)

Moonrise (aka Grampire)

1992, As: Joe - Film

Thumbnail image for Shortland Street - Highlights from the first 15 years

Shortland Street - Highlights from the first 15 years

1992 - 2007, As: Nick Harrison - Television