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Owen Black plays the cryptic Ethan Pierce. Find out more about
Shortland Street's mysterious leading man....
How did you get your role on SS?
I had been away in London for about a year and when I got back to
Auckland there wasn't a lot going on acting wise so I went home to
Waipara and spent a few months on the farm pruning Dad's pine
trees.
My agent called one day to say there was a great new role coming up
on Shortland Street and that they wanted to see me for the part so
I flew up to Auckland to audition then a few weeks later I found
out that I got the job.
How long have you been acting and how did you get your
first big break?
I have been acting for about 15 years now. My first acting
experience was in a musical called 'Making It Big' at the Repertory
Theatre in Christchurch. I did a couple more plays in Christchurch
before moving up to Auckland where I scored my first big role on
Hercules.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen
character.
I don't actually have a lot in common with Ethan but I can
certainly understand his appreciation of good food, fine wine and
beautiful women.
What has been your best experience/scene on the show to
date?
One of the first scenes I had to shoot was an operation scene and I
was really nervous about it because of all the action and medical
terms I had to remember. I ended up really enjoying it though and
it was very satisfying to get a complex scene like that under my
belt early on.
Which other character would you like to be and
why?
Ethan is a great role and it's difficult to imagine playing anyone
else, but I really enjoyed watching the character of Callum's
mother. Provocative characters are always fun to play because they
force strong reactions from the other characters which makes for
interesting scenes.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of
SS?
I like going to hot springs when I get the chance, and in the
summer I like to spend as much time as I can in the sea. I read a
lot and love it when I come across a good novel that I can't put
down. I love sharing a quiet ale and having a good laugh with my
old man whenever we get the chance too.
What do you do in your down time during the day when you're
not shooting?
During my down time at work I eat toast and learn lines.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and
overseas?
In New Zealand I would have to say that Waipara is my
favourite place to be, and Hanmer Springs which is only an hour
away from home. Choosing a favourite overseas destination is a
little more difficult. Venice, Florence and Paris are all unique
beautiful, romantic cities to visit. Edinburgh and Bath are also
places I could go to again and again.
Are you single or attached?
Single.
How many brothers and sisters do you have, are they older
or younger?
I have an older sister and two older brothers.
What is your date of birth and what star sign are
you?
I was born on September 19, which makes me a Virgo.
Do you have any pets?
Back home we have a cat called Tiger who catches lots of
rabbits and mice, which he eats.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire
the most?
There are so many actors and actresses I admire, it's hard
to pin it down to just one. If I could have three I would have to
say that right now it's Robert Downey Junior, Christian Bale and
Steve Coogan.
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work
everyday?
Knowing that I'm getting paid to do something I really
enjoy.
What has been your favorite scene to film in your time at
Shortland Street?
I guess the early scenes with Brooke as they were all
about establishing my character and exploring our relationship,
which is interesting to say the least. Plus, Beth is a really good
actress and lots of fun so working with her is always
enjoyable.
Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it
strange seeing yourself on television or are you used to it?
I don't mind seeing myself on TV but it can be difficult
sometimes if you're not happy with the work you've done.
What is your favourite food?
My stepmother was Japanese and a fantastic cook so I was
exposed to a wide variety of Japanese food from a young age, then
in my early twenties I spent a fair bit of time in Japan. As a
result of that I love pretty much anything Japanese now. I
especially love sukiyaki, shabu shabu and oden. I also love Mum's
pumpkin pie and Mum's pinwheel scones.
What is your favourite television programme and/or film of
all time?
The Wizard of Oz had a huge effect on me when I was little
and is still one of my favourite films. Wild At Heart by David
Lynch and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre are also up there in
my list of favourites. On TV I enjoy British comedy the most - The
Office, League Of Gentlemen, Saxondale, Fawlty Towers etc.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film
Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Twizel but grew up in Christchurch then
moved to my Dad's farm in North Canterbury when I was 16.
I moved to Auckland initially to trial as an animator for Walt
Disney NZ but it wasn't for me and I ended up auditioning for the
Unitec Performing Arts School instead. I was accepted and have been
based in Auckland since then.
Which other actors/actresses do you like working with the
most and why?
I am having a great time working with all the actors and
actresses on Shortland Street. It's a real fun environment on set
and I'm learning a lot while having a good time.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and
crew?
I 'm sharing a dressing room with Michael Galvin, which is
awesome. We get on really well and if I have any questions about
the show there is no greater authority.
What's the best experience you've had with a
fan/fans?
Mum's probably my biggest fan and I get great satisfaction
out of making her proud.
What's the strangest experience you've had with a
fan/fans?
Nothing really out of the ordinary yet.
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street - what
was it like?
It was like being the new kid at school. Fleur, who plays
Libby, took me around and showed me the different sets and
introduced me to people, and everyone was really nice and
welcoming.
I was lucky that I didn't have to shoot anything on my first day, I
was only rehearsing but even so I was still really nervous.
