Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Personal Details

Biography

Jennifer's illustrious career in the performing arts spans over four decades, with extensive experience in theatre, film, television, musicals, and radio productions. As a trained Intimacy Coordinator for both stage and screen, she has honed her skills to provide a seamless and professional experience for performers and audiences alike.

A pioneer in the industry, Jennifer was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and co-founder of The Actors' Program, a renowned drama school. Her dedication to the arts has also led her to hold prominent positions, including President of Equity New Zealand since 2008, Patron of Q Theatre, Theatre New Zealand, and Te Manu Tioriori Trust, as well as a trust board member of the Actors Benevolent Fund.

Jennifer's outstanding contributions to the arts have been widely recognized. In the 2007 New Year's Honours List, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to theatre and the community. In 2018, she was named SPADA Industry Champion, and in the 2019 New Year's Honours List, she was elevated to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for her services to theatre, film, and television. Additionally, she received a Woman of Influence Award in the arts and culture category.

Most recently, Jennifer was awarded the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2020, a testament to her enduring impact on the arts and her commitment to excellence.

Career

2020
Dead
Dead as Janine
2018
Vermilion
Vermilion as Darcy
2016
Dirty Laundry
Dirty Laundry as Donna Rafferty
2004
Fracture
Fracture as Ulla Peet
1997
The Ugly
The Ugly as Evelyn Cartwright
1993
Desperate Remedies
Desperate Remedies as Dorothea Brook
1992
1985
Dangerous Orphans
Dangerous Orphans as Teresa Costello