Tony, the son of a professional deer hunter and an accounts clerk, was raised in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. Despite dropping out of school at the age of 16, Tony's aspirations didn't falter, as he aimed to become a rock musician. However, he soon found himself hitchhiking to Auckland to pursue a career in acting instead.
After arriving in Auckland, Tony's luck didn't quite align with his ambitions, and he spent the next three years working odd jobs, including washing dishes, carrying bags, and waiting tables, in an attempt to make ends meet. His determination to succeed in the acting world led him to move to Australia, where he continued to face challenges as he struggled to break into the industry.
It wasn't until Tony returned to New Zealand in 1998 that he finally landed his first professional acting role, a part on the popular television drama Shortland Street. This breakthrough was followed by a guest role on the television series Rebel with a Cause, where he starred alongside the renowned actor Kevin Sorbo.
Tony's big-screen debut came in 2000 with the feature film Truth About Demons, a low-budget production that went on to achieve cult status on the festival circuit. Directed by Glenn Standring and co-starring Karl Urban, Demons earned nominations for best film at fantasy film festivals in Portugal and Spain.
In the years that followed, Tony continued to hone his craft, taking on various projects, including writing screenplays and poetry, producing independent short films and music videos, and touring with the NZ rock band Nine Signals. He also ventured into filmmaking, producing the short Sci-Fi film Vial in 2011 and securing the role of Sebastian in the independent action film Contract Killers in 2012.
Throughout his journey, Tony's passion for the arts has remained unwavering, and his dedication to his craft has led him to become a respected figure in the New Zealand film industry.
