Ken Blackburn
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- June 6, 1935 in Horfield, Bristol, England, UK
- Active Years
- 1977–2026 (50 Years)
- Total Credits
- 16 credits in database
Biography
Kenneth Colster Blackburn MNZM is a New Zealand actor and writer born on June 6, 1935, in Horfield, Bristol, England, United Kingdom. He has worked in film, television, radio, and theatre in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom since 1972. His television credits include appearances in Xena: Warrior Princess, Farscape, Close To Home, Gliding On, and Shortland Street. His film credits feature Skin Deep, The Frighteners, King Kong, and Rest for the Wicked. In addition to his screen work, he has an extensive stage career, which includes a 1999 performance as Vladimir in Waiting for Godot that earned him a Best Actor honor. Across a career spanning more than forty years, he has built a wide-ranging body of work in the entertainment industry.
Career overview
Kenneth Colster Blackburn MNZM, born in 1935 in Horfield, Bristol, England, is a New Zealand actor and writer whose career spans more than 40 years. Active since 1972, he has worked extensively across film, television, radio, and theatre in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In television, Blackburn has appeared in many of New Zealand’s iconic shows, including Xena: Warrior Princess, Farscape, Close To Home, Gliding On, and Shortland Street. His film credits include the pioneering feature Skin Deep, The Frighteners, King Kong, and Rest for the Wicked.
In addition to his screen work, Blackburn has an extensive background in theatre. Among his numerous stage credits, his 1999 performance as Vladimir in Waiting for Godot earned him the Best Actor award.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
16 titles- Alice and Steve (2026) as Barry
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) as Tar-Palantir
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Global Fan Screening (2022) as Tar-Palantir
- Sweet Tooth (2021) as Paul
- Slow West (2015) as Josh McKenzie
- Sunset Song (2015) as Galt
- The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014) as Edward Alderston
- Antonio's Secret (2011) as Antonio Berglas
- Day Trip (2010) as Barman
- Legend of the Seeker (2008) as Brother Joseph
- The Frighteners (1996) as Dr. Kamins
- Xena: Warrior Princess (1995) as King Menelaus
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995) as Atreus
- White Fang (1993) as Hank
- Shortland Street (1992) as Sir Bruce Warner
- The Governor (1977) as Admiral Henry Keppell
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ken Blackburn best known for?
Ken Blackburn is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Alice and Steve (2026), The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022), Sweet Tooth (2021), Slow West (2015).
When and where was Ken Blackburn born?
Ken Blackburn was born on June 6, 1935 in Horfield, Bristol, England, UK.
How many credits does Ken Blackburn have?
Ken Blackburn has accumulated over 16 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1977 to 2026.
What is Ken Blackburn's background in cinema and television?
Kenneth Colster Blackburn MNZM is a New Zealand actor and writer born on June 6, 1935, in Horfield, Bristol, England, United Kingdom. He has worked in film, television, radio, and theatre in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom since 1972. His television credits include appearances in Xena: Warrior Princess, ...
Ken Blackburn by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Sweet Tooth (2021) as Paul — aged about 86
- The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014) as Edward Alderston — aged about 79
- Xena: Warrior Princess (1995) as King Menelaus — aged about 60
- Legend of the Seeker (2008) as Brother Joseph — aged about 73
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) as Tar-Palantir — aged about 87
- The Frighteners (1996) as Dr. Kamins — aged about 61
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