Michael Hurst

Career overview

Michael Eric Hurst, born on 20 September 1957 in Lancashire, England, is a New Zealand actor who has worked extensively in both stage and screen. After moving to New Zealand as a child, he built a reputation as a theatre performer, particularly in Shakespearean productions, and later became widely recognised for his television work. Hurst’s most internationally visible screen role is the character Iolaus, which he portrayed in the syndicated series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and its companion series Xena: Warrior Princess. His screen résumé includes a substantial number of appearances, with the database listing 69 acting credits across film and television.

In addition to his on‑screen performances, Hurst has been active behind the camera as a director and writer, contributing to series such as Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Ash vs. Evil Dead, 800 Words, and Westside. While his directing work is noted in recent years, his acting career remains a central element of his professional identity, spanning stage productions, genre television, and a broad array of credited roles. His career reflects a blend of classical theatre training and popular television exposure, establishing him as a recognizable figure in New Zealand’s performing arts community and among international audiences familiar with the fantasy adventure series of the 1990s.