Rena Owen
Biography
Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress of Maori and Pakeha descent. Born on July 22, 1962, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, she has worked in film, theatre, and television. Owen has appeared in several notable films, including Once Were Warriors, where she played the lead role of Beth, and Dance Me to My Song, in which she played the role of Rix. She has received recognition for her performances, including awards at the Montreal World Film Festival and San Diego International Film Festival, as well as a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AFI Awards. With over 50 known credits, Owen has established herself as a prominent actress in the industry.
Career overview
Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress who has worked in film, theatre, and television. She is of Maori and Pakeha descent. Owen's acting career has spanned multiple projects, with a total of 53 known credits.
One of Owen's most notable roles is in the cult classic movie Once Were Warriors, where she played the lead character Beth. The film was directed by Lee Tamahori and received critical acclaim. Owen's performance earned her awards at the Montreal World Film Festival and the San Diego International Film Festival, among others.
In addition to her work on Once Were Warriors, Owen has collaborated with renowned directors, including Rolf de Heer. She played the role of Rix in the film Dance Me to My Song, which earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the AFI Awards. Throughout her career, Owen has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, taking on a range of roles in various film and television projects.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Moana (2026) as Gramma Tala
- A Mistake (2023) as Tessa
- Maya (2023) as Sandy
- Super Giant Robot Brothers (2022) as Sarge (voice)
- Whina (2022) as Older Whina Cooper
- Whina (2022) Associate Producer
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021) as Taun We (voice)
- Drag Race Down Under (2021) as Self - Guest Judge
- Vegas (2021) as Rawinia Duncan
- The Gloaming (2020) as Grace Cochran
- Without a Body (2020)
- Escape and Evasion (2019) as Michelle Pennyshaw
- Siren (2018) as Helen Hubbell
- The Orville (2017) as Heveena
- Out of the Shadows (2017) Writer
- The Last Witch Hunter (2015) as Glaeser
- The Last Survivors (2014) as Claire
- The Dead Lands (2014) as Grandmother
- Once Were Warriors: Where Are They Now? (2014) as Self
- Longmire (2012)
- Longmire (2012) as Medicine Woman
- The Straits (2012) as Kitty Montebello
- Alyce Kills (2011) as Danielle
- Absolute Killers (2011)
- Veronika Decides to Die (2009) as Nurse Josephine
- A Beautiful Life (2009) as Sam
- Piece of My Heart (2009) as Kat
- Spout (2009) as Oma
- Amusement (2008) as Psychiatrist
- Rain of the Children (2008) as Puhi
- Ocean of Pearls (2008) as Anna Berisha
- East West 101 (2007) as Mere Hahunga
- The Horrible Flowers (2006) as Linda
- Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) as Nee Alavar
- The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005) as Mary
- Mee-Shee: The Water Giant (2005) as "Crazy" Norma
- The Land Has Eyes (2004) as Warrior Woman
- Nemesis Game (2003) as Emily Gray
- Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) as Taun We (voice)
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) as Ticket Taker
- Soul Assassin (2001) as Karina
- All-American Girl: The Mary Kay Letourneau Story (2000) as Soona Fualaau
- Angel (1999) as Dinza
- What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1999) as Beth Heke
- I'll Make You Happy (1999) as Mickie
- 9 Across (1998) as The Woman in the Bank
- Dance Me to My Song (1998) as Rix
- When Love Comes (1998) as Katie
- Medivac (1996)
- Savage Play (1995) as Takiora
- Once Were Warriors (1994) as Beth Heke
- Rapa Nui (1994) as Hitirenga
- Hinekaro Goes on a Picnic and Blows Up Another Obelisk (1994) as Hinekaro (voice)
- Roimata (1989) as Girlie
- The Mark