Jared Turner is a talented New Zealand actor best known for his roles in both film and television. His acting career spans a wide range of genres, and his performances have earned him a reputation for versatility and depth. From comedic roles to intense dramas, Turner has successfully showcased his talent in various projects, becoming a well-known face in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 12, 1978, in New Zealand, Jared Turner developed an interest in acting at a young age. He pursued his passion for the craft by attending drama school and gradually began to build his career in the early 2000 s. Turner’s ability to embody diverse characters, from charming to complex, allowed him to stand out in the New Zealand entertainment industry and beyond.
Notable TV Shows Starring Jared Turner
- “The Almighty Johnsons” (2011–2013)
- Role: Axl Johnson
- One of Jared Turner’s most popular and beloved roles was as Axl Johnson in the supernatural comedy-drama The Almighty Johnsons. The show centers around a family of New Zealanders who are the reincarnations of Norse gods. Axl, who is the reincarnation of the Norse god Odin, struggles with his newfound powers and destiny. Turner’s performance was widely appreciated for its depth and humor, contributing significantly to the series’ success.
- “Outrageous Fortune” (2006–2010)
- Role: James
- In Outrageous Fortune, a popular New Zealand comedy-drama, Turner portrayed James, a character who adds some drama and comedic flair to the story. The show follows the story of the West family, whose life of crime and drama is turned upside down when they attempt to change their ways. Outrageous Fortune was a highly successful show, and Jared’s role was pivotal in many of its major plot developments.
- “Shortland Street” (2005)
- Role: Matthew
- Shortland Street is one of New Zealand’s longest-running soap operas, and Jared Turner made an appearance in the show in 2005. He portrayed Matthew, a character who was involved in one of the many soap opera-style twists the show is known for. His appearance on Shortland Street helped him gain further recognition in the New Zealand entertainment industry.
- “The New Legends of Monkey” (2018–2019)
- Role: Sandy
- In this adaptation of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, Jared Turner plays Sandy, a character who is part of the ensemble cast on a quest to save the world. This series, aimed at a younger audience, blends adventure, fantasy, and humor, and Turner’s role as Sandy brought depth and a sense of adventure to the show.
- “The Brokenwood Mysteries” (2014–present)
- Role: Various guest roles
- The Brokenwood Mysteries is a popular New Zealand crime drama, and Jared Turner has appeared in multiple guest roles throughout the series. The show is a detective drama that blends mystery and humor, and Turner’s appearances added to the series’ charm and intrigue.
Prominent Movies Featuring Jared Turner
- “The Vintner’s Luck” (2009)
- Role: Jules
- The Vintner’s Luck is a New Zealand drama film set in 19th century France, based on the novel by Elizabeth Knox. The film tells the story of a vigneron, Sobran Jodeau, and his mystical encounters with an angel. Jared Turner portrays Jules, a character who plays a critical part in the dramatic events of the film. The movie was well-received for its beautiful cinematography and compelling story, with Turner’s perf
- “The Light Between Oceans” (2016)
- Role: Frank
- While not a lead role, Turner had a notable supporting role in The Light Between Oceans, a romantic drama based on the novel by M.L. Stedman. The film, starring Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender, tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who raise a child they find washed up on shore. Jared Turner plays Frank, a key supporting character in the emotionally charged narrative.
- “A Song of Good” (2017)
- Role: Unknown
- This independent New Zealand film features Jared Turner in a significant but lesser-known role. A Song of Good is a drama that explores relationships and emotional growth. While not widely known internationally, Turner’s performance was appreciated in the New Zealand film community.
- “The Dead Lands” (2014)
- Role: Unknown
- The Dead Lands is a violent, action-packed film set in pre-colonial New Zealand. While Jared Turner doesn’t have a prominent lead role, his brief appearance in this action thriller showcases his versatility in playing intense and gritty characters.
Jared Turner’s Versatility Across Genres
Jared Turner has proven himself as an actor capable of performing across various genres, from comedy to drama, action, and supernatural thriller. His ability to bring complex and multifaceted characters to life has made him a sought-after talent in both film and television.
His roles in popular TV shows like The Almighty Johnsons and Outrageous Fortune have solidified his place in New Zealand’s entertainment industry, while his appearances in international films such as The Light Between Oceans show his ability to work on larger-scale projects. Whether it’s playing a god, a detective, or a lover in historical dramas, Turner’s range allows him to take on diverse roles with.
TV Shows Starring Jared Turner
- “The Almighty Johnsons” (2011–2013)
- Role: Axl Johnson
- Overview: A supernatural comedy-drama that follows the Johnson family, who are the reincarnations of the Norse gods. Jared Turner plays Axl Johnson, the reincarnation of the god Odin. The show explores the complexities of living with divine powers in the modern world. Axl struggles with his godly responsibilities and family dynamics. Jared’s performance in this role was widely praised for its humor, heart, and depth.
- Genre: Supernatural, Comedy-Drama
- “Outrageous Fortune” (2006–2010)
- Role: James
- Overview: A popular New Zealand dramedy that centers around the West family, who are criminals trying to turn over a new leaf. Jared Turner portrayed James, a key character who gets involved in the West family’s chaotic life. Outrageous Fortune was one of New Zealand’s most successful TV shows, and Turner’s role added drama and comedic elements to the mix.
- Genre: Comedy-Drama, Crime
- “Shortland Street” (2005)
- Role: Matthew
- Overview: Shortland Street is New Zealand’s longest-running soap opera. Jared Turner appeared in the soap in 2005 as Matthew, a character involved in various twists and storylines. The show, which focuses on the lives of the staff and patients at a fictional hospital, is known for its dramatic plots and character developments.
- Genre: Soap Opera, Drama
- “The New Legends of Monkey” (2018–2019)
- Role: Sandy
- Overview: A reimagining of the Chinese classic Journey to the West, this series follows a group of adventurers who seek to stop a great evil from overtaking the world. Jared Turner plays Sandy, one of the companions on this epic quest. The show blends adventure, fantasy, and humor.
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- “The Brokenwood Mysteries” (2014–Present)
- Role: Various Guest Roles
- Overview: A long-running New Zealand crime drama that follows the investigations of a detective named Mike Shepherd. Turner has appeared in multiple guest roles across different episodes. Each episode features a new mystery in the quiet town of Brokenwood.
- Genre: Crime, Mystery
- “This Is Piki” (2019)
- Role: Unknown (Guest Appearance)
- Overview: A short-form series focusing on relationships and modern life in New Zealand. Turner made a guest appearance in this drama-comedy.
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
Movies Featuring Jared Turner
- The Vintner’s Luck” (2009)
- Role: Jules
- Overview: A film set in 19th-century France, based on the novel by Elizabeth Knox. It tells the story of a winemaker, Sobran Jodeau, who experiences mystical encounters with an angel. Jared Turner plays Jules, a pivotal character in the plot, whose interactions with Sobran lead to dramatic shifts in the narrative. The film blends fantasy and historical drama.
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy
- “The Light Between Oceans” (2016)
- Role: Frank
- Overview: A romantic drama based on the novel by M.L. Stedman, starring Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender. The film centers on a lighthouse keeper and his wife who raise a child they find washed up on the shore. Turner plays Frank, a supporting character in the emotionally charged drama. The film explores themes of love, loss, and moral dilemmas.
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- “The Dead Lands” (2014)
- Role: Unknown
- Overview: A violent action film set in pre-colonial New Zealand, The Dead Lands follows a young warrior on a mission of revenge. The movie showcases intense combat scenes and explores themes of survival and honor. Jared Turner makes an appearance in a supporting role.
- Genre: Action, Drama
- “A Song of Good” (2017)
- Role: Unknown
- Overview: This independent New Zealand drama delves into themes of relationships, love, and emotional growth. While Turner’s role is not the lead, his performance plays an essential part in the emotional depth of the film.
- Genre: Drama
- “The Unspeakable” (2016)
- Role: Unknown
- Overview: A short film set against a tense backdrop of interpersonal dynamics, Jared Turner plays a significant role in the narrative, contributing to the film’s exploration of complex emotional themes.
- Genre: Drama
Jared Turner’s Acting Style and Recognition
Jared Turner is often lauded for his versatility as an actor. Whether he’s playing a god like Axl in The Almighty Johnsons or a more grounded character in films like The Light Between Oceans, Turner consistently brings a unique combination of depth, charm, and vulnerability to his roles. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—ranging from comedy to drama, fantasy, and action—has earned him recognition both in New Zealand and internationally.
He is particularly noted for his strong screen presence and emotionally resonant performances, which allow him to connect deeply with audiences. While his primary body of work is within New Zealand’s entertainment industry, his participation in international projects, such as The Light Between Oceans, has brought his talent to a wider audience
Theatrical Work
In addition to his film and television roles, Jared Turner has been involved in theater productions, showcasing his ability to bring diverse characters to life on stage. His theater work includes a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, which further enhances his well-rounded acting repertoire.
Jared Turner’s Acting Style and Recognition
Jared Turner is often lauded for his versatility as an actor. Whether he’s playing a god like Axl in The Almighty Johnsons or a more grounded character in films like The Light Between Oceans, Turner consistently brings a unique combination of depth, charm, and vulnerability to his roles. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—ranging from comedy to drama, fantasy, and action—has earned him recognition both in New Zealand and internationally.
He is particularly noted for his strong screen presence and emotionally resonant performances, which allow him to connect deeply with audiences. While his primary body of work is within New Zealand’s entertainment industry, his participation in international projects, such as The Light Between Oceans, has brought his talent to a wider audience.
Here’s a table summarizing Jared Turner’s Movies and TV Shows in rows and columns:
| Year | Title | Role | Type | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Shortland Street | Matthew | TV Show | Soap Opera, Drama |
| 2006-2010 | Outrageous Fortune | James | TV Show | Comedy-Drama, Crime |
| 2011-2013 | The Almighty Johnsons | Axl Johnson | TV Show | Supernatural, Comedy-Drama |
| 2014 | The Dead Lands | Unknown | Movie | Action, Drama |
| 2014-2025 | The Brokenwood Mysteries | Various (Guest) | TV Show | Crime, Mystery |
| 2016 | The Light Between Oceans | Frank | Movie | Drama, Romance |
| 2017 | A Song of Good | Unknown | Movie | Drama |
| 2018-2019 | The New Legends of Monkey | Sandy | TV Show | Fantasy, Adventure |
| 2009 | The Vintner’s Luck | Jules | Movie | Drama, Fantasy |
| 2016 | The Unspeakable | Unknown | Movie (Short) | Drama |
| 2019 | This Is Piki | Unknown (Guest) | TV Show | Drama, Comedy |
This table provides a clear breakdown of Jared Turner’s career in movies and TV shows, listing the year, title, role, and genre. It shows his versatility across multiple genres, from supernatural dramas to romantic and action-packed films.
Conclusion Jared Turner’s Impact on Movies and TV Shows
Jared Turner has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor, carving out a prominent place for himself in both New Zealand and international entertainment. From his breakout role as Axl Johnson in The Almighty Johnsons to his memorable appearances in shows like Outrageous Fortune and Shortland Street, Turner has consistently impressed audiences with his ability to tackle diverse roles across a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, fantasy, and crime.
Whether in supporting roles or leading parts, his performances bring a unique depth and emotional resonance that resonate with viewers. His work in films like The Light Between Oceans and The Vintner’s Luck demonstrates his range and ability to tackle complex, nuanced characters. His continued presence in shows like The Brokenwood Mysteries and The New Legends of Monkey highlights his enduring appeal and talent.
With a career that spans across theater, TV, and film, Jared Turner remains a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His ability to adapt to different genres and character types ensures that his work will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. As his career progresses, fans eagerly await his future projects, confident that Turner will keep delivering memorable performances on both the small and big screens.