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I get asked many questions about Craig, and so do all of us who run websites, messageboards and fan groups for him. This collection of questions and answers might serve as a small introduction into some of the things Craig's fans want to know about him.
Before I get to the facts there is something I would like to talk about first: As most of you are aware, there is a consensus among us not to talk about Craig's personal life on any of the boards and sites we run. I would like to show you that this is not just some whim of ours but something done out of respect and in accordance with Craig's wishes. The following is a quote from an interview Craig gave to our lovely Lady E, to be posted on her group, The Parker Posse. I am quoting this with her permission:
Q: Do you feel that as a result of your many public appearances your privacy has suffered?
Craig: I have always kept the important people and things in my life reasonably private and still do. I think that to hold the details of your life up for public consumption is crass and unfair to those very people you care about. What's impressed me enormously with most people I've met at these conventions is that they seem to understand and respect that point of view. (emphasis mine)
Let's all try to make sure he keeps the positive opinion he has of us, his fans. Apart from gossiping about Craig on public boards, it is also very bad manners to ask Craig (or his colleagues) about those private matters. It is certainly difficult to decide which questions are off-limit, because Craig does share some things quite openly in panels, and other things in face-to-face conversations. Therefore, there is no need to force him to tell things he doesn't share voluntarily already! Especially the question about whether or not he is single: Don't bother, he won't tell you! He has successfully deflected this question on all occassions he's been asked, so it is quite clear that he is not willing to share this info with us. Just leave it at that!
Okay, now on to the things we do know about Craig, and can share amongst ourselves. (BTW, if you encounter any errors, or have information you think should be here, feel free to contact me. The contact details can be found in the menu on top of this page, on the very right.
Where and when was Craig born?
Craig was born in Suva, on the island of Fiji, on 12 November 1970. His parents were originally from New Zealand, and the family returned to Aotearoa when Craig was ten years old.
Does Craig have any siblings?
As far as we know, Craig has an older brother and an older sister. The brother's name is David. Craig said that he has a niece and three nephews.
Does Craig still live in New Zealand?
In late 2006, after spending several years in London, UK and travelling, Craig went back to New Zealand for what was to be a short while initially. He was to have a few weeks' work on one of his former shows, Shortland Street, and after that on a play. However, when offered a longer stay as Guy Warner on Shortland Street, Craig accepted, and for the time being he has moved back to New Zealand.
Does Craig have any kids?
This is a personal question, of course, but Craig has shared this info more than once: No, he doesn't have any children of his own yet, but he loves kids and says he might have some in the future.
What did Craig do before he played Haldir?
There are numerous places, including elsewhere on this website, you can find out more about the work he did before Lord of the Rings, so I'll just mention a few here: He was quite famous in New Zealand before he became know anywhere else, playing on two TV shows, called Shortland Street (early 1990s) and Mercy Peak (last season ran in 2003). He appeared in numerous stage plays, like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead (with Oliver Driver and Michael Hurst), Macbeth (playing Malcom) and The Rocky Horror Show (as the Narrator). He also appeared in two movies that can actually be purchased (Tommyknockers and No one can hear you) and several indie films that are not easily available anywhere. His CV also includes several appearances on the Great Comedy Debate, a popular event in New Zealand, and the role of the "guinea pig" (his words) for the very first episode of the travel show Intrepid Journeys. He also did, and does, a lot of voice overs.
You can follow these links for more info on past roles:
On this site, Film, Stage & TV
IMDB.com
TORn profile
Karen Kay Management, his management's site
And what is Craig going to do in the future?
For the last few years he has been travelling all over the world doing fan conventions. He says that he loves them a lot:
My whole thing is that... I enjoy people. I enjoy meeting people. I've never seen the point of protecting yourself from them. Some actors do get very guarded and defensive, and .... it just seems like a waste of time. You'd miss out on a lot of the fun stuff. (from an interview given at Ring*Con 2002)
At the moment he is preparing to resume his role of Guy Warner on Shortland Street. There also might be some film work in the not too distant future, for any news on this keep checking this website.
Can I write a letter to Craig?
Yes, you can write to him via his management, that is the best way to reach him:
Craig Parker
c/o Karen Kay Management (their website)
PO Box 446
Auckland 1
NEW ZEALAND
Although Craig has been living in the United Kingdom for quite a while, as far as we know he has not changed his management, so this information is still valid.
OMG, I’ll be meeting Craig and I am so nervous!
There is absolutely no reason to be nervous. Craig is the friendliest, easiest to chat with "celebrity" I've ever met. Ask anybody who has met him before and they will all tell you the same. Just be yourself, be polite (!!!) and friendly and you will have a wonderful time! :)
What should I give to Craig if I ever meet him?
Craig loves presents, and he appears happy whenever somebody gives something to him. If you want to bring him a gift (you don't have to!) I would advise you to give him something small and unusual, because by now he's got all the stuffed animals etc. he needs. Something handmade or funny is always a good idea, I think. Craig is also known to try and read any letters or notes he's being given, so if you don't want to burden him down with presents (wise decision!) or don't have the time or money to get something unusual for him, why not write him a short letter? It's easier to put certain things down in writing, especially if you are nervous. Just remember, stay friendly and polite and don't let your common sense fly out of the window!
Okay, that’s it for now. Check back from time to time, there will be more, I am sure. :)
Updated 30 October 2007 | | |