• Source: Ernie Leonard

Ernie Leonard (1931 – 15, July 1994) was a New Zealand television presenter, wrestling commentator, and actor. He was well known to wrestling fans.




Background


Leonard was born in Marton, New Zealand in 1931. The son of an Anglican minister, he was of Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Rangitane descent.
Along with Steve Rickard, he co-hosted and commented for the wrestling show, On the Mat. During his career, he worked with people such as producer Ngaire Fuata. In 1986, he recruited Whai Ngata to start up the Māori department on Television New Zealand.




Acting roles


In 1966 Leonard appeared in the film Don't Let It Get You, which was directed by John O'Shea. At the time, Leonard was employed as the public relations officer in Rotorua.
Leonard played the part of Charlie Rata, a core character in the ground-breaking TV series Pukemanu, which ran from 1971 to 1972.




Television


Leonard secured the position of head of the Maori Programmes Department for TVNZ during the mid-1980s. He was first person to hold that position. In 1982 he became producer on Koha the TVNZ programme on Māori culture and history.
He worked on two films about the exhibition Te Maori which showcased Māori art in New York in 1984: Koha - Te Māori Guard, New York and Koha - Te Māori, a Cloak of Words.




Death


Leonard died at age 62 on 15 July 1994 following a short battle with cancer.




Filmography






= Actor

=




= Crew

=




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Our Gang
• The Rolling Stones
• New York Giants
• Daftar tokoh Disney
• Sunshine Sammy Morrison
• SCTV Awards
• Shane (film)
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Daftar penerbang Amerika Serikat
• Jeff Goldblum
• Ernie Leonard
• Ernie Lively
• Leonard Cohen
• Ernie Kovacs
• Land of the Lost (film)
• On the Mat
• Tennessee Ernie Ford
• Bunny Walters
• Earnie Shavers
• Ernie Shore