
Known for
Writing
Fiona Samuel began as an actor, and filled the downtime with writing. She has gone on to write scripts, direct, co-host arts show The Big Art Trip, and act in everything from Close to Home to Footrot Flats. With 2011 TV movie Bliss, she became the only woman in over two decades to win awards for directing a New Zealand television drama.
Samuel was born in Scotland: her parents were Kiwis travelling on their OE. While growing up in Christchurch, she was encouraged to enter speech and drama competitions by her "very clever and creative mother". As she says in this 2019 Funny As interview, Wellington drama school Toi Whakaari was "my plan A, B and C. I had no other plan." After graduating, she...
2026
2025
Writer
2022
Writer
2022
Script Consultant
2022
Script Consultant
2021
2014
2014
2014
2013
2013
2011
Director, Writer
2009
Director, Writer
2006
as Herself
2001
as Dr. Blenkin
2001
Writer, Director
2000
1997
Director, Writer
1995
Writer, Director
1995
Writer
1994
Script Consultant
1994
as Dorothy
1986
as Cheeky Hobson / Pongo (voice)