Daniel Watterson is a stage and screen actor based in New Zealand and Australia, where he has quickly established himself as an exceptional and dynamic talent, cited for his passion, authenticity, charisma, and commitment to craft.
Daniel first gained notoriety in a sell-out 12-week season of Twelfth Night at the Pop Up Globe, the largest theatrical event of 2016, in which his performance as Olivia received critical acclaim. That year critics also praised his work in distinguished theatrical debut productions of Ain’t That A Bitch, and Lucrece (Auckland Shakespeare Company). The same year he featured also in the hit Basement Theatre show Close City. In 2017 he stunned theatre-audiences again as Tristan in The Effect at Q Theatre, and Thomas in Venus in Fur at The Court Theatre.
2016 also marked his screen debut as regular guest (and popular antagonist) Nathan on TVNZ’s Dirty Laundry. Since then he has appeared regularly on NZ and International screens, most recently as the mysterious villain The Shaman in The New Legends of Monkey, released on Netflix, ABC, and TVNZ in 2018.
In 2019 he will appear on screens in the romantic comedy Falling Inn Love (Netflix), Power Rangers, New Zealand television favourite Westside, and in a leading role in the tele-feature Ablaze telling the story of the 1947 Ballantynes Fire, the deadliest fire in NZ history. He’s also returned to The Court Theatre to perform in Christopher Hampton’s classic, Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Daniel graduated from one of New Zealand’s eminent acting schools, The Actor’s Program, in 2014. He continues training through regular participation in acting Masterclasses with such greats as Howard Fine and Miranda Harcourt, and annual auditing of the legendary Larry Moss’ Masterclass.
In a former life, Daniel practiced law as a Barrister and Crown Prosecutor, appearing as sole counsel in many criminal jury trials, and many contentious commercial cases. He holds a BA with double majors in Theatre and English Literature, and an LLB (Hons 1st).
Reels, demos, credits, photos and more at: www.danielwatterson.com
