From registered nurse to Star Wars icon: the remarkable journey of Rena Owen
Before she was commanding the screen in the Star Wars universe, Rena Owen was training as a nurse in Auckland. This New Zealand performer transitioned from medical care to international acclaim, bringing powerful Māori narratives to global audiences through both blockbuster cinema and independent theatre.
Born in 1962 in the Bay of Islands, Rena Owen’s early life was shaped by her diverse heritage, including Māori, Welsh, English, and Irish descent. Growing up as one of nine children in the rural town of Moerewa, she spent her youth performing in local Māori cultural groups and school musicals. Before her acting career took flight, Owen pursued a path in medicine, spending three and a half years training as a registered nurse at Auckland Hospital.
Her move to London in the mid-1980s marked a pivotal shift. After training at the Actors Institute, she worked extensively in British theatre, including roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 'Voices From Prison'. She also established herself as a writer, notably with 'Te Awa i Tahuti', which toured London and was published by NZ Playmarket in 1991. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1989, she contributed to 'E Tipu E Rea', a groundbreaking series written and produced by Māori to tell indigenous stories.
Owen’s cinematic legacy is anchored by her 'classic' performance as Beth Heke in Lee Tamahori's 'Once Were Warriors'. This role earned her numerous international accolades, including Best Actress honors at the Montreal World Film Festival and the San Diego International Film Festival. She later expanded her reach into the Star Wars franchise, portraying Taun We in 'Attack of the Clones' (2002) and reprising the role in subsequent projects like 'The Bad Batch' (2021).
Beyond film, Owen has been a foundational figure in New Zealand theatre, co-founding Taki Rua Theatre. Her versatility spans from hosting a televised concert for 15,000 people during the 2011 Rugby World Cup to appearing in acclaimed independent films such as Rolf de Heer's 'Dance Me to My Song'. Her career remains a testament to the bridge between local indigenous storytelling and global mainstream success.
Source: Rena Owen
