Claire Margaret Chitham is a renowned New Zealand television actress, widely recognized for her captivating performances in various TV shows and films.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Chitham initially rose to fame as Waverley Harrison (née Wilson) in the popular New Zealand TV show Shortland Street, where she played the role from 1994-1995 and again from 1997-2005.
Her first television role was a guest appearance in The New Adventures of Black Beauty in 1990. Chitham's early career saw her initially secure a recurring guest role in Shortland Street, which eventually led to her becoming a core cast member, starring in the show for an impressive seven years.
In addition to her work on Shortland Street, Chitham also appeared as Aurora Bay in the highly acclaimed and popular New Zealand drama series Outrageous Fortune, playing the role from 2005-2007. Aurora was the long-time love interest of Van West, played by Antony Starr, and her character met a dramatic demise after being hit by a bus while attempting to hide her ex-boyfriend's stash of drugs.
In her personal life, Chitham married New Zealand musician, TV personality, and radio DJ Mikey 'Havoc' Roberts in early 2006. However, the couple separated in early 2009, and Chitham remained in their West Auckland marital home following the split.
In 2007, Chitham began appearing as Chantelle Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, a role she took on from August 22, 2007. Her character, Kristen, also appeared in the Australian television series Canal Road in 2008, playing the wife of core cast member Dt Snr Cnst Ray Driscoll, played by Grant Bowler.
In 2009, Chitham guest-starred in the TV series Legend of the Seeker, appearing in Season One Episode 18, entitled Mirror. She also featured in Muller Yoghurt advertisements screened in New Zealand and the UK and guest-starred as herself in the New Zealand comedy series The Jaquie Brown Diaries.
Chitham's film credits include her appearance as Angela Phillips in the Australian feature film The Cup, directed by Simon Wincer and starring Brendan Gleeson. The film is based on the true story of the 2002 Melbourne Cup race.
In addition to her television and film work, Chitham has also pursued a career in stage productions, having studied in New York and Los Angeles. She has appeared in a number of stage productions, including Rabbit, by Nina Raine, The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard, and The Only Child, by Simon Stone.
