Jak Wyld was born in the charming Derbyshire Dales village of Winster, England, where he grew up surrounded by the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the countryside. At the tender age of thirteen, Jak made the bold decision to emigrate to New Zealand, a country that would become his new home for many years to come.
As a young student at Te Awamutu High School, Jak's passion for the performing arts was evident. He participated in numerous school plays, Sunday School productions, and even formed a comedy troupe that regularly entertained his peers at school assemblies. His love for the stage was matched only by his enthusiasm for staying active, and Jak spent his free time honing his skills in martial arts, playing soccer, and weightlifting.
To supplement his allowance, Jak took on various jobs and skills, including hay-picking, cow-milking, and working on produce farms on his Saturdays and after-school. This experience not only taught him valuable skills but also instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
After completing his high school education, Jak enlisted in the New Zealand Military, where he served as an aircraft engineer and deployed to various parts of the world. During his time in the military, Jak was stationed in Papua New Guinea, Antarctica, and even worked as a Boeing engine runner out of Denver, Colorado. His military training also equipped him with proficient skills in drill, weapons, survival, and military decorum.
After several years of service, Jak decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional actor. He began to gain momentum in the industry, starring in popular TV shows such as 'A Place To Call Home' and 'All-Saints' in Australia. He also appeared in the docu-drama 'Australia: The Story of Us' and made his debut leading role in Stephen Amis's award-winning classic sci-fi action film 'The 25th Reich'.
Jak's latest feature film, 'Arrowhead', directed by Jesse O'Brien, is set to be released internationally early 2016. Although based in Australia, Jak frequently works in New Zealand and can currently be seen in the long-running, multi-award-winning TV soap 'Shortland Street' in the pivotal recurring role of Detective Inspector Derek Foster.
Throughout his career, Jak has been extensively trained in various skills, including firefighting, oil spill recovery, boating, and operating industrial boilers. His military training has also given him proficient skills in drill, weapons, survival, and military decorum. Additionally, Jak has experience and certificates in stage combat and on-set weaponry.
To further hone his acting craft, Jak has studied with esteemed casting directors, at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and Margie Haber's International Studies Program in Los Angeles, California. When not traveling for filming between Australia and New Zealand, Jak enjoys staying active in the gym or hiking Sydney's scenic Blue Mountains.
