Karl Burnett, a celebrated and accomplished New Zealand actor, was born on February 27, 1976, marking the beginning of a promising career in the world of entertainment. At the tender age of 16, he achieved a significant milestone in his life by landing the iconic role of Nick Harrison on the long-running and beloved New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street, in the year 1992. Despite having limited acting experience, aside from participating in high-school drama classes, Burnett's portrayal of Nick Harrison was nothing short of remarkable, spanning an impressive six years. Initially, the character's intention was to be a rebellious figure, often portrayed as a drug-taking individual, but as the years went by, Burnett's masterful performance transformed Nick Harrison into a more comedic and endearing character, showcasing his exceptional acting skills and versatility as an artist.
Nick Harrison's departure from the show in 2005 brought a sense of finality, as he was the original character to have remained with the show for the longest period of time, boasting an impressive 13-year tenure. This significant milestone marked the end of an era, as Harrison's presence had become an integral part of the show's fabric.
As his time on Shortland Street came to a close, Burnett turned his attention to other creative pursuits. In 2005, he made a notable appearance on TV3's celebrity singing competition, Sing Like a Superstar, showcasing his vocal talents to a wider audience.
Following his stint on Sing Like a Superstar, Burnett ventured into the world of sound recording, taking on the role of boom operator and freelance sound recordist on various projects. This multifaceted career path allowed him to hone his skills in multiple areas, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile individual.
Biography:
Rick Burnett's remarkable journey began in 2008 when he embarked on the weight-loss reality show Downsize Me, a program that would transform his physique and challenge his resolve. Over the course of the show, Burnett shed an impressive 20 kilograms, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
In addition to his weight-loss achievements, Burnett also showcased his creative talents by publishing his comic novel, The Bible II: This Way Up – Rick the Chosen One. This ambitious project demonstrated his skills as a writer and storyteller, and offered readers a unique and engaging reading experience.
Burnett's artistic endeavors didn't stop there. He also made his debut in the independent film Captain Amazingly Incredible and the Space Vampires from the Evil Planet!!!, a project that he wrote, directed, and starred in. This bold and ambitious undertaking showcased his versatility as a filmmaker and his willingness to take risks. Despite its modest box office performance, Burnett described the film as "the lowest selling movie in the history of... the film's distributor," a humorous and humble acknowledgment of its commercial limitations.
Noted game developer, Burnett, has not limited his creative endeavors to the realm of film and television, as he has also delved into the world of video games, releasing a multitude of titles for mobile platforms, including the action-packed Get Gravel!, the puzzle-filled Codestorm, the high-octane Project Downforce, and the futuristic Max Vector: Resolution.
His fascination with interactive videogame development led him to further his education at the prestigious Media Design School in Auckland, where he achieved great success by winning the 2011 Sidhe Elite scholarship award.
Currently, Burnett is continuing his academic pursuits, pursuing a science major in software engineering at the esteemed Massey University.
