Hori Ahipene is well known for playing both male and female characters in TV comedies and dramas - including Outrageous Fortune.

Watch the video interview with Ahipene.

In the 90s Ahipene gained a loyal fan base by appearing in the TV sketch shows Away Laughing, Skitz and Telly Laughs. Two of Ahipene’s popular gender-swapping roles were Mrs Semisi in Skitz and The Semesis, and Beverley Best in the Maori Television sitcom/chat show B&B.

Ahipene has also appeared in TV dramas such as Maddigan’s Quest, Mataku, and Shortland Street. In 2009, Ahipene returned to wearing a frock on screen playing ‘Angel’ – a transgender prostitute in Outrageous Fortune. Ahipene’s film credits include Jubilee and The Piano.

In this ScreenTalk interview, Ahipene discusses:

• His love of Skitz and the chance it gave him to become a director

• Why hosting the 1998 Hero Parade terrified him

• Dedicating his role in Jubilee to the memory of his father

• How satisfying it was to work with Maori crew on the TV series Mataku

• Working with Te Radar on the sitcom/chat show B&B

• Learning acrobatic skills on the set of Maddigan’s Quest

NZ On Screen: Interview, Camera & Editing – Andrew Whiteside