Michael Hurst a.k.a. Michael Eric Hurst, (ONZM) is a Kiwi actor, director and writer, born on September 20, 1957 in Lancashire, England. He is married to Jennifer Ward-Lealand. He shot to fame with David Blyth's Death Warmed Up. Jubilee was his debut film as a director. He was awarded the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award in 2003. Hurst has given his contribution for number of films like Prisoners, Casualties of Peace, A Moment Passing, Death Warmed Up. His known TV shows are Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess.