Stephen Lovatt, a seasoned actor with a 40-year career, never felt a burning passion for acting when he first auditioned at the NZ Drama School. Despite his distinguished career, which includes roles in Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules, Neighbours, and the New Zealand classic The End of the Golden Weather, Lovatt's journey to becoming a celebrated actor began with a unique audition. During his audition, he chose a modern piece from Joe Orton's Entertaining Mr. Sloane and performed a psalm, specifically 'By the Rivers of Babylon.' This poem, with its intense and biblical themes, left a lasting impression on the drama educationalist Rona Bailey, who recognized Lovatt's potential. He realized that the key to his success lay in the power of silence and the connection with the audience, describing an 800-seater audience bursting into laughter as a sacred experience. This insight has guided his career, whether on stage or in the fast-paced world of television. Despite the challenges of the actor's life, including the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lovatt found solace and resilience in Uber driving, which ultimately uplifted his spirits and brought him new experiences. Returning to the stage in one-man shows, he felt a sense of closure, having honed his craft over four decades and delivering performances that were both free and easy, yet deeply satisfying.
