New Zealand actor Pete Smith dead at 63: Star of The Lord of the Rings, The Piano and Once Were Warriors dies after a long battle with kidney disease
Māori actor Pete Smith, known for his roles in notable New Zealand films such as Once Were Warriors and The Piano, has died at the age of 63.
He passed away at his home on Saturday following a long battle with kidney disease, according to local reports.
Smith, a father of six, is survived by his children and wife Mona Papali'i.
Rest in peace: New Zealand actor Pete Smith, known for his roles In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Piano and Once Were Warriors, has died at the age of 63. (Pictured here in Auckland on August 1, 2006)
His son Poumau Papali'i-Smith told Stuff his father had been 'sick for a long time'.
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'For the last seven years he'd been on dialysis which took its toll on him over the years. Within the last two years he was also diagnosed with dementia,' he said.
'We started doing dialysis at home but over the last few weeks he suffered an infection which he fought for the last four weeks.'
Notable roles: Smith made his film debut in 1985 in the New Zealand movie The Quiet Earth, in which he portrayed a character named Api
He said his father's death was a great loss for the community.
Smith made his film debut in the 1985 New Zealand movie The Quiet Earth, in which he portrayed a character named Api.
He also starred in The Piano, Once Were Warriors and What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, as well as soap opera Shortland Street.
Films: He also starred in The Piano, Once Were Warriors (pictured), and What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, as well as soap opera Shortland Street
Smith played an orc in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003.
He won Best Performance by a Supporting Actor at the Air New Zealand Screen Awards for his role in The Market in 2006.
He was also awarded for his performance in the drama Flight of the Albatross.
Achievements: Smith won Best Performance by a Supporting Actor at the Air New Zealand Screen Awards for his role in The Market in 2006. (Pictured accepting the award)
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