Shortland Street notables Karl Burnett, Laura Hill, Angela Bloomfield and Michael Galvin arrive at the 15th anniversary celebrations at the Aotea Centre last night. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey
He was on the receiving end of possibly the most famous line in New Zealand television history but Temuera Morrison thinks he should be remembered for his on-screen agility.
Morrison, whose character was immortalised with the line, "You're not in Guatemala now, Dr Ropata", was among past and
present actors and crew who gathered for the Shortland Street 15th anniversary celebrations in Auckland last night.
The actor said there were "too many laughs to remember them all" during his time on the show between 1991 and 1994.
"I used to walk around the place on telephone books or I would have telephone books all over the set when I was in a scene with actors taller than me so it happened quite a lot."
Craig Parker, who has returned as Guy Warner after a long absence from the show, said the programme's enduring success was down to familiarity.
"New Zealanders are not well-renowned for sticking with local television programmes but there is something familiar about Shortland Street."
Parker said the show had been the training ground for several local actors who have found fame overseas including Martin Henderson, Marton Csokas and Morrison.
"It's the only regular work ... in this country and it's given people financial security and the opportunity to work with their mates every day."
