Jesse Griffin
Jesse Griffin is an actor, comedian, writer and director who has worked in New Zealand, Australia and the UK since the mid-1990s. Originally training in physical theatre at Melbourne’s John Bolton Theatre School, he co-founded acclaimed physical comedy trio The 4 Noels, earning awards at many international comedy festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe and the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Jesse is perhaps best known to New Zealand audiences for his award-winning comedy creation Wilson Dixon, the deadpan American country musician who became a familiar face through his appearances at the NZ International Comedy Festival and multiple national tours.
A highly experienced creative with a deep understanding of comedic timing, performance and story, Jesse is the co-creator and director of award winning comedy series Educators, achieving international recognition at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. Acting credits include Nude Tuesday, Time Bandits, and the soon to be released feature Klara and the Sun, while his directing work includes Amazon’s The Office Australia, TVNZ’s Talkback, and the Comedy For Cure Kids specials on TV3.
Jesse moves easily between acting, directing, improvisation and scripted comedy, bringing his intelligence and unique perspective to every project.
Hair Colour
Red
Location
Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau
Age Range
45 - 55
Ethnicity
New Zealand European
Height
190cm
Eye Colour
Blue
Full CV
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Feature Film
2026 - Klara and the Sun - Scarecrow - Director - Taika Waititi
2022 - Nude Tuesday - Alexander - Director - Armagan Ballantyne
2017 - The Breaker Upperers - Bartender - Directors - Jackie van Beek & Madeleine Sami - Miss Piki Films
1993 - Heavenly Creatures - Laurie - Director - Peter Jackson - Wingnut Films
Television
2025 - Ms. X - Principal Graham - Director - David De Latour - Dynamic Television
2024 - Time Bandits - Tooth Tooth (2 episode guest) - Apple TV
2021 - Mean Mums - Dental Nurse - Director - Damon Fepulea'i - South Pacific Pictures
2017 - 800 Words: season 3 - Sean (recurring) - Weld Productions Ltd / Channel 7 (AU)
2016 - 800 Words: season 2 - Sean (recurring) - Weld Productions Ltd / Channel 7 (AU)
2015 - 800 Words: season 1 - Sean (recurring) - Weld Productions Ltd / Channel 7 (AU)
2015 - Hillary - Older Pilot - Director - Danny Mulheron - Great Southern Television
2013 - Field Punishment No. 1 (tele-feature) - Guard Doug - Director - Peter Burger - Lippy Pictures
2013 - Short Poppies - Trent Dash - Augusto Limited
2013 - A Night at the Classic - Comedian - Two Heads TV
2012 - Golden - Elliot (lead) - Director - Katie Wolfe - South Pacific Pictures
2004 - Last Man Standing - Chich (core cast) - Burberry Productions
1999 - Stingers - Callan Hill - Director - Steve Jodrell - Beyond Simpson le Mesurier
1997 - Blue Heelers - Michael Murphy - Director - Simon Phillips - Southern Star
Short Film
2013 - Mask - Dead Guy 1 - Redd Pen Media
2006 - Shane's Big Swim - Shane - Director/s - Jesse Griffin, James Pratt & John Forman - The 4 Noels
2003 - The Visual Artists - Guapo Windcheater - Director/s - Jesse Griffin, James Pratt & John Forman - The 4 Noels
2000 - Busting - The Man - Director - Simon Price - The 4 Noels
1999 - Fishman - Colin the Fisherman - Director - Simon Price - VCA
1998 - Fall of the Light - Featured - Director - Simon Price - VCA
1996 - What the Butler Saw - The Butler - SubTerrain / Melbourne International Arts Festival
1994 - The World According to Pete - Lindsey - Director - Simon Price - Homebake Films
Television Appearances
2015 - Chopper's Republic of Anzakistan - Wilson Dixon - Hikoi Productions
2010 - 2017 - 7 Days - Panelist (regular) - TV3
2007 - Spicks & Specks - Panelist - ABC Australia
2005 - Spicks & Specks - Panelist - ABC Australia
2014 - Cadbury Dream Factory - Co-Host - Mediaworks 2010 - Steven K Amos Show - Wilson Dixon - BBC 2
1999 - Live at the Forum (pilot) - The 4 Noels - Channel 10 Australia
1999 - Pigs Breakfast - Children’s Entertainer - The 4 Noels - Channel 9
1999 - Recovery: Comedy Channel - Sketch Performer - The 4 Noels - ABC Australia
1999 - Late & Live - Sketch Performer - The Four Noels - Foxtel
1994 - Extreme Close Up - Comedian - K. T. V. Ltd
1994 - The Trivia Company - Children’s Entertainer - Johnston Productions
1994 - A Bit More After Ten - Comedian - South Pacific Pictures
1993 - Oi - Children’s Entertainer - Taylormade Television Ltd / Beyond Group
Commercials (recent)
2024 - Hornbach - Lead - Europe only
2022 - 2023 - Life Direct - NZ only
2023 - New World - NZ only
Stand-up Comedy
2024 - Best Foods Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - Discovery NZ
2018 - Best Foods Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - Mediaworks
2012 - Wilson Dixon: Greatest Hits - Wilson Dixon - NZ International Comedy Festival
2012 - No Movement in the Waiting Room - Comedian - NZ International Comedy Festival
2011 - Wilson Dixon Up on Cripple Creek - Wilson Dixon - SkyCity Theatre / NZ International Comedy Festival
2011 - Wilson Dixon’s American Dream - Wilson Dixon - Glenroy Auditorium / Dunedin Fringe Festival
2010 - Crunchie Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - TV2
2010 - Wilson Dixon’s American Dream - Wilson Dixon - NZ International Comedy Festival
2009 - Comedy Christmas Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - TV3
2009 - Crunchie Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - TV2
2007 - Crunchie Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - TV2
2007 - The World Stands Up (televised) - Wilson Dixon - Paramount Cable TV (UK & USA)
2007 - Wilson Dixon Rides Again - Wilson Dixon - NZ International Comedy Festival
2006 - Crunchie Comedy Gala (televised) - Wilson Dixon - TV2
2006 - The N.A.F.F. Film Festival - Comedian - Melbourne Comedy Festival
2005 - Wilson Dixon Show - Wilson Dixon - Melbourne Fringe Festival / Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2002 - 2005 - The 4 Noels - Comedian - Company Member
1999 - The Magnificent Seventeen - Comedian - Edinburgh Fringe Festival / Gilden Ballroom
1999 - The Magnificent Seventeen - Comedian - Victoria Tour / Melbourne International Festival
1999 - The Magnificent Seventeen - Comedian - Nelson Arts Festival
1999 - The Magnificent Seventeen - Comedian - Wellington International Fringe Festival / BATS
1998 - NHOJ Namrof: Space Explorer & Brian the Musical - Comedian - La Mama / Melbourne Fringe Festival
1998 - NHOJ Namrof: Space Explorer & Brian the Musical - Comedian - NZ Tour / Silo Theatre / BATS -
1995 - 1996 - John Bolton Theatre School (Melbourne)
1994 - BA (Drama major) - University of Otago -
Stand Up Comedian
Director, Writer
Singer - Bass Baritone
Accents - Standard American, Southern American, Australian
Musician - Bass Guitar, Drums, Guitar, Harmonica, Recorder, Tambourine
Sports - Abseiling, Basketball, Body Surfing, Cricket/Indoor Cricket, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Golf, Football, Pétanque, Pool, Skiing, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga
Drivers Licence - Full
Fisherman
Mime Artist
Physical Theatre
Theatre Sports -
2010 - Fred Award for performance as Wilson Dixon - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
2010 - Best Auckland Show for Wilson Dixon’s American Dream - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
2010 - Best Show Nomination for Wilson Dixon’s American Dream - Leicester Comedy Festival Awards (UK)
2010 - Press Critics Choice Award Nomination - NZ World Buskers Festival Awards
2010 - Chortle Award Nomination for Best Character / Variety Act - Chortle Awards (UK)
2009 - Barry Award Nomination for Best Show Wilson Dixon Rides Again - Melbourne Comedy Festival Awards
2009 - Chortle Award Nomination for Best Character / Variety Act - Chortle Awards (UK)
2009 - Best Local Show Nomination for Wilson Dixon Rides Again - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
2006 - Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Award - Edinburgh Fringe Festival Awards
2005 - Best Overseas Show Nomination - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
2004 - Best Overseas Show Nomination - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
2003 - Tropfest Shortlist for The Visual Artists - Melbourne Tropfest Film Festival Awards
2003 - St Kilda Finalist - Melbourne St Kilda Film Festival Awards
2002 - Barry Award Nomination for A Night at Fat Willy’s - Melbourne Comedy Festival Awards
2001 - General Manager’s Choice Award for Sailing On a Sea of Tears - Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards
2000 - Finalist for Busting - Melbourne Comedy Festival Short Film Competition
2000 - Dendy Award Best Australian Short Film Nomination for Busting - Sydney International Film Festival Awards
2000 - Best Overseas Show Nomination - NZ International Comedy Festival Awards
1999 - Barry Award Nomination for The Magnificent Seventeen - Melbourne Comedy Festival Awards
1999 - Stella Award Nomination for Best Comedy for The Magnificent Seventeen - Melbourne International Comedy Festival Awards
1999 - Best Comedy for The Magnificent Seventeen - Wellington International Fringe Festival Awards
1999 - Moosehead Award recipient for The Magnificent Seventeen - Moosehead Awards
1998 - Best Comedy for NHOJ: Space Explorer & Brian the Musical - Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards
1993 - First Place for Spleen - Universities Comedy Competition
1993 - First Place for Bintang Bernard - Otago Busking Competition
1992 - Best Comedy for Life’s Laughter - Toyama International Arts Festival Awards
1991 - Best Actor for Rites of Passage - NZ Theatre Federation One Act Play Awards
Directing
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2025 - Educators: season 4 - season Director - South Pacific Pictures
2024 - The Office Australia - Director (2 episodes) - Amazon Prime
2022 - Educators: season 3 - season Director - South Pacific Pictures
2021 - Talkback - season Director - TVNZ
2020 - Educators: season 2 - season Director - South Pacific Pictures
2019 - Educators: season 2 - season Director - South Pacific Pictures
2015 - #KiwisCureBatten: Team Ball Player Thing (music video) - Director
2011 - Last At 11 - Director - South Pacific Pictures
Writing
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2025 - Educators: season 4 - Writer/Creator - South Pacific Pictures
2024 - The Office Australia - Writer (3 episodes) - Amazon Prime
2022 - Educators: season 3 - Writer/Creator - South Pacific Pictures
2020 - Educators: season 2 - Writer/Creator - South Pacific Pictures
2019 - Educators: season 2 - Writer/Creator - South Pacific Pictures
2018 - The Vloggingtons - Contributing Writer - Yoozoo
2015 - #KiwisCureBatten: Team Ball Player Thing (music video) - Writer
2015 - 7 Days - Writer - Mediaworks
2013 - Comedy for Cure Kids: Good Sports - Writer - Mediaworks
Wilson Dixon Showreel
Social Media
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