Ginette McDonald

Ginette McDonald, now there’s a name folks in New Zealand know well—especially if you’ve watched TV anywhere from the ‘70s to now. Hailing from Wellington, born back in April ‘52, she’s been part of the acting scene for decades. Like, literally, she’s that face you see and instantly think, “Oh yeah, I’ve seen her in something.” She’s not just an actress, though; she’s got producing chops too. North & South and Close to Home, those old-school classics from way back in ‘75, both had her front and center. If you grew up in NZ, you probably remember her as part of the TV furniture—one of those people who just sort of always seemed to be around, doing her thing, whether it was drama, comedy, or something in between. Fast forward to 2024, and boom, she’s in Grafted. Most people would be slowing down by now, but nope, Ginette’s still out there taking on fresh roles, adding more to a career that’s already stacked. Honestly, it’s kind of wild how she’s managed to stay relevant across so many eras of New Zealand television and film. She’s got this vibe—part warmth, part wit, always with a twinkle in her eye—that makes her performances stick with you. Not every actor pulls that off, you know? It’s not just about talent, it’s about bringing something real to the screen, and Ginette just has that in spades.