Bret McKenzie is a talented New Zealand comedian, musician, and actor best known for his work with the comedy duo "Flight of the Conchords" and his Academy Award-winning song "Man or Muppet" from the 2011 film "The Muppets." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Musical Background: Bret McKenzie has a strong musical background and studied music and film at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. His musical skills have been a significant part of his career, both in his solo work and with Flight of the Conchords.
Flight of the Conchords: Bret McKenzie, along with Jemaine Clement, formed the comedy duo "Flight of the Conchords" in 1998. They are known for their hilarious and often musical comedy routines, which they turned into a popular HBO television series of the same name. The show earned them a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.
Grammy Awards: McKenzie and Clement's musical talents were recognized with several Grammy Award nominations during their time as Flight of the Conchords. They won two Grammys in 2009 for "Best Comedy Album" and "Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media."
"Man or Muppet": In 2011, Bret McKenzie won an Academy Award for "Best Original Song" for "Man or Muppet," which he wrote and performed for "The Muppets" movie. The song is a humorous and heartfelt ballad that explores the existential question of whether one is a man or a muppet.
Collaborations: McKenzie has collaborated with various artists and projects over the years, including contributing music to films like "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." His musical contributions to these films showcased his versatility as a composer and musician.
Wellington Paranormal: McKenzie made appearances in the New Zealand comedy series "Wellington Paranormal," a spin-off of the popular film "What We Do in the Shadows," where he played a recurring role as Officer O'Leary.
Honors and Awards: In addition to his Grammy and Academy Award wins, Bret McKenzie has received numerous accolades for his work, including New Zealand's highest honor, the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Comedy and Acting: While McKenzie is primarily known for his music and comedy, he has also dabbled in acting and voice acting. He has lent his voice to characters in animated films like "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water" and "The BFG."
Influence on Kiwi Comedy: McKenzie and Flight of the Conchords have had a significant impact on New Zealand's comedy scene and have helped raise the profile of New Zealand humor on the international stage.
Family Life: Bret McKenzie is married to Hannah Clarke, and they have two children together. Despite his busy career, he keeps his personal life relatively private.
Bret McKenzie's unique blend of humor, music, and creativity has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, both in New Zealand and around the world.