in 2009 Cliff was on a bad tv show in san francisco. as a stagehand, i was taken by Cliff and his wife in their connection to the process. they spent all of their free time with the cast and crew instead of in their trailer. they were constantly in touch with their surroundings, as most of us are. but it was not usual for the stars to spend time around the sets and crew. i was most taken by the fact that Cliff paid the crew to help move his belongings from his studio paid apartment to storage. he also helped us to move thesir stuff. Cliff is a world class person who isnt even tooking his horn. i'm tooting his horn for him, as he would NEVER exhalt his virtues. he is a world class wonderful person and i hjope that i can live up to his virtues.
He’s opening a Big Door for generations to come in the Arts of Cinematography back in his Nation The Maoris great Nation on search of Total Freedom !!!
i remember you living just up the road from us Cliff....Nesbitt St..Matata...it definitely was a hard upbringing.. so easy to look back now to where you are and what youve achieved...you did so well...
I hope it doesn't sound culturally insensitive, but there's something so charismatic about many Maori people. Once Were Warriors is one of the most memorable and impactful films I've ever seen.
I’m a kiwi who moved to Australia at age 12 and I feel the same as you and have always been drawn to Maori culture and people too. I’m not Maori but have some cousins who are and in the last year or two we lived in NZ from about age 10 we started being taught Maori language and I really missed being given that opportunity to learn about language culture and legends. I still am very emotionally affected when I see a haka. When we first returned home to NZ on a holiday I remember having 3 Maori guys seated behind us and I felt a lot of emotions hearing them talking with an accent that was not only a kiwi accent but what I think of as a Maori kiwi accent. I’m 47 now and I still am affected the same way by all of those things
As a Wahine Maori I think it's important for people to see Who is and why he is...BUT SADLY...Many lived the life portrayed in OWW worse and some still do...this is an effort to show ur present situation NEVER defines Ur final destination ... The HURT...in the eyes...NO AMOUNT OF LIGHTING AND MAKE UP CAN EVER CHANGE THE ESSENCE OF THE SOUL ...Nga Mihi Kia tatou❤
Similar ways in a Traditional Mexican American family as we grew up with my Father. He was the same way, very tough on us. Even though he did love us all, he was like this mean with us when we were kids, especially me, I was the oldest. But I learned alot from my Dad. I vowed that I would never be like that to my love partners or family. I catch myself sometimes when I begin to react like my father. I been okay lately. My father passed away 3 years ago coming up on September. I still love him very much and miss him. I was also bullied alot. But my Dad taught me to stand up for myself and told me that if I got into a fight he would always back me up cause he knew I was a good kid. Once I beat this bully with a metal chair and he ended up in the hospital. The police came to arrest me and my Dad told them to call our attorney. I was just a kid. Ended up taking a plea deal and getting suspended for 2 months from school. I stayed behind in the 7th grade because of a bully. He never bothered me again, but I also had a hard time making friends throughout my school years
I’ve never looked Cliff Curtis up on Google or anything as I’m from home and thought that would be a bit prying. I’m glad I came across this albeit 9 years later.
Inspiring, glad you stayed and didn’t leave e hoa, such a beautiful man with a beautiful story. You shattered the ceiling for Māori in the Arts of theatre and movie acting, and I’m sure many Māori are and will for generations to come, be able to follow your pathway, a Trendsetter for our people, Tihei Mauri Ora !
A golf ball is a ball designed to be used in golf. Under the rules of golf, a golf ball has a mass no more than 1.620 oz (45.9 g), has a diameter not less than 1.680 inches (42.7 mm), and performs within specified velocity, distance, and symmetry limits. Like golf clubs, golf balls are subject to testing and approval by The R&A (formerly part of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) and the United States Golf Association, and those that do not conform with regulations may not be used in competitions.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Cliff Curtis. I believe that your dad could not handle the tragic death of your mum. A lot of people become emotionally disturbed, and some become violent because they don't know how to control their grief. Look what you have achieved in life. God bless you and your family. 🙏❤❤
I love this story and thankyou for sharing it. I've always admitted you as a person Cliff especially your achievements as an actor ad as a mentor for younger Maori. You have proven that good choices in life can have profound affect on others and long may your legacy's continue to inspire your people and pakeha as well. You are an inspiration for all people. Blessings upon you Cliff always.Tens Koe
I feel Your "Early Memorie's" Cliff Curtis. Not being of Maori descent but Kiwi born in the '60's Life was Borderline Traumatic for some Young n look up to the Senior Family member's but Eventually we do our best to change what we Endured. "Best Healer's Are The One's Who Heal Themselve's"...Much Respect to You Brother🍺💜
I can relate to the harsh way we were brought up in the day, hidings etc. My Dad apologized in his later years about how hard we were brought up. No beatings only hidings 😅. So good to hear about others. Love his story of his life and his philosophy on life way back then. He made me cry
Watched this many times and feel the pain and the triumph anew each time. Thank you Cliff Curtis for sharing your lessons of life and the power of the waka, from the makule of Keaukaha Canoe Club, Hilo Hawaii.
I heard stories about my grandmother being a tough old lady growing up Maori in a small town north of Gisborne. They used to sing songs about her at the parties. She used to get beatings from my grandfather and then when he was drunk she would give him a good hiding. She was also the toughest woman in the town. Nobody messed with her. Unfortunately she used to beat my father's siblings badly. She wasn't hard on my father because his father treated him like a punching bag and a slave. My father went on to beat me when I did something wrong but like Cliff said it was normal. I forgave my father when I got older. Forgiveness is hard but it also sets you free
I would so love to meet this man, I have been writing my life story for over 15 years now from when I was born in 1963 , it has a lot of similar episodes to his , and I think too it would make a good movie, I hope one day it would , As he has shown ....dreams can come true, What a great man Cliff Curtis is., thank you for sharing your story Cliff.
Seen Cliff at the Toyota dealership couple of weeks ago here in Rotorua looking for a truck i think, Bro. He pulls up next to us in a rugged az car, you know the ones you burn around on the farm on, yup those Bombs then he jumps out Rugged az Lol, True Hori maori. Rich az but Humble to the bone. Big Inspiration Cliff Tu Meke.
Brother... made my day when this appeared on you tube... A blessing for the day much needed, nothing to do with algarithm. Youre awesome Cliff. Whakawhetai koe Nga Mihi Nui.
Thank you Cliff💕you are loved by your people, the hardships faced by Maori and indigenous nations generally is because of the loss of the land. The pain of this is generational, today the results of this loss is clearly seen in the Nations of the world. Those responsible for this are now being exposed on the Internet. Be of good cheer👍the Divine plan is being revealed too,and the leading role has been given to Maori. God bless you Cliff🙏not long now. 🌏🌝🌞🌟. 🕊️❤️🇳🇿
A very inspiring individual in the business and life in general. It's uplifting and enlightening to hear stories of people making it as far as he is when born to such tough lives. I don't know what I'm doing with my life switching from major to major in college and listening to this and interviews from Fear The Walking Dead and how positive of an experience it is when they make it there (in terms of how they enjoy working along with their fellow cast members and helping each other grow) is making me very interested in getting into acting. I've only seen two shows in which he played a role that I was aware of him but he's very quickly risen to the top of my list of actors to looking out for in films. Even faster after watching this documentary!
What an amazing man you have become Cliff. I feel many of your struggles and how you dealt with them, I have been there too, but in a different way. Looking back I too, found my way through those difficult times the same way you did. I regret nothing in my life, it was meant to be . Thank you for this.
I remember seeing him at the marae he was just a caretaker his aunty was telling my mum he’s gonna be a superstar one day and sure enough auntie was right
What a lovely person so naturally genuine and down to earth we’ve all travelled down that same road, my older siblings did but us kids made sure it stopped there and didn’t continue on my mum did her best to raise us not easy for her but we left all the predjudice behind not nice when your parents are not married you’re verbally mocked by relatives but it’s ok not our fault they’re ignorant.
I worked at Gisborne McDonald's when cliff made the movie dark horse when I met him. They were filming in treble court . He didn't stay in a flash hotel in town but stayed in a campervan, we were dumb founded at how humble this man was. He sat with me on my smoke break and down played his fame.
Training day , dark horse , once were warriors , fear the walking dead , die hard 4 , rapanui , avatar I really wanna carry on naming movies that this role model of a human has starred in all these blockbuster movies and TV programs . And to top it off he's maori
Churr ma tamatoko thanks for your entertaining talents,inspirational stories and for your educational ways to promote your true POWER LOVE...CHUR KMPARAHA out.
Excelente cliff escuchar y verte hablr de tu vida eres realmente un ser humano excepcional ojala algún dia llegue a conocer ese gran hombre maori te felicito por ser tan gentil y a ves genial saludos clliff ere my actor favorito 🤩
awesome talking the truth .......i always thought he came from one of those non violent maori families .......heck......he had it just the same as everyone else. Good on him and we're all very proud how he's rolled in Hollywood with consistent movie roles.
Hard work is good for the soul. My parents were the most beautiful parents on the planet and spoiled every one of us. However ,when it came to work gardening cow milking all kids had to work hard .especially my older brothers.
When he said 'that was normal... no big deal...' about domestic violence was hard to understand. I come from a totally different background. I am sorry for Cliff and to all others who lived through that.
I knew Hori his dad well, yep, he was a hardcase, quick mind alright, you could see he could have been a hard man too. Also worked with his brother Thomas, good man. I never knew Cliff was his son, he never mentioned Cliff, nor did Thomas.
All our childhoods were difficult back in the 50s60s and beyond,not only home life,but schooling as well, won't believe the shite we had to put up with being Maori,sad nothing's changed
From playing the part of a Colombian drug lord to a chicano homie to Jesus Christ what a cool body of work you have brother, karawhuia maori boy ... too much e hoa kia mau te wehi.
in 2009 Cliff was on a bad tv show in san francisco. as a stagehand, i was taken by Cliff and his wife in their connection to the process. they spent all of their free time with the cast and crew instead of in their trailer. they were constantly in touch with their surroundings, as most of us are. but it was not usual for the stars to spend time around the sets and crew. i was most taken by the fact that Cliff paid the crew to help move his belongings from his studio paid apartment to storage. he also helped us to move thesir stuff.
Cliff is a world class person who isnt even tooking his horn. i'm tooting his horn for him, as he would NEVER exhalt his virtues. he is a world class wonderful person and i hjope that i can live up to his virtues.
One of the best actors in 3 decades, this video puts a lump in my throat
He has a very beautiful smile .Such smiles hide biggest pains
He seems like he has so much EMPATHY. He's such a talented man, too.
Love you Cliff..thanks for your acting..hard work..God Bless.❤❤❤
He’s opening a Big Door for generations to come in the Arts of Cinematography back in his Nation The Maoris great Nation on search of Total Freedom !!!
i remember you living just up the road from us Cliff....Nesbitt St..Matata...it definitely was a hard upbringing..
so easy to look back now to where you are and what youve achieved...you did so well...
I hope it doesn't sound culturally insensitive, but there's something so charismatic about many Maori people. Once Were Warriors is one of the most memorable and impactful films I've ever seen.
I’m a kiwi who moved to Australia at age 12 and I feel the same as you and have always been drawn to Maori culture and people too. I’m not Maori but have some cousins who are and in the last year or two we lived in NZ from about age 10 we started being taught Maori language and I really missed being given that opportunity to learn about language culture and legends. I still am very emotionally affected when I see a haka. When we first returned home to NZ on a holiday I remember having 3 Maori guys seated behind us and I felt a lot of emotions hearing them talking with an accent that was not only a kiwi accent but what I think of as a Maori kiwi accent. I’m 47 now and I still am affected the same way by all of those things
As a Wahine Maori I think it's important for people to see Who is and why he is...BUT SADLY...Many lived the life portrayed in OWW worse and some still do...this is an effort to show ur present situation NEVER defines Ur final destination ...
The HURT...in the eyes...NO AMOUNT OF LIGHTING AND MAKE UP CAN EVER CHANGE THE ESSENCE OF THE SOUL ...Nga Mihi Kia tatou❤
Such a likeable guy
So talented! Definitely a favourite actor of mine
Similar ways in a Traditional Mexican American family as we grew up with my Father. He was the same way, very tough on us. Even though he did love us all, he was like this mean with us when we were kids, especially me, I was the oldest. But I learned alot from my Dad. I vowed that I would never be like that to my love partners or family. I catch myself sometimes when I begin to react like my father. I been okay lately. My father passed away 3 years ago coming up on September. I still love him very much and miss him. I was also bullied alot. But my Dad taught me to stand up for myself and told me that if I got into a fight he would always back me up cause he knew I was a good kid. Once I beat this bully with a metal chair and he ended up in the hospital. The police came to arrest me and my Dad told them to call our attorney. I was just a kid. Ended up taking a plea deal and getting suspended for 2 months from school. I stayed behind in the 7th grade because of a bully. He never bothered me again, but I also had a hard time making friends throughout my school years
I'm glad that you are doing better for your family now bro. We have to break the legacy of Intergenerational Trauma as best we can.
I’ve never looked Cliff Curtis up on Google or anything as I’m from home and thought that would be a bit prying. I’m glad I came across this albeit 9 years later.
Inspiring, glad you stayed and didn’t leave e hoa, such a beautiful man with a beautiful story. You shattered the ceiling for Māori in the Arts of theatre and movie acting, and I’m sure many Māori are and will for generations to come, be able to follow your pathway, a Trendsetter for our people, Tihei Mauri Ora !
A golf ball is a ball designed to be used in golf. Under the rules of golf, a golf ball has a mass no more than 1.620 oz (45.9 g), has a diameter not less than 1.680 inches (42.7 mm), and performs within specified velocity, distance, and symmetry limits. Like golf clubs, golf balls are subject to testing and approval by The R&A (formerly part of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) and the United States Golf Association, and those that do not conform with regulations may not be used in competitions.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Cliff Curtis. I believe that your dad could not handle the tragic death of your mum. A lot of people become emotionally disturbed, and some become violent because they don't know how to control their grief.
Look what you have achieved in life. God bless you and your family. 🙏❤❤
I love this story and thankyou for sharing it. I've always admitted you as a person Cliff especially your achievements as an actor ad as a mentor for younger Maori. You have proven that good choices in life can have profound affect on others and long may your legacy's continue to inspire your people and pakeha as well. You are an inspiration for all people. Blessings upon you Cliff always.Tens Koe
I feel Your "Early Memorie's" Cliff Curtis. Not being of Maori descent but Kiwi born in the '60's Life was Borderline Traumatic for some Young n look up to the Senior Family member's but Eventually we do our best to change what we Endured. "Best Healer's Are The One's Who Heal Themselve's"...Much Respect to You Brother🍺💜
I can relate to the harsh way we were brought up in the day, hidings etc. My Dad apologized in his later years about how hard we were brought up. No beatings only hidings 😅. So good to hear about others. Love his story of his life and his philosophy on life way back then. He made me cry
Man not enough people here in the US know how great CC really is.
I agree. Jesus!
deserves everything he is blessed With! tremendous accomplishments and all round talented individual
Love you my brother. You are the most humble man that I know.❤
Watched this many times and feel the pain and the triumph anew each time. Thank you Cliff Curtis for sharing your lessons of life and the power of the waka, from the makule of Keaukaha Canoe Club, Hilo Hawaii.
Excellent pieces! I admire Cliff's forgiveness of his Father.
This guy is truly talented
🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍❤❤❤
I heard stories about my grandmother being a tough old lady growing up Maori in a small town north of Gisborne. They used to sing songs about her at the parties. She used to get beatings from my grandfather and then when he was drunk she would give him a good hiding. She was also the toughest woman in the town. Nobody messed with her. Unfortunately she used to beat my father's siblings badly. She wasn't hard on my father because his father treated him like a punching bag and a slave. My father went on to beat me when I did something wrong but like Cliff said it was normal. I forgave my father when I got older. Forgiveness is hard but it also sets you free
Made me teary watching this. Such a forgiving person
I would so love to meet this man, I have been writing my life story for over 15 years now from when I was born in 1963 , it has a lot of similar episodes to his , and I think too it would make a good movie, I hope one day it would , As he has shown ....dreams can come true, What a great man Cliff Curtis is., thank you for sharing your story Cliff.
he has got to be the best bad ass actor I have ever seen in my life love the guy
Hi Cliff, I don't know you but I think you're a great person. You are loved and such an inspiration for me. ♥
I have always admired your work..thank you for interview. Xxx beautiful heart xx
Seen Cliff at the Toyota dealership couple of weeks ago here in Rotorua looking for a truck i think, Bro. He pulls up next to us in a rugged az car, you know the ones you burn around on the farm on, yup those Bombs then he jumps out Rugged az Lol, True Hori maori. Rich az but Humble to the bone. Big Inspiration Cliff Tu Meke.
Yeap you dont need cash to be happy. Cliff is an inspiration to a lot of people
I cried so much through this doco. Cliff is a beautiful soul. Thanks for letting us into his life Marae ❤
What an awesome interview, a and a great man.. Much respect..
My most dear and favorite, thank you for all you said and shared with us, i feel humbled yet grateful
He has such a beautiful story and life. Truly blessed and well deserved.
Tumeke what a mean journey with a awesome outcome
Brother... made my day when this appeared on you tube... A blessing for the day much needed, nothing to do with algarithm. Youre awesome Cliff. Whakawhetai koe Nga Mihi Nui.
He's my idol great actor ,,,,
this guy is awesome.
yeah, very sweet
A wonderful life story that many can relate to. Kia Ora e Cliff.
Chur my bro. Awesome documentary. I still rememeber those days too. Dion Katae x
Thank you Cliff💕you are loved by your people, the hardships faced by Maori and indigenous nations generally is because of the loss of the land. The pain of this is generational, today the results of this loss is clearly seen in the Nations of the world. Those responsible for this are now being exposed on the Internet. Be of good cheer👍the Divine plan is being revealed too,and the leading role has been given to Maori. God bless you Cliff🙏not long now. 🌏🌝🌞🌟. 🕊️❤️🇳🇿
A very inspiring individual in the business and life in general. It's uplifting and enlightening to hear stories of people making it as far as he is when born to such tough lives. I don't know what I'm doing with my life switching from major to major in college and listening to this and interviews from Fear The Walking Dead and how positive of an experience it is when they make it there (in terms of how they enjoy working along with their fellow cast members and helping each other grow) is making me very interested in getting into acting. I've only seen two shows in which he played a role that I was aware of him but he's very quickly risen to the top of my list of actors to looking out for in films. Even faster after watching this documentary!
Totally blown away
Awesome interview, you are a massive inspiration too many who have faced similar challenges in life. Arohanui
What an amazing man you have become Cliff. I feel many of your struggles and how you dealt with them, I have been there too, but in a different way. Looking back I too, found my way through those difficult times the same way you did. I regret nothing in my life, it was meant to be . Thank you for this.
Really touched personally! :) I don't have the words to express!
Thanks for posting this interview
I remember seeing him at the marae he was just a caretaker his aunty was telling my mum he’s gonna be a superstar one day and sure enough auntie was right
An unbelievably tough man more power to him
hope he continues to be blessed .
What a lovely person so naturally genuine and down to earth we’ve all travelled down that same road, my older siblings did but us kids made sure it stopped there and didn’t continue on my mum did her best to raise us not easy for her but we left all the predjudice behind not nice when your parents are not married you’re verbally mocked by relatives but it’s ok not our fault they’re ignorant.
Inspiring, mostly because he’s moved past the negative effects of his upbringing, something I aspire to do myself
I worked at Gisborne McDonald's when cliff made the movie dark horse when I met him. They were filming in treble court . He didn't stay in a flash hotel in town but stayed in a campervan, we were dumb founded at how humble this man was. He sat with me on my smoke break and down played his fame.
I didn't think he smoked. or was he just there to talk with you while you had the smoke break
@jessicasnyder8818 no it was my smoke break thank you, while they were filming in treble court here in Gisborne.
Brilliant actor and a welcome insight into what makes him tick. Seems like a humble, loving fellow, giving back to others. Arohanui CC and Marae.
Training day , dark horse , once were warriors , fear the walking dead , die hard 4 , rapanui , avatar I really wanna carry on naming movies that this role model of a human has starred in all these blockbuster movies and TV programs . And to top it off he's maori
How about Sunshine? Underrated film IMO, and another great performance from him.
Cliff Curtis so talented👍He's so passionate😂
*Happy 50th birthday Cliff*
Ataahua ō kōrero bro. He kupu maioha. Ka mihi ano kia Mita me tana whānau. Arohanui xxx
Thank you. for sharing your reflections.
Churr ma tamatoko thanks for your entertaining talents,inspirational stories and for your educational ways to promote your true POWER LOVE...CHUR KMPARAHA out.
He was great as the villain to Arnold's hero in Collateral Damage.
Beautiful
Thank Youhooo Cliff Bro ❤ THANKS For Sharing a peice of your heart ❤ AROHNUI Brother ❤🎉
Lovely chap.
Role model for all peoples!
i agree
Well done cuz. Positive energy is a powerful thing. Love your work.😊
i also live in the same town is where i met cliff curtis at the housie primo actor cliff is
Well said. And Proud of your Heritage.
. As it should be
Great honesty
Great actor... Good man... keep going life is the journey we can choose who we became ....
great interview respect
Cliff is better person then I'll ever be and it's because of his upbringing and I couldn't help but have more respect for him.
God bless him
Awesome my Bro way to go tomuch ..Maori hard..
I love you 😍 my dad Wayne Ruka said he meet you back in 94
Godamn : I did not know his name and I always thought he was mexican .... great actor.
Curtis good on you for opening up bout your life.
Comes to show bout who he is and speaking truth.
Inspiring 💙
great person, actor and kiwi talent
You are a inspiration 😍
Excelente cliff escuchar y verte hablr de tu vida eres realmente un ser humano excepcional ojala algún dia llegue a conocer ese gran hombre maori te felicito por ser tan gentil y a ves genial saludos clliff ere my actor favorito 🤩
awesome talking the truth .......i always thought he came from one of those non violent maori families .......heck......he had it just the same as everyone else. Good on him and we're all very proud how he's rolled in Hollywood with consistent movie roles.
Awesome Carmen tumeke
Come a very long way brother too much..
El mejor
Poor Nia 😢
That part of the lake is so peacefully....rakeiao is lucky to have that wairua surrounded around them
Kia Ora bro well bro one day I hope too meet you in person Kia Ora my bro
Nga mihi cliff Curtis!
I love this guy...n I watch anything I see him in because I know its gonna be good...but in all honesty I thought he was Mexican😐
Hard work is good for the soul. My parents were the most beautiful parents on the planet and spoiled every one of us. However ,when it came to work gardening cow milking all kids had to work hard .especially my older brothers.
When I heard him talk about his father my father was like that,and Im a women. So when Cliff Curtis talked about his father no big deal for me too！😄
Awesome matua
When he said 'that was normal... no big deal...' about domestic violence was hard to understand. I come from a totally different background. I am sorry for Cliff and to all others who lived through that.
Watch that section of 'Training Day' he is in. Then think 'thats a Maori fella' not a Hispanic from East LA. Pretty incredible transformation.
Tumeke,Bro,kia kaka 4 life, yah doing well
When i hear the name Cliff Curtis..i think..SILVER DRAGON resurant and Phillip Seto...
Tena Koe Cliff ... My Mums from Matata ❤ Ngati Rangitihi ❤ Mita Mohi is Our Whanau Also, Awesome you got a Chance to do the Mau Rakau course 😛😜😝
" *Don't look back in Anger or Forward in Fear but around in Awareness* "
I knew Hori his dad well, yep, he was a hardcase, quick mind alright, you could see he could have been a hard man too. Also worked with his brother Thomas, good man. I never knew Cliff was his son, he never mentioned Cliff, nor did Thomas.
All our childhoods were difficult back in the 50s60s and beyond,not only home life,but schooling as well, won't believe the shite we had to put up with being Maori,sad nothing's changed
From playing the part of a Colombian drug lord to a chicano homie to Jesus Christ what a cool body of work you have brother, karawhuia maori boy ... too much e hoa kia mau te wehi.
Guy just pops up randomly on movies when we least expect it
He went from a pimping maori on once were warriors to a Spanish gangsta on training day to a full blown uce on ff9. Legend
Nga mihi te Rangatira "Toby" Moe mai, te Rangatira...Kia Inoi Kia Mahi, HPC....