Biography

Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Matt Whelan is a graduate of Toi Whakaari, New Zealand's most prestigious drama school, having completing a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Acting. Immediately upon graduating he joined the cast of Show of Hands, performing alongside Melanie Lynskey. He has gone on to perform in a lead role capacity in many productions including The Most Fun You Can Have Dying, My Wedding and Other Secrets, Chief Gary, and several seasons of a local NZ drama series Go Girls. His international career took off with two episodes in Of Kings and Prophets prior to him landing the illustrious role of Hugh Hefner in American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story. This was followed closely by his portrayal of Daniel van Ness in season three of Narcos. Shooting took place in Colombia... it is an understatement to say that's an interesting juxtaposition from the Playboy Mansion to the drug-lands of South America.
- IMDb mini biography by: Gail Cowan Management