From Ferndale to NZ First: SHORTY STAR LEE WANTS YOUR VOTE

The actor has overcome illness to put his hand up for election

- Leena Tailor

It's a long way from Ferndale to Hollywood, but it's an even greater move from Los Angeles back to Aotearoa via the Beehive and while recovering from a scary health battle. However, as Shortland Street alum Lee Donoghue stands as New Zealand First's candidate for Hutt South in the upcoming election, he'll be taking all his showbiz lessons into politics.

In fact, while some may question the 39-year-old star's political credentials, he believes his acting background is what makes him the perfect contender.

"As an actor, you play so many different characters and experience different points of view, so you generate a huge sense of empathy for different perspectives and realise all views are valid," explains Lee, talking exclusively to Woman's Day about his newly-announced journey into politics.

"You realise the impact you make on people's lives and you don't get that with career politicians who get political science degrees then become politicians. We need real Kiwis with real-life experience running the country."

It's his experience and relatability that Lee's proud mum Lynnette Donoghue believes will be his greatest asset in politics.

"He's approachable, kind and empathetic," she says. "He's great at relating to different people, young and old. He's an old soul!"

 

Lynnette recalls Lee dressing up as Superman and pretending to fly while developing a love for the limelight as a child.

Filming commercials, he then appeared in The Tribe and played David Lange's son in Fallout. "That's probably what sparked his interest in politics," reflects Lynnette.