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The Dominion
Martion Csokas

Ciwi Csokas to Play Opposite Blanchett
Dominion Reporter

It's not the biggest role in Lord of the Rings, but in winning the part of Cate Blanchett's screen husband, former Shortland Street star Marton Csokas is about to become the envy of men all over the world.

Csokas, a former television music presenter and the awkward Dr Leonard Dodds on Shortland Street, is understood to have spent the past couple of years stage acting in Australia.

Lord of the Rings spokeswoman Claire Raskind said yesterday that he had been chosen to play Celeborn, King of the Elves -- the husband of Galadriel, who is to be played by Blanchett.

New Zealand-born of Hungarian blood, Csokas graduated from the New Zealand drama school in 1989. His television work has also included Shark in the Park and Roger Hall's comedy Neighbourhood Watch.

Csokas is one of the few New Zealanders to have scored important roles in the Rings saga. Another Shortland Street star, Craig Parker, has finished filming for a smaller part.

Blanchett is not expected to arrive in Wellington for another couple of months. She won a Golden Globe for best actress playing the title role in Elizabeth and stars in The Talented Mr Ripley, now showing in Wellington.

Ms Raskind also confirmed yesterday the arrival in New Zealand of Australian actors Hugo Weaving, who will play the Elven Lord, Elrond, and Mirando Otto, who will be Eowyn, the warrior of the golden-haired horsepeople, the Rohirrim.