Johnny Barker

Johnny Barker began acting in musicals at high school. Since then his career has mixed music with screen work. After playing a small-town cop in TV's Mercy Peak, he co-starred in 2003 horror film The Locals. Later Barker rejoined Shortland Street, winning infamy (and a Qantas acting nomination) after being revealed as the Ferndale Strangler. He co-created and acted in 2014's music-themed series Coverband, and composed for Nia's Extra Ordinary Life. Barker is also a director; his work includes many sketches for Funny Girls and Jono and Ben — plus commercials and a run of successful entries in the 48Hours short film contest. 

It will follow me around for the rest of my life, and I'm happy with that ... Normally I'm quite lazy and have a big beard and no one bats an eyelid, and as soon as I shave for a project or whatever, when I go to the supermarket, people always spot me. It's crazy. People have amazing memories. Johnny Barker on playing the Ferndale Strangler on Shortland Street, The NZ Herald, 27 May 2013