Renato Bartolomei

Australian-born, Italian Kiwi actor Renato Bartolomei is best known for playing heartthrob Doctor Craig Valentine on Shortland Street. After studying film and psychology in Melbourne, Bartolomei worked in Australian television. Back in New Zealand, he joined the cast of Mercy Peak as vinter Keiran the romantic interest to the lead, Nicky (Sara Wiseman). After four years on Shortland Street he went on to star in thriller series The Cult, as defence lawyer trying to rescue his two sons from a cult. Bartolomei has also appeared in 2009 film, I'm Not Harry Jenson, and in 2010 he travelled to Mongolia hosting an episode of Intrepid Journeys.

I don’t really feel like a Craig. In New Zealand, people seem surprised when I tell them I’m of Italian heritage. Maybe they think I’m part Māori. Renato Bartolomei, in a Listener interview, 22 July 2006