Jemaine Clement's Biography

Note: Last updated April 7, 2009 **

Jemaine Clement is an award-winning actor, musician, comedian, writer, director and producer. There are many words to describe the incredibly talented Mr. Clement, but I'd like to think that he's an all-around guy who is finally seeing his hard work pay off.

Jemaine Clement was born on January 10, 1974 and grew up in the Wairarapa (pronounced "why-ra-rap-a") region of New Zealand. In the late 90's Jemaine attended Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand where he studied drama and film.

For a detailed Flight of the Conchords bio filled with annotations and references, you can read one here (note: requires Adobe Reader).

Jemaine Clement's Career

Jemaine Clement's career has largely been shaped by the two key friendships he formed while attending Victoria University. During that time, Jemaine formed comedy duo, Humourbeasts, with fellow pal, Taika Waititi, the Oscar-nominated director of Two Cars, One Night. Also around 1998, Jemaine formed the folk-comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords, with fellow Victoria University student, Bret McKenzie (Jemaine's co-star in the hit HBO series, Flight of the Conchords).

In 1999, as a member of Humourbeasts, Jemaine won New Zealand's most prestigious comedy award, the Billy T Award. Also in 1999, Jemaine received a Radio Award as a writer for Channel Z's "Trashed," and the following year (2000), Jemaine received a Special Radio Awards Commendation for "The Sunglass Store." In 2004, Jemaine co-wrote and performed in the Humourbeasts' highly-acclaimed stage show, "The Untold Tales of Maui."

As a member of the folk-comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords, he's been honored with the Best Newcomer Award at the 2003 Melbourne Comedy Festival, a Perrier Comedy Award Nomination at the 2003 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a Sony UK Comedy Award for a BBC2 radio performance, and Best Alternative Comedy Act at the 2005 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.

Prior to making his mark in the U.S., Jemaine has appeared in various television commercials like the Export Gold "wheelbarrow" ('barrow') commercial and the 2006 Outback Steakhouse campaign. He's also provided voiceovers for ad series like the L&P's, "World Famous in New Zealand" campaign.

Jemaine Clement's most recent movie, Eagle vs. Shark (directed by Taika Waititi), won Best Screenplay at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Jemaine Clement, along with bandmate, Bret McKenzie, is the recipient of the 2007 Wellingtonian of the Year Award. Also in 2007, The Flight of the Conchords series was nominated by the Writers' Guild of America for Best Comedy Series, Best New Series and Best Episodic Comedy.

Jemaine Clement can now add Grammy Award Winner to his biography. Flight of the Conchords won the Best Comedy Album Grammy for their EP, The Distant Future, in 2007. The Conchords were also nominated for a Best Comedy Album Grammy in 2008.

Jemaine Clement at a Glance...

Jemaine Clement's Music

Music Label: Sub Pop Records

"Flight of the Conchords" (April 2008)
"Folk the World" Tour & CD (2002)
BBC2 Radio Program CD release (2007)
"The Distant Future" EP (2007)

Jemaine Clement on the Stage

"The Untold Tales of Maui" - The Humourbeasts

Jemaine Clement on the Radio

"Trashed" - Channel Z, Wellington
"The Sunglass Store" - Channel Z, Wellington

Jemaine Clement's Movies

Fizz (1999) - the "chased man"
The Pen (2001-present) - short films co-written by him/Robert's voice
Fury of the Islands (?) - filmed by Jason Stutter
Tongan Ninja (2002) - co-wrote/played the "Action Fighter"/voice of Tongan Ninja
Futile Attraction (2004) - editor/Darcy (only appears for 5 seconds *grumbles* )
What We Do In the Shadows (2006) - writer/director
Eagle vs. Shark (2007) - Taika Waititi's film where he plays the part of Jarrod
Gentlemen Broncos (2009) - Coming Soon - will play the author, Ronald Chevalier

Jemaine's U.S. Television Appearances

HBO's One Night Stand (2005)
Flight of the Conchords - HBO series
The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson
The Late Show with David Letterman
Late Night with Conan O'brien
Outback Steakhouse Campaign (2006)

Jemaine on Global Television (non-U.S.)

Flight of the Conchords (the series) - Network Ten, AU (2008)
Flight of the Conchords (the series) - Prime Network, NZ (Fall 2007)
Flight of the Conchords (the series) - BBC Four, UK (Fall 2007)
Export Gold 'Barrow' Commercial - New Zealand
Dave Likes Art - New Zealand
Skitz - New Zealand
Tellylaughs - New Zealand