Clifford Vivian Devon Curtis, born in Rotorua on July 27, 1968, is a New Zealand actor of Māori descent. Known for his exceptional versatility, he has portrayed characters of diverse ethnicities throughout his career. He first gained recognition in his home country with roles in acclaimed films such as *The Piano* (1993) and the drama *Once Were Warriors* (1994), solidifying his reputation with *Whale Rider* (2002). Internationally, he has appeared in major Hollywood productions, including *Training Day*, *Sunshine*, *Live Free or Die Hard*, and *Doctor Sleep*. His portrayal of the brilliant chess player Genesis Potini in the film *The Dark Horse* (2014) is considered one of his most significant performances, for which he received numerous awards, including the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actor. On television, he was a main cast member of the series *Fear the Walking Dead*, and more recently, he played the role of Tonowari in the blockbuster *Avatar: The Way of Water*.