Natalie Wihongi: Talented Hollywood makeup artist previously hitched to Karl Urban
Natalie Wihongi is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and accomplished makeup artists. Although she has worked with numerous Hollywood celebrities, she is not in the limelight for her craft. Instead, she became famous for being the wife and, later, ex-wife of actor Karl Urban.
Their love story is a cute one as they met on the set of the 2000 movie, The Privateers. Fans loved their union while it lasted, but many still suspect that their divorce was deeper than they let the public know.
So, who is Natalie Wihongi? Why did her marriage crash?
Natalie Wihongi biography
Natalie Wihongi was born on March 8, 1972, in Auckland, New Zealand. She was reportedly born into a prominent family in New Zealand, with her father being a businessman and her mother, a housewife.
She had her primary and secondary school education – Epson Girls Grammar School – in New Zealand. She went on to attend a private university in Auckland, New Zealand, where she graduated.
To make a name for herself, she moved to Los Angeles, situated in the US state of California. Since her relocation to the US, she has worked as a Hollywood makeup artist.
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Natalie Wihongi career
Natalie Wihongi is a makeup artist and businesswoman who has succeeded in climbing the success ladder. Her career as a makeup artist opened the door for her to meet with a lot of famous figures in the entertainment industry.
She developed an interest in makeup and enrolled in a short course in makeup after she completed her high school studies. This marked the beginning of her career as a professional makeup artist. She got her first job in 2000 for the film, The Privateers, where she met her ex-husband. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work with several stars such as David Jean Thomas, Zylan Brooks, Parry Shen and Walter Koenig.
Natalie Wihongi movies
The movies in which Natalie Wihongi was involved in the make-up department and post-production work include:
The Privateers
The movie, which was released in 2000, focuses on Captain Aran Dravyk’s (Karl Urban) daring exploits with his band of space buccaneers, sanctioned by the Letters of Mark of the Allegiance government.
Natalie Wihongi was the designated makeup artist of the lead actor, Karl Urban and their meeting on this movie set was the genesis of their relationship.
Rain
Natalie Wihongi worked as a part of the makeup department for the 2001 movie, Rain. “Rain”, a German Shepard, was trained to fight in the Vietnam War, where her intelligence and bravery earned the respect and loyalty of her platoon. Despite the adversities she faced, Rain remained steadfast in her duty.
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Natalie Wihongi’s net worth
Natalie Wihongi’s net worth, according to reports, is estimated to be $1 million. Natalie Wihongi’s wealth comes from her work as a makeup artist.
She has worked on the set of numerous movies and TV series, making her an established name in Hollywood.
Natalie Wihongi family
Natalie Wihongi’s only family that is known to the public is that of her ex-husband, Karl Urban, and their kids.
Wihongi became famous due to her connection with Karl Urban, a celebrated New Zealand actor. Born Karl-Heinz Urban, he is renowned for his roles in movies and TV shows such as Xena: Warrior Princess, The Lord of the Rings, Ghost Ship, Riddick and Thor: Ragnarok.
The pair first encountered each other while Wihongi was providing makeup services for the filming of The Privateers in 2000, with Urban as one of the actors. Their love story is a typical Hollywood romance where both parties meet on set. The attraction they felt for one another was an instant one and they started a romantic relationship.
Not long after, their relationship blossomed and within a year, they had their first child, Hunter Urban, who was born on December 16, 2000. In September 2004, the duo exchanged their wedding vows. The following year, they welcomed their second child, Indiana Urban, on June 28, 2005. The couple named their second son after Harrison Ford’s iconic character, “Indiana Jones”, of whom Urban is a huge fan. Their marriage was going fine, but just like most Hollywood marriages, it came crashing down.
After a 10-year marriage, they announced their separation in June 2014. According to New Zealand Herald, in a statement released by the couple, they said: “It is with great regret that we, Karl Urban and Natalie Wihongi, have made the mutual decision to separate. We are committed to maintaining our family relationship, working together to ensure that our children are affected as little as possible. We request that people respect our family’s privacy at this time and will be making no further comment.”
Subsequently, they sold their Auckland mansion in December of the same year for NZ$6.65 million, which was an increase from their initial purchase price of NZ$5.25 million.
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Right after their divorce, the New Zealand actor started dating his Riddick co-star, Katee Sackhoff in 2014. This led fans to speculate that Urban’s affair might have been the reason for his divorce from Wihongi.
Natalie Wihongi age
Natalie Wihongi is 51 years old. She was born on March 8, 1972, in New Zealand. She stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and is all shades of cuteness.
Her blonde hair and gorgeous body have endeared her to the hearts of many. She is one celebrity spouse who keeps looking younger every day.
Natalie Wihongi nationality
Natalie Wihongi is a New Zealander born in Auckland. She spent the better part of her teenage and young adult years in her native land.
Natalie Wihongi is one of the many celebrity spouses in Hollywood who gained fame from their marriage to a superstar. She is, however, also renowned for creating stunning makeup looks for various productions.
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