John Bach is a British-born New Zealand actor whose career on stage, film, and television spans more than four decades. International audiences are most likely to recognise him as Madril, the Gondorian ranger who serves under Faramir, in the second and third instalments of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
Though born in the United Kingdom, Bach relocated to New Zealand early in his career and became a well-established figure in the country’s film and television industry, taking leading roles in New Zealand productions including the television series Duggan, in which he played the title detective, as well as films such as Utu, Goodbye Pork Pie, and Beyond Reasonable Doubt.
His connection to Middle-earth extended beyond his on-screen role when he served as a body double for Christopher Lee’s Saruman during production of The Hobbit trilogy, after ill health prevented the veteran actor from travelling to New Zealand for further filming. Bach’s blend of New Zealand television stardom and his memorable turn in one of the most successful film trilogies ever made has made him a respected and enduring figure in both his adopted home country and among international fans of Middle-earth.
