Grant Bowler

Grant Bowler is a New Zealand‑Australian actor and television presenter whose career spans over three decades across four continents. Born on 18 July 1968 in Auckland and raised in Brisbane after his family moved to Australia, Bowler honed his craft at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, graduating with a BFA before joining the Bell Shakespeare Company for extensive touring work. His breakout role came as Constable Wayne Patterson on the Australian police drama Blue Heelers (1993‑1996), which launched him into a prolific television career that includes memorable characters such as Wolfgang West in New Zealand’s cult series Outrageous Fortune, the charismatic CFO Connor Owens on Ugly Betty, and Joshua Nolan in Syfy’s sci‑fi epic Defiance. Bowler’s versatility extends to film, with credits ranging from the Ayn Rand adaptation Atlas Shrugged: Part I to the war drama Gallipoli and the action thriller Swelter, while his voice has become familiar to audiences as the narrator of Border Security in its Australian, Canadian and American editions. In addition to acting, Bowler has cultivated a strong presence as a reality‑TV host, most notably leading the Australian versions of The Mole (2000‑2003) and The Amazing Race Australia (2010‑2013). His on‑screen charisma and reliable narration have made him a fixture on the Seven Network, where he transitioned from on‑camera hosting of Border Security to off‑camera narration after the first season. Off‑screen, Bowler was married to Australian actress Roxane Wilson from 2001 until their 2011 separation, and the couple share two children. His trans‑national appeal and steady work ethic continue to secure him roles in both scripted drama and unscripted formats, underscoring his status as a respected figure in the global entertainment industry.