Rena Owen

Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress known for her work in theatre, television, and film. She was born Maria Makarena Owen on July 22, 1962, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Owen gained recognition for her leading role as Beth Heke in Lee Tamahori's Once Were Warriors and as Taun We in George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. With a background of Welsh, English, Irish, and Māori descent, Owen grew up in Moerewa in a Catholic family. She trained as a nurse at Auckland Hospital before moving to London, where she received training at the Actors Institute. Owen has also worked extensively in British theatre, including performances for the Royal Shakespeare Company.