Who Is Natalie Wihongi?
Natalie Wihongi is a makeup artist from Auckland, New Zealand. She rose to prominence primarily due to her high-profile marriage to actor Karl Urban, known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and The Boys. Despite her connection to the world of Hollywood, Natalie has remained mostly private, focusing on her career in makeup and her family. She is well-regarded for her artistry, but much of her life remains out of the public eye.
Early Life and Background
Natalie Wihongi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and spent her early years there. Though her exact birth date is not widely available, reports suggest that she was born in the 1970s. She attended Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, where she likely began to develop an interest in the arts, particularly makeup and beauty. After high school, she pursued her passion and trained as a professional makeup artist.
Her Career as a Makeup Artist
Wihongi’s professional career in makeup artistry has primarily been behind the scenes in the film and television industry. Her early work was in film makeup and includes projects such as The Privateers (2000) and Rain (2001), where she worked in the makeup department. While not as extensively credited as other industry professionals, her contribution to the film world is still noteworthy.
Beyond film, Natalie also worked with various modeling agencies and private clients, offering her services for photoshoots and special events. Despite her impressive skills and experience, her career has not been as publicly documented, likely due to her preference for privacy.
Marriage to Karl Urban
One of the most significant aspects of Natalie Wihongi’s life was her relationship with Karl Urban. The couple met on the set of the TV movie The Privateers in 2000, where Wihongi was working as a makeup artist. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they eventually married in 2004.
During their marriage, they had two children: Hunter Urban (born in 2000) and Indiana “Indy” Urban (born in 2005). The family lived in Auckland, New Zealand, and shared a quiet life for several years. However, their marriage ended in 2014, after a decade together. Despite their separation, both Natalie and Karl have been known to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their children.
Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Natalie Wihongi opted to maintain a low profile. While her ex-husband, Karl Urban, continued to rise in popularity with roles in The Boys and the Star Trek series, Wihongi largely stepped out of the public spotlight. She has been very private about her personal life since their split, and little has been documented about her relationships following the divorce.
Public Image and Media
Though Natalie Wihongi’s fame initially came through her marriage to Karl Urban, she has maintained a modest public profile. Her presence on social media is limited, and she does not engage as actively as other public figures. There are occasional mentions of her in the media, particularly related to her ex-husband’s career and her past marriage, but Natalie has managed to keep her life mostly out of the press.
Unlike many people who gain fame through their connection to a celebrity, Natalie has successfully avoided the spotlight, opting for a quieter life away from public attention.
Natalie Wihongi and Katee Sackhoff Comparison
Following her divorce from Karl Urban, the actor was in a relationship with actress Katee Sackhoff, best known for her role in Battlestar Galactica. Because of their connection to Urban, many have speculated on the similarities between Natalie Wihongi and Katee Sackhoff. Some have even noted that the two women bear a striking resemblance to each other, leading to comparisons across social media and fan forums.
However, the two women come from different professional backgrounds. While Katee Sackhoff is an established actress, Natalie Wihongi has made her name as a makeup artist. This distinction has led to some media attention, but it is important to remember that their connection to Karl Urban is the only common thread between them.
Natalie Wihongi Net Worth
Estimates of Natalie Wihongi’s net worth are varied, with figures typically ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. These numbers are largely based on her career as a makeup artist, her share of assets following her divorce from Urban, and her more private life. Much of the wealth came from her years of marriage to Karl Urban, during which the couple accumulated significant assets.
While she may not be as financially visible as her former husband, her earnings from her work as a makeup artist and her time in the industry have contributed to her financial stability.
Social Media Presence and Public Recognition
Unlike her ex-husband, who has a vast following on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, Natalie Wihongi has not built a significant online presence. She does not seem to have an active, verified social media account, and any accounts under her name remain unverified. This lack of visibility is part of her desire to keep her life private, free from the constant scrutiny often associated with the entertainment industry.
This choice to avoid the public spotlight has allowed her to live relatively peacefully without the constant pressure that many celebrities face. While Karl Urban frequently shares updates with his followers, Natalie remains a private figure, respected for her contributions to the industry without seeking attention.
Conclusion
Natalie Wihongi is a talented makeup artist who rose to public attention through her marriage to Karl Urban, a prominent actor in Hollywood. Despite her connection to one of New Zealand’s most famous stars, she has maintained a low-key, private lifestyle, with little public information shared since her divorce in 2014.
Her work in makeup artistry, though not as widely known as her ex-husband’s acting career, reflects her skill and passion for the craft. While she remains out of the media’s intense spotlight, she continues to be respected for her personal achievements and the legacy she shares with her children.
Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of privacy and the choice many celebrities and their families make to keep personal matters outside the public eye.
