'Greatest, kindest and funniest': Comedy world mourns Dai Henwood
New Zealand comedian Dai Henwood has passed away at the age of 48 following a six-year battle with metastatic bowel cancer. Friends, colleagues, and the New Zealand entertainment industry are mourning the loss of the beloved performer.
Why it matters
Henwood was a prominent figure in New Zealand media, and his death highlights the impact of long-term illness on public figures and the community.
<p>New Zealand comedy has lost one of its biggest personalities in Dai Henwood, who entertained Kiwi audiences for more than 25 years and is being remembered by friends and fellow comics as a man whose kindness matched his gift for making people laugh.</p> <p>Henwood <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/11/10/comedian-dai-henwood-dies-aged-48-after-six-years-living-with-cancer/" target="_blank">died this morning aged 48</a> after living with metastatic bowel cancer for six years.</p> <p>Comedian and best friend Justine Smith said she was "absolutely devastated" by Henwood's death.</p> <p>"We were like brother & sister for more than 20 years, and the thought of not being able to reach out to him is unimaginable.
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