By AMIE RICHARDSON
Kevin Smith's life was celebrated yesterday by the acting community and more than 1000 mourners in Auckland's Aotea Centre.
Auckland-based Smith, 38, known internationally for his roles in Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules, died of head injuries almost two weeks ago in a hospital in Beijing after falling from
a film-set castle 10 days before.
The memorial service was a chance for Smith's friends to celebrate his life and say goodbye, after the private funeral in his home town of Timaru.
Fellow actors, old friends and the Associate Minister of the Arts Judith Tizard spoke about what Smith meant to them and to New Zealand. There was a video presentation of Smith's life, three songs and a performance of a haka by Temuera Morrison.
All speakers talked about the actor's generosity, modesty, humour and beauty.
Xena star Lucy Lawless, choking back tears, said people should grieve openly about their loss.
Actor Danielle Cormack spoke of Smith's relentless courage and quest for perfection.
Auckland Theatre Company head Simon Prast entertained the audience with his first memories of Smith when they starred in the TV soap Gloss.
He said Smith was the man everyone wanted to hate - multi-talented and handsome - but nobody could.
"His brain outboxed the brawn. He was voted New Zealand's sexiest man every year for 10 years," he said.
Hercules producer Eric Gruendemann described Smith as the embodiment of the raw vitality and unpretentious nature of New Zealand.
"Kevin Smith can never be replaced," he said. "There is no one like him, no one like the performer and no one like the man. He was true export-quality New Zealand."
The launch of the Kevin Smith Trust for Smith's children Oscar, 11, Tyrone, nine, and Willard, three, was announced during the service. Donations can be made through the Auckland Theatre Company.
* No pictures from the service accompany this report. Bridget de Launay, a public relations agent for "friends" of Smith, banned news photographers although it was filmed for television.
