Kiwi comedian Dai Henwood passes away, aged 48

Beloved Kiwi comedian, author and advocate Dai Henwood has died after his six-year cancer battle.

He was 48.

Henwood, known for his regular appearances on Kiwi shows like 7-Days and Taskmaster, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2020 and went public with the news in 2023.

He was undergoing chemotherapy and having treatment to delay the disease.

A regular and inspiring face on our screens and stages, Henwood was a vocal advocate for bowel cancer checks and took part in charity fundraisers and multiple jobs up until his death.

Recently, he played an integral part in last year’s 7 Days Live tour, navigating his treatment while performing on tour.

Starting his career in television, he appeared in the TV2 comedy show Pulp Comedy in 1999 and became a regular and hugely respected name on the Kiwi standup circuit.

Stand-up specials Dai Another Day (2009) and Adapt or Dai (2013) are regarded as some of New Zealand’s best comedy specials.

An in-demand host, Henwood helmed the Kiwi versions of both Dancing with the Stars and Family Feud.

His book, The Life of Dai, co-written by fellow comedian and close friend Jaquie Brown, was released by Henwood in 2024 and chronicled his career and battle with his disease.

Radio Hauraki listeners will also remember his frequent contributions and fundraising efforts for the annual 12-hour live broadcast event A Day In Loo, which raised funds for bowel cancer.

Last year, he told the Herald’s Jenni Mortimer he had suffered a series of unexpected hospitalisations and fluid on his heart and lungs that required surgery, which took a major toll on his overall health.

“You have bad things on this journey, and then I’m at home afterwards, and I’m just reading messages people are sending and having an honest, deep laugh,” he said.

“I find laughter so healing, and that’s why I always think laughter is what I need most in the hardest situations.”

In June 2025, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to entertainment and charity.

Henwood leaves behind his wife, Joanna “Jo” Kelly, and his two children.

In 2024, Dai Henwood joined Jono, Ben and Megan for a heartfelt conversation about his documentary Live And Let Dai, sharing his experience living with cancer, the impact on his mental health, and the tools that help him navigate depression and anxiety.

This article was first published by the NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.