Dai Henwood 1978 – 2026

Biography

Dai Henwood (February 7, 1978 – November 10, 2026) was a New Zealand stand-up comedian and television host. Born Dafydd Morgan Henwood in Wellington, he became a household name through shows including 7 Days, Taskmaster, Family Feud and Dancing with the Stars, and won every major comedy award in New Zealand over a 25-year career. Diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer in 2020, he went public with the illness in 2023, published the memoir The Life of Dai in 2024, and shared his treatment in the documentary Live and Let Dai. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2025. Henwood died at Auckland Hospital on November 10, 2026, at the age of 48, holding the hands of his family. He was survived by his wife Jo, his children Charlie and Lucy, and his mother, Dame Carolyn Henwood.