When people hear the name Natalie Wihongi, many think about her marriage to famous actor Karl Urban. But there is much more to her story. Natalie is a talented makeup artist from New Zealand who built her own career in the film business. Her life shows us that you don’t need to be famous to make a difference. Sometimes the most interesting people are the ones who work quietly behind the scenes.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Natalie Wihongi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1972 |
| Age | 52 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Profession | Makeup Artist |
| Famous For | Former wife of actor Karl Urban |
| Children | Two sons – Hunter Urban and Indiana Urban |
| Marital Status | Divorced (2014) |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million |
Early Life and Growing Up
Natalie Wihongi was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland is a beautiful city known for its nature, beaches, and creative community. Growing up in this peaceful place helped shape who Natalie became. Her family was supportive and encouraged her to follow her dreams.
As a young girl, Natalie loved art and creativity. She enjoyed playing with colors and trying different styles. She attended Epsom Girls Grammar School in Auckland, where she studied many subjects. But it was art and makeup that really caught her attention.
After finishing high school, Natalie decided to study makeup artistry. She wasn’t looking for fame or attention. She simply wanted to work in a field where she could use her imagination and help people look their best. This decision changed her life forever.
Career as a Makeup Artist
Natalie’s career began in the early 2000s when she started working on film and television projects in New Zealand. Her job was to create different looks for actors using makeup. She could make someone look young or old, happy or sad, even scary or beautiful.
Her first big project was a television film called The Privateers in 2000. This is where she met Karl Urban, who was the main actor in the film. Natalie worked as his makeup artist on set. She also worked on another film called Rain in 2001. These projects helped her become known in the New Zealand film business.
Working as a makeup artist takes real skill. You need to understand faces, colors, and how to make people look right for their character. Natalie was very good at this. People in the industry respected her work and her professional attitude.
Meeting Karl Urban
The year 2000 was special for Natalie. While working on The Privateers, she met actor Karl Urban. At that time, Karl was a rising star in New Zealand. He would later become famous around the world for his roles in movies like The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and The Boys.
Their meeting was natural and simple. Natalie was doing her job as a makeup artist, and Karl was the actor she was working with. They started talking and found that they had a lot in common. Both loved the film industry and both came from New Zealand.
Their friendship grew into romance. They started dating and their relationship became stronger over the years. Friends said they were a great match because they understood each other’s work and supported each other’s dreams.
Marriage and Family Life
After dating for several years, Natalie and Karl got married in September 2004. The wedding was quiet and private. Only close family members and friends attended. This showed that they valued their privacy and wanted to keep their personal life away from public attention.
But before they got married, they already had their first child. Their son Hunter Urban was born on December 16, 2000. This means Hunter arrived before their wedding day. One year after their marriage, they welcomed their second son, Indiana Urban, who was born on June 28, 2005.
The name “Indiana” has a special story. Karl Urban is a big fan of the Indiana Jones movies. During Natalie’s pregnancy, they watched Raiders of the Lost Ark together. They loved the character so much that they decided to name their son Indiana. The family calls him “Indy” as a nickname.
Natalie was a devoted mother. She focused on taking care of her children and creating a loving home. While Karl’s acting career was growing and taking him to different countries, Natalie stayed strong and kept the family together. She was the quiet support that helped Karl succeed in his career.
The family lived in a beautiful mansion in Herne Bay, an expensive area in Auckland. They bought this house in 2012 for $5.25 million. Life seemed good for the family during these years.
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The Divorce
After ten years of marriage, Natalie and Karl announced their separation in June 2014. This news surprised many people because they seemed like a happy couple. But sometimes relationships change, and people need to go separate ways.
The couple made a public statement through a public relations agency. They said that the decision to divorce was mutual. This means both of them agreed it was the right choice. They also promised that they would continue to be good parents to their sons.
The exact reasons for their divorce have never been shared publicly. Both Natalie and Karl chose to keep these details private. This shows respect for each other and for their children. They didn’t want to create drama or hurt their family.
As part of the divorce, they sold their Auckland mansion in December 2014 for $6.65 million. This means they made a profit of $1.4 million from the sale. After the divorce, Karl moved to a different apartment and later started dating actress Katee Sackhoff. However, that relationship ended in 2018.
Through everything, Natalie and Karl have remained respectful toward each other. They continue to co-parent their two sons together. This means they work as a team to raise Hunter and Indiana, even though they are no longer married.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Natalie chose to live a quiet life away from cameras and public events. She returned to living in Auckland, the city where she grew up. This is where she feels most comfortable and peaceful.
Unlike many people connected to Hollywood, Natalie doesn’t seek attention. She doesn’t give interviews or attend red carpet events. She stays away from social media and prefers to keep her personal life private. This is her choice, and it shows that she values peace over fame.
Some reports say that Natalie may have a new partner in her life, but she has never confirmed this publicly. She continues to focus on raising her two sons and giving them a normal, happy childhood.
Her sons, Hunter and Indiana, are now young adults. Hunter, who is in his mid-twenties, loves animals, especially dogs. He sometimes shares photos of his dogs and fishing activities on Instagram. Both boys have stayed out of the public eye, just like their mother. They are growing up to be respectful young men.
Natalie’s Personality and Values
People who know Natalie describe her as kind, creative, and down-to-earth. She has always been humble and never tried to use her connection to Karl Urban for attention or personal gain. This shows her strong character.
Even when she was married to a Hollywood star, Natalie stayed true to herself. She didn’t change who she was or try to become someone different. She valued family, privacy, and creativity more than fame or money.
Her work as a makeup artist also shows her personality. It’s a job that requires patience, attention to detail, and caring about others. Natalie helped actors feel confident and look their best on camera. She took pride in her work without needing credit or recognition.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Natalie Wihongi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This money comes from different sources. First, she earned it through her work as a makeup artist in the film industry. Second, she received money from the sale of the mansion she owned with Karl Urban.
While $1 million might not seem like a lot compared to some Hollywood celebrities, it shows that Natalie built her own financial independence. She didn’t rely only on her ex-husband’s money. She had her own career and her own earnings.
Today, Natalie lives comfortably in Auckland. She may still take on occasional makeup projects, but she mostly focuses on her family and personal life.
What We Can Learn from Natalie’s Story
Natalie Wihongi’s life teaches us several important lessons. First, you don’t need to be famous to be successful. Natalie built a career doing what she loved, and she did it well. Second, privacy is valuable. In a world where everyone shares everything online, Natalie shows us that it’s okay to keep your life private.
Third, handling difficult situations with grace is important. When her marriage ended, Natalie didn’t create drama or speak badly about Karl. She handled everything with dignity and continued to focus on what mattered most – her children.
Finally, Natalie reminds us that the people who work behind the scenes are just as important as the stars on screen. Makeup artists, camera operators, costume designers, and many others help make movies and TV shows possible. They deserve respect for their talent and hard work.
Her Legacy
Today, Natalie Wihongi continues to live her life on her own terms. She may not be in the spotlight, but she has made her mark in the film industry. She raised two wonderful sons. She maintained her values even when life became complicated. And she showed that it’s possible to be connected to fame without letting it define who you are.
Her story is one of quiet strength, creativity, and authenticity. While the world might know her as “Karl Urban’s ex-wife,” those who truly understand her story know that she is so much more than that. She is Natalie Wihongi – a talented artist, a loving mother, and a woman who chose peace over publicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Natalie Wihongi meet Karl Urban?
Natalie met Karl Urban in 2000 on the set of the television film The Privateers. She was working as his makeup artist, and they started dating after spending time together on set. They got married four years later in 2004.
2. How many children does Natalie Wihongi have?
Natalie has two sons with Karl Urban. Hunter Urban was born on December 16, 2000, and Indiana Urban was born on June 28, 2005. The name Indiana was inspired by Karl’s love for the Indiana Jones movies.
3. What does Natalie Wihongi do now?
After her divorce, Natalie returned to living in Auckland, New Zealand. She continues to focus on raising her sons and maintaining a private life. She may occasionally work on makeup projects, but she mostly stays away from the public eye.
4. Why did Natalie Wihongi and Karl Urban divorce?
The exact reasons for their divorce have never been made public. The couple announced their separation in June 2014 and said it was a mutual decision. They both agreed to focus on co-parenting their children and maintaining a respectful relationship.
5. What is Natalie Wihongi’s net worth?
Natalie’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This comes from her career as a makeup artist and the profit from selling the mansion she owned with Karl Urban after their divorce.
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