Moana Live-Action Actress Catherine Laga’aia Has Polynesian Heritage
Catherine Laga’aia is a 17-year-old Australian actor who will play the lead in Disney’s live-action remake of the animated film Moana. The announcement was made on June 12, 2024.
She will star opposite Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui. Let’s explore her ethnicity and family background.
Highlights
- Catherine Laga’aia is the second youngest child of Jay Laga’aia and Sandra Jane Laga’aia.
- Her father is of Samoan ancestry, and their family roots extend to Fa’aala, Palauli in Savai’i, and Leulumoega Tuai.
- Moana is one of her favorite characters, and she is honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.
Catherine Laga’aia is a newcomer to the entertainment industry but no stranger to show business.
She became interested in acting after participating in school performances in her early years.
In 2023, the Sydney-born rising actress starred as young Candy in the television series The Lost Flower of Alice Hart.
The live-action version of Moana is now confirmed to arrive in theaters on July 10, 2026, three years after its initial announcement.
Catherine expressed her excitement about the role and said she is honored to represent young girls who look like her.
Catherine Laga’aia Grew Up With Seven Siblings And Has A Polynesian Heritage
The Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia is the second youngest child of Jay Laga’aia and Sandra Jane Laga’aia.
Her father is a New Zealand-Australian actor and singer, whereas her mother is one of the deputy principals at Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus.
Jay is famous for starring as Captain Typho in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Catherine grew up in Australia with six brothers and one elder sister. Similarly, the rising actress also has two half-brothers.
Her brother, Frank Laga’aia, was formerly a part of the band Ilanda, which won an ARIA award. Likewise, her elder sister, Jessie Laga’aia, plays netball for the Queensland Firebirds Futures squad.
Moreover, her father is of Samoan ancestry, and their family roots extend to Fa’aala, Palauli in Savai’i, and Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of Upolu in Samoa.
Her connection to Moana’s story excites her to embrace the characters who share her Polynesian heritage. She elaborated,
My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.
Nonetheless, Catherine Laga’aina will be away from her family for the rest of the year. Her mother and sister will accompany her on her journey.
She travels with her parents’ teachings and the love of her family and friends. Her father often shares his children’s achievements on Instagram, where he has 10.7K followers.
Additional Information
- Catherine Laga’aia’s father is a member of the International Costuming Group and is a dual New Zealand and Australian citizen.
- John Tui from Auckland, New Zealand, will appear as Moana’s father and Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams will act as Moana’s mother in the live-action.
- Catherine will take the role of Auli’i Cravalho, who initially voiced the Moana in the 2016 animated picture.
