5 of Our Favourite Samoan Actors

Samoans are highly talented people and can be found in all corners of the earth.  Measina shares the physical treasures that Samoans make. Some of the treasures Samoans share with the world can be seen on the television, at the cinemas and in the theatres.  Today we celebrate 5 of our Favourite Samoan actors.

1. Dwayne Johnson

(Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dwayne_Johnson_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival.jpg)

He is one of the highest paid actors in the world and we are proud that he is Samoan.  Dwayne Johnson is talented, handsome, funny, and an all around bad ass.  Johnson moved from Football to Wrestling to the big screen and is the most famous Samoan to date.

2. Jay Laga’aia

(Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/3614257713)

Moved from New Zealand where he starred on television programs like Heroes and Xena: Warrior Princess. He made the move to Australia where he starred in several TV Series and landed a role on Star Wars Episode II and III. Jay is becoming the face of the Pacific in Australia being the first Pacific Islander on ‘Home and Away’ and landing regular roles in Play School. Jay now stars in his own TV series, Jay’s Jungle.

3. KJ Apa

(Photo Credit: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/KJ_Apa)

Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa was born in New Zealand in 1997. KJ made his break as an actor while portraying the character of Kane Jenkins in ‘Shortland Street’.  He has made a major film with Denis Quaid titled ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ but is more widely known for his role as Archie in the TV series ‘Riverdale’.  KJ is a name we are sure will be heard more and more in the future.

4. Tuiasau Leota Uelese Petaia

(Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210358800939330&set=t.1266966581&type=3&theater)

One of the earlier pioneers of Samoans on the screen, Tuiasau made his mark in the industry with his controversial role as Sione in the movie adaptation of Albert Wendt’s novel, Sons for the Return Home. At a time when acting was not considered a “real job” and there were not many roles for Samoans, Tuiasau held on to his passion and paved the way for Samoan actors today to be less criticised and more accepted by their families and in the industry.

5. Nathaniel Lees

(Photo Credit: http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Nathaniel_Lees)

Not only is Nathaniel Lees an actor, he is a director.  Lees has had memorable roles in movies such as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Matrix Reloaded and the Matrix Revolutions.  He directed the play ’Think of a Garden’ and won director of the year at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 1995.

We hope you have enjoyed our list of our 5 Favourite Samoan Actors.  We have updated and now have a 5 Favourite Samoan Actors of 2021.