Meet Disney’s latest princess, Moana’s Catherine Lagaʻaia, starring with Dwayne Johnson in the live-action remake
The 19-year-old Samoan-Aussie actress, who takes the Moana baton from Auli‘i Cravalho, had to beat out 2 of her sisters for the role
Catherine Lagaʻaia is Disney’s newest princess. The 19-year-old Australian actress stars as Moana in the film’s live-action adaptation that just premiered internationally on July 8.
In June 2024, Disney announced that Lagaʻaia would be taking on the role of Moana.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” Lagaʻaia said in a statement at the time. “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 honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
So who is the Aussie actress? Here’s what we know.
How did Catherine Lagaʻaia get into acting?
Laga’aia was born in 2006 to parents Jay and Sandie Laga’aia. Jay Laga’aia, who is of Samoan descent, is a prominent New Zealand and Australian actor. He has worked in films and television, with notable roles including Captain Typho in the Star Wars films.
He hosted his own children’s show, Jay’s Jungle, and was a regular on the Australian kids programme Play School.
Jay wedded Sandie in 1990 and welcomed eight children.