About
Samoan New Zealand-based comedian famous for his role in the Laughing Samoans comedy duo as well as his roles as an actor. Popular movie roles he has held include The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson, The Insiders Guide to Happiness, Savage, and Brown Boys. He won the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award for Senior Pacific Artist in 2019.
Before Fame
He graduated from the Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School in 1984 as one of the first Pacific Islanders to attend the school.
Trivia
He co-founded Taotahi, the first Pacific Islander-based theater company in New Zealand. His show, The Johnny Smith Myth, was the first one-man show put on by a Samoan in New Zealand. His family gave him the Samoan matai title of Maiava.
Family Life
He moved with his parents to New Zealand at the age of 12.
Associated With
Tofiga Fepulea'i is his partner in the Laughing Samoans.
