Catherine Laga’aia Ethnicity

Catherine Laga’aia is an Australian actress. She is best known for securing the titular role for the remake of the popular animation film Moana.

She was born in Australia and now resides in Sydney with her family. Aged 17, she is beyond happy to grab an opportunity to appear as the lead in Moana.

Quick Info

Real NameCatherine Laga’aia
Age17
Birth PlaceAustralia
EducationN/A
Height5 feet 2 inches [157 cm]
Weight49 kg

Ethnicity

Catherine Laga’aia is of Samoan-English heritage. Her father Jay Laga’aia possesses Samoan ethnicity though he was born in New Zealand. Her mother Sandra Lane is from the UK.

In an interview, Katie revealed that her grandparents are from Savai’i and Upolu in Samoa.

Jay, her father, is a notable actor and singer who has 45 acting credits per IMDb. His popular appearances include the Star Wars series (II and III), Water Rats, Daybreakers, Home and Away, Bed of Roses, etc.

Her parents have been happily married for over three decades. She has seven siblings and is the second-youngest in the family.

Her eldest sister Jessie Laga’aia is a professional netball player for Carina Leagues Club Tigers. Her brother Tana Laga’aia is part of a band named RENT: The Musical. Katie’s other siblings include Iosefa, Matt, Sepora, and Bella.

Personal Life

Catherine Laga’aia is a high school student.

She is active on social media but restricted her accounts to family and friends only. Her private Instagram account has 656 followers.

Career

While Catherine Laga’aia is known for her role in Moana, she has made a single appearance before securing this role.

Her debut appearance came with the Prime Video TV series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in 2023. She played Young Candy and acted in three out of seven episodes.

Her titular role in Moana was made official in June 2024. The Disney animation film released in 2016 earned popularity across the globe and its live-action movie is set to hit the theatres in July 2026.

The project includes a prominent cast with Dwayne Johnson playing Maui, John Tui as Moana’s father – Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina (Moana’s mother), etc.


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Photo credit: Alexei Hay