Catherine Laga Biography: Awards, Instagram, Parents, Height, Age, Lead Roles, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Instagram

Catherine Laga’aia is an Australian actress who achieved global recognition in June 2024 when she was announced as the lead in Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana.

Her rise to fame is tied to this titular role, where she was selected after a worldwide casting search to portray the adventurous wayfinder of Motunui.

Before this breakout, she appeared in the television series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, but it is her casting alongside Dwayne Johnson that has established her as a prominent figure in international cinema.

Her ability to represent her Samoan heritage on a global stage has made her a celebrated newcomer in the entertainment industry.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Catherine Laga’aia
• Date of Birth: December 17, 2006
• Age: 19 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Profession: Actress
• Height: 5′ 2″ (1.57 m)
• Eye Color: Brown
• Hair Color: Brown
• Parents: Jay Laga’aia (father) and Sandie Laga’aia (mother)
• Siblings: Iosefa Laga’aia (plus seven others)
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Single
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: Samoan
• Net Worth: $300,000

Early Life and Education

Catherine Laga’aia is now at the age of 19 years old and was born on December 17, 2006.

She was raised in Sydney, Australia, in a large family as one of eight children born to the well-known New Zealand-Australian actor Jay Laga’aia and his wife, Sandie.

Her deep connection to her Samoan roots comes from her grandparents, with her grandfather hailing from Faʻaala, Palauli, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai.

She grew up in a creative household where several of her siblings also pursued careers in the performing arts.

She attended the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney, where she was in Year 11 during the time of her Moana audition.

Beyond her academic studies, she was a seasoned performer in the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensemble and participated in the Schools Spectacular as a choir member and co-host.

She also graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) programs.

Personal Life

Because of her young age and the early stage of her career, Catherine Laga’aia does not have a spouse or children.

She maintains a private personal life, though her father occasionally shares updates about her journey on his social media. She is not known to be in any public relationship.

Her focus remains on her professional transition from a student performer to a major film star.

Career

Catherine Laga’aia began her career with minor television roles and stage performances in Australia.

In 2023, she appeared as Young Candy in three episodes of the Prime Video series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

Her career trajectory changed drastically in 2024 when Disney announced her as the lead for the live-action Moana, which is scheduled for theatrical release in July 2026.

She spent the latter half of 2024 filming the project, which involved significant physical and vocal preparation to perform iconic musical numbers.

In addition to her work with Disney, she is involved in the production of a project titled Crashout.

Her background in drama ensembles and musical theater has been the foundation for her transition into high-budget Hollywood features.

Net Worth

Catherine Laga’aia has a net worth estimated at $300,000. This valuation is based on her involvement in a major Disney franchise and her previous television work.

Social Media

• Instagram: @catherinelagaaia

Filmography

• The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)
• Moana (2026)
• Crashout