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Entertainment • Actress

Catherine Laga'aia

Catherine Laga'aia is an Australian actress known for being cast in the title role of Disney's live-action *Moana* (2026).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Catherine Laga'aia is an Australian actress known for being cast in the title role of Disney's live-action *Moana* (2026). She made her screen debut in the 2023 television series *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*.

Early life

Catherine Laga'aia was born in Sydney, Australia, on 17 December 2006. Publicly available biographical sources identify her as the daughter of actor Jay Laga'aia.

Career

Laga'aia began her screen career in 2023 with *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*. She later gained wider attention after being cast as Moana in Disney's live-action remake.

Notable role

Her best-known role to date is the title character in Disney's live-action *Moana* (2026), which is described in multiple sources as her film debut.

Family background

Laga'aia comes from a performing-arts family and is the daughter of actor and entertainer Jay Laga'aia.

Key facts

  • Catherine Laga'aia is an Australian actress, born 17 December 2006 in Sydney.
  • She made her screen debut in the 2023 television series *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*.
  • In June 2024, she was cast as the title character in Disney's live-action *Moana* (2026).
  • Her father is actor Jay Laga'aia.
  • She has been active as an actress from 2023 onward.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Catherine Laga'aia?
She is an Australian actress known for playing the title role in Disney's live-action *Moana* (2026).
When was Catherine Laga'aia born?
She was born on 17 December 2006.
Where is Catherine Laga'aia from?
She was born in Sydney, Australia.
What was Catherine Laga'aia's first screen role?
Her screen debut was in the 2023 television series *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*.
Who is Catherine Laga'aia's father?
Her father is actor Jay Laga'aia.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_Laga%27aia
    Supports: Birth date and place; Australian actress; years active; screen debut; casting as Moana; father.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15077498/
    Supports: Known for *Moana* (2026) and *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart* (2023); family relation to Jay Laga'aia.
  3. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/04/movies/catherine-lagaaia-moana-live-action.html
    Supports: Profile information on her background and role in the live-action *Moana* production.