Did you know that she nearly didn’t audition for Moana?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
With Disney’s Moana 2 set to sail into theatres on 29 November in the UK, fans are thrilled to see Auliʻi Cravalho reprise her role as the fearless Moana. But beyond her Disney fame, Cravalho’s life and career have been filled with unique milestones and inspiring stories. Here are five things you might not know about this talented star.
Auliʻi Cravalho was new to Hollywood when she was cast in Moana
When Cravalho was chosen to voice Moana at just 14 years old, she was completely new to Hollywood. She auditioned after a talent scout spotted her in a local singing competition.
She almost didn’t audition for Moana
Despite her immense talent, Cravalho initially doubted whether she should audition for Moana. As a newcomer to the entertainment industry, she believed many talented performers would also vie for the role. However, her eventual audition video, submitted by her talent agent, caught the eye of Disney casting directors and launched her into stardom.
She is passionate about advocacy
Beyond acting, Cravalho is a passionate advocate for representation and education. She has spoken about the importance of showcasing authentic stories from underrepresented communities, particularly Indigenous voices. Additionally, she has participated in initiatives promoting environmental sustainability, reflecting the themes of her breakout role in Moana. In 2023, the star also became a member of Artists4Ceasfire and signed an open letter to Joe Biden urging him to facilitate an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
She is broadening her horizons on screen
Cravalho’s talents extend beyond voice acting. She made her live-action debut in the NBC musical drama Rise in 2018, where she played Lilette Suarez, a high school student discovering her love for the performing arts.
She is an academic at heart
Despite her busy schedule, Cravalho has emphasized the importance of education in her life. She excelled in school and planned to pursue higher education, even considering a career in marine biology before being cast in Moana. In 2021, Cravalho announced that she had been accepted into Columbia University and was going to major in environmental science. Moana would be proud!
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