Culture shapes how people move through the world. For Pacific Islander celebrities, it is not just part of their past. It is a driving force. These stars are grounded in traditions that stretch across oceans. And they are proud to carry those stories into the spotlight.
Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Native Hawaiian cultures all share deep respect for family, community, and connection. But each one brings something special. These actors, singers, and creators keep their culture front and center:
Simone Kessell: Māori
Best known from "Yellowjackets", Simone Kessell comes from a Māori background rich in storytelling and spirit. Her culture puts strong value on oral history, sharing truth through voice, emotion, and connection.
It is no surprise she found her calling in acting.
What Simone cherishes most is the depth of the Māori worldview. It is about connection to land, ancestors, and language. That sense of belonging gives her quiet power on screen.
Dinah Jane
Pop singer Dinah Jane was raised in a tight-knit Tongan family where music and faith came first. Her culture thrives on harmony. Singing in church, dancing at family events, and honoring traditions are just part of her everyday.
Jane / IG / To Dinah Jane, 27, the best thing about being Tongan is the unshakable sense of unity.
Everyone shows up for each other. Even when the "Worth It" hitmaker is touring or recording, her roots keep her steady. Culture is not something she switches on for interviews. It lives in her voice.
Drew Afualo: Samoan
TikTok’s queen of clapbacks, Drew Afualo, channels her Samoan culture in everything she does. Being Samoan means standing tall, speaking strong, and not backing down. It is bold and proud, and it shows in every one of her videos.
However, what fuels her is the pride passed down through her family. Samoan culture teaches resilience and deep loyalty. Drew speaks up, not just for herself, but for every Pacific Islander who has been overlooked or silenced.
Sasha Colby: Native Hawaiian
Winner of "RuPaul’s Drag Race", Sasha Colby, was born into Native Hawaiian culture where legacy runs deep. She grew up knowing that performance and spirituality feed each other.
Sasha / IG / What makes Native Hawaiian culture powerful, Sasha says, is the spiritual connection to nature and ancestry.
Her roots give her grace and fire onstage. She carries her island with her in every movement, always honoring where she came from.
Rachel House: Māori
Actor Rachel House, who voiced Gramma Tala in "Moana", brings her Māori heritage to every role. Her culture is full of laughter and heart. Māori people know how to joke, how to comfort, and how to hold a room together with just a look.
She says the idea of mana (AKA inner strength) is her favorite part. It is something she felt growing up and still carries now. For Rachel, culture is not just about where you are from. It is about how you treat people. That is what makes a lasting mark.
Uli Latukefu: Tongan
Uli Latukefu, from "Young Rock", grew up in a Tongan household built on respect. His culture focuses on family first. There is no ego, just service. He says those values shaped how he works, how he listens, and how he stays focused in a loud industry.
What he values most is the sense of duty. Being Tongan taught him that true strength isn not about fame. It is about showing up for your people. That mindset keeps him humble, even while walking Hollywood sets.