Wellington actor Albert Latailakepa’s journey from school drama to Disney+

Wellington actor Albert Latailakepa started his acting journey in high school drama classes, following in the footsteps of some friends. With his Pasifika background, Latailakepa always felt a natural pull toward entertainment.

His leap of faith paid off, leading him to Toi Whakaari NZ Acting School and eventually landing a role in the Disney+ series The Artful Dodger, where he plays boxing champ and gravedigger Aputi Savea. The show, a sequel to Oliver Twist, is set in 1800s Australia and features a star-studded cast including Thomas Brodie-Sangster and David Thewlis.

Latailakepa, 27, found the transition from stage to screen exciting. He shared that being on set with such talented actors helped ease his nerves. While juggling his time between filming and a collaborative comedy show at Circa Theatre in Wellington, Latailakepa feels grateful for the opportunity to showcase his comedy chops on screen.

Despite facing some challenges initially, like mastering Charles Dickens’ language, Latailakepa’s authenticity and dedication shine through his performances. He credits his success to following his heart and instincts and encourages aspiring actors to do the same.

Latailakepa’s rise in the industry, along with other Pasifika actors like Chris Alosio, reflects a positive shift in the entertainment landscape. By staying true to their roots and bringing their stories to the forefront, they pave the way for future generations of actors.

As Latailakepa continues to pursue projects on stage and screen, fans can catch him not only on The Artful Dodger but also in local favorites like Wellington Paranormal and Warren’s Vortex. His advice to aspiring actors remains simple: if you feel a passion for acting, go for it. And don’t forget to mark your calendars – all episodes of The Artful Dodger: Season 2 will be streaming on Disney+ from February 10th.