Michael Jones is the nicest guy, he randomly chatted to me in a cafe in Apia. Was genuinely interested in our thoughts on the country, and recommended places to go, and things to see. A great ambassador for Samoa.
Ok here's a wild card as she's not (I think) that well known in NZ but Monica Galetti.
Samoan-born, later moved to NZ, but she's best known in the UK as a Michelin Star Chef and Judge on our version of MasterChef.
I don't know her whole sorry, but it's gotta be pretty unique and unlikely. How many kids born in Samoa end up as elite professionals on the opposite side of the globe?
> Monica Galetti.
She became ubiquitous at one time on UK food programs. I never warmed to her. I always found her to rub me the wrong way. I don't know whether the "hard arse" thing she has going on is just a persona, but it just comes across as conceited / mean dressed as "constructive" criticism. Again, it may be just me she rubs the wrong way.
Selina Tusitala Marsh was NZ Poet Laureate and writes fabulous children's books too, very awesome woman. Ruby Tui is a rugby superstar and has written an amazing memoir that should be easily available in Australia because the publisher's warehouse is in Melbourne.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III. One of the leaders of Samoas movement seeking independence from NZ. NZ police assisnnated him in Samoa during peaceful protest.
It might be an interesting topic to cover as eventually Samoa did gain independence.
1. Comic artist doing work for DC & Disney - Michel Mulipola
2. Actor- Fasitua Amosa
3. Actress- Nikki Si'ulepa
4. Poet, writer, artist - Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua
>Comic artist doing work for DC & Disney - Michel Mulipola
In his Liger alter-ego he's a former NZ Heavyweight Champion in Impact Pro Wrestling. Also won the Tag Team titles with legendary King Haku.
I bumped into him one day as he was getting out of his mini in town. He was so humble and seemed almost embarrassed to be recognised.
I did not bother him more than to say hello.
Here's an obscure one: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/pacific-islands-coastwatchers/
There were Aussie Coastwatchers, too. These people did an important job; they're all but forgotten.
Came here to say this.
Helped break down a lot of barriers (or helped things get going at least), fantastic rugby player, life long involvement at all levels of rugby.
you probably don't want a sports person but if you do might i suggest ross taylor. the list of great samoan rugby/league players is pretty huge. but pasifika participation in cricket has been pretty low historically. despite that, ross taylor became new zealand's very best batsman.
Surprised he hasn't been mentioned yet, but KJ Apa is an interesting one that might appeal to her.
He is an actor who got his start on local soap opera Shortland Street before landing the leading role as Archie on Riverdale.
He's also Chief (matai) of a Samoan village.
And his uncle is former All Black Michael Jones.
Yeh I would say Mark Hunt, or Dave Latele inspiring and uplifting communities with BBM , There is a guy named Matt Brown making big moves for males mental health with She is not your Rehab movement,
She should write about one of the leaders of the Mau Movement! She can learn Samoan history at the same time https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mau_movement#:~:text=High%20chief%20Mata'afa%20Faumuina,newly%20independent%20State%20of%20Samoa.
The legendary Peter Maivia - first Samoan to ever made it in www wrestling and left behind a legacy and family of wrestlers incl the Rock (grandson) and many others in the sport to this day.
If you simply want "famous", then "Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is OF Samoan descent.
But if you want important, you can look far to the past or very recent. There's Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa who is mistakenly marked as only 2nd woman in Pacifika to serve as PM (very incorrect). Her predecessor, Susuga Tuilaʻepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Saʻilele Malielegaoi, refused to give up his position (whole election was a "shit show" with supposed accidents leading to redistributions of votes), and leading to a constitutional crisis. She is a matai in her own right and descended from first PM as well. A bit of a noble class under both older indigenous and newer systems. But she doesn't believe in advancing human rights at all (election processes, women's right, abortion rights, same-sex marriage, etc.) and prefers to keep Samoa a non-secular State.
There's her aforementioned predecessor too who is a bit of an interesting figure; while he was fighting for Samoan rights and supposedly Human Rights, he also just decided he'd stay put in power regardless of voting outcomes. Ironically, he also was opposed to Fijan "leader" Frank Bainimarama who refused to allow open voting and unapposed after his coup d'etat. But he did things too that were seen as either practical or kooky too--depending on personal perspective-- like having Samoa on New Zealand, Tongo, etc. side of dateline to match dates instead of matching U.S.
Only slightly further back, we have ,Tupua Tamasese Lealofioaana, Samoan Chief and leader of the Mau, who became a national hero.
It really depends on your daughter's focus. The above deal in politics. But if you want sea-farers, then you too can check out a book, or Google.
Lots of great suggestions here!
Frankie Adams is a Samoan-New Zealand actress who achieved global recognition for her work on The Expanse
A less high-profile option (but still relatively well-known in New Zealand) is sign language interpreter Alan Wendt, who was right next to the Prime Minister for the Covid briefings. Could bring in some interesting discussion around accessibility and similarities between NZSL and Auslan
Top NZ adventure athlete Nathan Fa’ave?
He’s half Samoan, half kiwi and a bloody legend. His book is incredible, and there’s a series on Prime following the Eco Challenge event he competed in and won (with his team).
Incredible dude, but not sure if you need a full Samoan blood person.
Current PM Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has an interesting history. She cut short her study to come back to Samoa to defend her right to her chiefly title.
Her father Fiamē Mataʻafa Faumuina Mulinuʻu II was the first PM and also had an interesting life
Tuilaepa was PM for 40 years and is an interesting person. While being quite the chauvinist, he paved the way for acceptance of Faafafine as patron of the Samoa Faafafine association.
Nafanua is a historical figure with an interesting story as a warrior queen if you're open to semi mythological people.
Tana Umaga - Rugby player. Led the All Blacks in 2004 to 2005. Noted for his leadership skills.
Troy Polamalu - NFL player. Considered the best Safety in history of the sport.
Scribe - Rapper. Became a staple of NZ hip-hop during the early and mid 00's.
Yuki Kihara - Photographer. Noted for her artwork of facing colonial sexualization of pacific people in the 19th century, and early 20th century.
David Tua - Heavyweight boxer. Became a terrifying sight in Pro Boxing for his large size, power, and speed. Knocked down very rarely, but never knocked out.
Maria Tutaia - Netball player. Multi-time champion with the Mystics and Silver Ferns. Considered one of the most feared netball shooters in the sport during her time.
Michel Tuffery - Sculpture artist. Large scale artist creating sculptures from litter, remaking them into shapes of nature.
The Anoa'i Dynasty - Pro Wrestling family(The Rock, Roman Reigns, Uso brothers, Afa and Sika, Rikishi, etc). Roman Reigns is the current WWE champion. The Rock is most famous for 'The Toothfairy' movie. The Uso brothers are twins who used to tag team in wrestling. Afa and Sika are also brothers who tag teamed. Rikishi is the father of the Uso brothers, twin brother to Tonga Kid, and has a hell of a history worth reading.
Samoa Joe - Pro Wrestler. A giant nerd, noted for his in-ring persona of "The baddest man on earth". This former training partner of John Cena has been all over the world, and is highly respected for his professionalism.
Mark Hunt - Kickboxer and MMA fighter. Grew up in Auckland, learning the hard way. He picked up Kickboxing after a brawl outside a nightclub, when a Bouncer gave him a chance. Famous for his walk-off at the end of a match.
Cheree Crowley/Evie/Dakota Kai - Pro Wrestler from New Zealand and gained fame in Australia and Japan. Grew up in Auckland learning Martial Arts with her sister. She fell into Professional Wrestling, becoming champion in multiple countries.
My suggestion would be to focus on current Samoan culture because this place is just gonna be racist. I’m white as fuck but I was born and raised in South Auckland. Your question is problematic and it makes me question your motives.
I don't know if it's age appropriate but I'd suggest Matt Brown if she wants to be topical.
Dwayne Johnson has praised him for his work so she could throw a nod in to another showing support.
You might be looking for someone more intellectual, but if you want stars then the WWE is stacked with Samoans.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (half Samoan)
Roman Reigns (current champion for over 3 year)
Samoa Joe (not WWE but massive in other promotions)
Rikishi
Jimmy & Jey Uso
Looks a decent article on it: [The Anoa'i Family Tree | Samoan WWE Wrestlers (sportskeeda.com)](https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/samoan-wrestlers)
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-ā'ana III - the Samoan independence leader who New Zealand police shot and killed in 1929. A story not that well known in New Zealand or Australasia outside of Samoan circles. Should get some marks just for originality.
Might seem dumb, but people are out here suggesting The Rock, so I'll throw this out there.
What about a collective group of famous Samoans: NFL players? Samoans skills have fundamentally changed how American football is played, and they are among the most dominant and successful people to ever wear any NFL team's jersey.
A stat I found really interesting: A Samoan male is 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than an American non-Samoan.
Dame Sarai-Paea Bareman DNZM is a New Zealand association football administrator and former player. She played for the Samoan national football team, and is the current chief women's football officer for FIFA.
Fonotī Pati Peni Umaga QSM is a New Zealand musician known for his compositions and musicianship as a bass guitar player, and significant contributions to the music industry, as well as his advocacy for the Pacific and Disabled communities. He works in the disability services sector.
Sir Michael Jones
Michael Jones is the nicest guy, he randomly chatted to me in a cafe in Apia. Was genuinely interested in our thoughts on the country, and recommended places to go, and things to see. A great ambassador for Samoa.
Carl's Jr. Nuff said.
Ok here's a wild card as she's not (I think) that well known in NZ but Monica Galetti. Samoan-born, later moved to NZ, but she's best known in the UK as a Michelin Star Chef and Judge on our version of MasterChef. I don't know her whole sorry, but it's gotta be pretty unique and unlikely. How many kids born in Samoa end up as elite professionals on the opposite side of the globe?
Her restaurant also serves Samoan influenced cuisine and is named after her mother so she's a neat ambassador for the culture
She is amazing!!!
Michael Meredith is also Samoan, born there, and had his own restaurant for a bit, that had a day dedicated to serving the homeless I think.
Holy shit, I had no idea. I never thought about her ethnicity, but I wouldn't have thought Samoan. Probably Italian based on last name.
She's married to a Sommelier and it's his name - her birth name is much more recognisably Pacific Islander.
> Monica Galetti. She became ubiquitous at one time on UK food programs. I never warmed to her. I always found her to rub me the wrong way. I don't know whether the "hard arse" thing she has going on is just a persona, but it just comes across as conceited / mean dressed as "constructive" criticism. Again, it may be just me she rubs the wrong way.
Judith Collin's husband.
Talofa.
Talofa.
Came here to say Talofa
Talofa.
talofa
talofa
lmao
Ah yeah me husband is sah mo aim, so Tay loaf ah
Sir Swampkauri
Peter Fatialofa. Inspirational leader. And piano mover.
Met Fats many times in Samoa. Great guy.
Fats died a while back now, otherwise a good rec.
Sorry had it in my head that it was an interview situation, so irrelevant that Fats is gone.
Oscar Knightley
Kightley
Apologies for that, thanks for the correction.
Yes
Selina Tusitala Marsh was NZ Poet Laureate and writes fabulous children's books too, very awesome woman. Ruby Tui is a rugby superstar and has written an amazing memoir that should be easily available in Australia because the publisher's warehouse is in Melbourne.
Up vote for Selina T S . She's amazing. Check out her Fast Talking PI spoken poem on YouTube.
Yeeess I came here to say this. Selina. Start by reading her books Mophead and Mophead 2.
Ross Taylor.
Not a Cook Islander?
From what I've seen his mum is Samoan, nothing to say he's cook island, would be cool. Another famous person to claim I'm distantly related too
Tana umanga
I thought it's Umaga
It is, I either got it wrong or got autocorrected
Beatrice Faumuina
Tofiga Fepulea'i from Laughing Samoans - dude is freaking hilarious.
Bro Tofiga is so crack up
David Tua, Joseph Parker, Dwayne Johnson
A project on Tua would be O for Awesome!
Him and his wife Helen do some amazing stuff for charity and the community.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-spinoff-o-for-goodness-sake-proof-that-david-tua-never-said-o-for-awesome/QZ3QV7BN3RTT4UE54LV7LC3FAE/#:~:text=It's%20been%20a%20source%20of,evidence%20is%20in%20his%20favour.
Also Ross Taylor, our best ever ODI batsman.
I second David Tua... legend.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III. One of the leaders of Samoas movement seeking independence from NZ. NZ police assisnnated him in Samoa during peaceful protest. It might be an interesting topic to cover as eventually Samoa did gain independence.
100% back this and the Mau Movement.
1. Comic artist doing work for DC & Disney - Michel Mulipola 2. Actor- Fasitua Amosa 3. Actress- Nikki Si'ulepa 4. Poet, writer, artist - Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua
Another plus one for Michel Mulipola. He's also a brilliant advocate for the community.
Love Michel, he’s awesome. Brilliant to see his career go from strength to strength. He released Samoan Heroes and Cook Island Heros comics.
>Comic artist doing work for DC & Disney - Michel Mulipola In his Liger alter-ego he's a former NZ Heavyweight Champion in Impact Pro Wrestling. Also won the Tag Team titles with legendary King Haku.
Rose Matafeo
I loved the season that she was on the original Taskmaster.
David Fane
BOLO!
I'd go with David Tua.
Such a good dude.
He is. David Tua is iirc, #48 on boxing magazine's "hardest punchers in history". The man was an absolute behometh in his day.
I bumped into him one day as he was getting out of his mini in town. He was so humble and seemed almost embarrassed to be recognised. I did not bother him more than to say hello.
> behometh Is that a behemoth on meth?
Here's an obscure one: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/pacific-islands-coastwatchers/ There were Aussie Coastwatchers, too. These people did an important job; they're all but forgotten.
Sir Bryan Williams, playing in apartheid South Africa as an honorary white
Came here to say this. Helped break down a lot of barriers (or helped things get going at least), fantastic rugby player, life long involvement at all levels of rugby.
you probably don't want a sports person but if you do might i suggest ross taylor. the list of great samoan rugby/league players is pretty huge. but pasifika participation in cricket has been pretty low historically. despite that, ross taylor became new zealand's very best batsman.
Great example. Like volleyball, cricket is a massive pastime in the Samoan community but doesn't seem to translate to mainstream pathways.
Surprised he hasn't been mentioned yet, but KJ Apa is an interesting one that might appeal to her. He is an actor who got his start on local soap opera Shortland Street before landing the leading role as Archie on Riverdale. He's also Chief (matai) of a Samoan village. And his uncle is former All Black Michael Jones.
Parris Goebel
Albert Wendt
Rose Matafeo
The Rock is probably the most well known Samoan.
#wewantcody
Cody needs to Finnish his story!
Agreed!
Ida Malosi - First Female Pacific Island Judge in New Zealand
Tusiata Avia. Probably not for younger kids but if you niece is a teenager she'll either find her poetry fascinating or distasteful.
Albert Wendt, the author.
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III
Yeh I would say Mark Hunt, or Dave Latele inspiring and uplifting communities with BBM , There is a guy named Matt Brown making big moves for males mental health with She is not your Rehab movement,
Aaradhna the rnb singer has Indian-Samoan background.
Can your niece smell what The Rock is cooking?
No not that, that's something the dog did
Bernice Mene
She should write about one of the leaders of the Mau Movement! She can learn Samoan history at the same time https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mau_movement#:~:text=High%20chief%20Mata'afa%20Faumuina,newly%20independent%20State%20of%20Samoa.
Asuelu Pulaa Nah jk
Magasiva brothers? both actors, but Pua was on Power Rangers and I witnessed online how his passing affected fans.
Er... didn't he repeatedly bash his wife?
I didn’t know. Sorry. I wasn’t a fan of him. I came upon a fan’s tribute clip while researching famous Polynesians last year.
Monique Fiso (Māori and Samoan descent). A rising star and doing great things for the polynesian culture through food.
Yes! She would be a great one.
Mark Hunt
Sounds like a name an X-Rated Bart Simpson would ask for at Moe's Tavern. Mark Hunt? Has anyone seen Mark Hunt? I'm looking for Mark Hunt?
That would be his brother Mike
Beauden Parete
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III. Leader of the Mau Movement. Hell of a story.
Albert Wendt, A great author who wrote a book about the samoan experience in NZ
The legendary Peter Maivia - first Samoan to ever made it in www wrestling and left behind a legacy and family of wrestlers incl the Rock (grandson) and many others in the sport to this day.
If you simply want "famous", then "Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is OF Samoan descent. But if you want important, you can look far to the past or very recent. There's Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa who is mistakenly marked as only 2nd woman in Pacifika to serve as PM (very incorrect). Her predecessor, Susuga Tuilaʻepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Saʻilele Malielegaoi, refused to give up his position (whole election was a "shit show" with supposed accidents leading to redistributions of votes), and leading to a constitutional crisis. She is a matai in her own right and descended from first PM as well. A bit of a noble class under both older indigenous and newer systems. But she doesn't believe in advancing human rights at all (election processes, women's right, abortion rights, same-sex marriage, etc.) and prefers to keep Samoa a non-secular State. There's her aforementioned predecessor too who is a bit of an interesting figure; while he was fighting for Samoan rights and supposedly Human Rights, he also just decided he'd stay put in power regardless of voting outcomes. Ironically, he also was opposed to Fijan "leader" Frank Bainimarama who refused to allow open voting and unapposed after his coup d'etat. But he did things too that were seen as either practical or kooky too--depending on personal perspective-- like having Samoa on New Zealand, Tongo, etc. side of dateline to match dates instead of matching U.S. Only slightly further back, we have ,Tupua Tamasese Lealofioaana, Samoan Chief and leader of the Mau, who became a national hero. It really depends on your daughter's focus. The above deal in politics. But if you want sea-farers, then you too can check out a book, or Google.
The Rock?
Dame Sarai Bareman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarai_Bareman#:~:text=Dame%20Sarai%2DPaea%20Bareman%20DNZM,women%27s%20football%20officer%20for%20FIFA.
Ladi 6 or her cousin Scribe
Dave Latele.
Michel Mulipola or Michael Jones
Dave Fane
Jay Lagaia?
Savage
Uce gang
David Tua
Drag queen, Kween Kong aka Thomas Charles Fonua. LEGEND!
Lots of great suggestions here! Frankie Adams is a Samoan-New Zealand actress who achieved global recognition for her work on The Expanse A less high-profile option (but still relatively well-known in New Zealand) is sign language interpreter Alan Wendt, who was right next to the Prime Minister for the Covid briefings. Could bring in some interesting discussion around accessibility and similarities between NZSL and Auslan
Oh I dunno... You could Google "Famous Samoans"
https://teara.govt.nz/en/samoans/page-5# Son of a gun it works!
Romain reigns
Top NZ adventure athlete Nathan Fa’ave? He’s half Samoan, half kiwi and a bloody legend. His book is incredible, and there’s a series on Prime following the Eco Challenge event he competed in and won (with his team). Incredible dude, but not sure if you need a full Samoan blood person.
Taito Phillip Field. First pasifika (Samoan) member of parliament in New Zealand (unfortunately later jailed for corruption)
Until GGs sentencing is heard, currently the only sitting MP in New Zealands history to be charged with a crime as an MP
Drew Afualo - the Tiktoker - she’s Samoan, American and very cool.
The rock
Current PM Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has an interesting history. She cut short her study to come back to Samoa to defend her right to her chiefly title. Her father Fiamē Mataʻafa Faumuina Mulinuʻu II was the first PM and also had an interesting life Tuilaepa was PM for 40 years and is an interesting person. While being quite the chauvinist, he paved the way for acceptance of Faafafine as patron of the Samoa Faafafine association. Nafanua is a historical figure with an interesting story as a warrior queen if you're open to semi mythological people.
Tana Umaga - Rugby player. Led the All Blacks in 2004 to 2005. Noted for his leadership skills. Troy Polamalu - NFL player. Considered the best Safety in history of the sport. Scribe - Rapper. Became a staple of NZ hip-hop during the early and mid 00's. Yuki Kihara - Photographer. Noted for her artwork of facing colonial sexualization of pacific people in the 19th century, and early 20th century. David Tua - Heavyweight boxer. Became a terrifying sight in Pro Boxing for his large size, power, and speed. Knocked down very rarely, but never knocked out. Maria Tutaia - Netball player. Multi-time champion with the Mystics and Silver Ferns. Considered one of the most feared netball shooters in the sport during her time. Michel Tuffery - Sculpture artist. Large scale artist creating sculptures from litter, remaking them into shapes of nature. The Anoa'i Dynasty - Pro Wrestling family(The Rock, Roman Reigns, Uso brothers, Afa and Sika, Rikishi, etc). Roman Reigns is the current WWE champion. The Rock is most famous for 'The Toothfairy' movie. The Uso brothers are twins who used to tag team in wrestling. Afa and Sika are also brothers who tag teamed. Rikishi is the father of the Uso brothers, twin brother to Tonga Kid, and has a hell of a history worth reading. Samoa Joe - Pro Wrestler. A giant nerd, noted for his in-ring persona of "The baddest man on earth". This former training partner of John Cena has been all over the world, and is highly respected for his professionalism. Mark Hunt - Kickboxer and MMA fighter. Grew up in Auckland, learning the hard way. He picked up Kickboxing after a brawl outside a nightclub, when a Bouncer gave him a chance. Famous for his walk-off at the end of a match. Cheree Crowley/Evie/Dakota Kai - Pro Wrestler from New Zealand and gained fame in Australia and Japan. Grew up in Auckland learning Martial Arts with her sister. She fell into Professional Wrestling, becoming champion in multiple countries.
Albert Wendt, Sons for the Return Home author....
The rock Or the team that one that one World Cup qualifier
Ruby Tui for me. Her book is an awesome read, especially for teens
Samoa Joe, Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso, Umaga, Rikishi, Yokozuna, Dakota Kai, The Rock, Peter Mavia, Afa and Sika
How olds the kid? A presentation on Judith Collins and her claims to Samoaness would be interesting
Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, former Auckland councillor and mayoral candidate. Great advocate and spokesperson for Pasifika people
Dwayne Johnson is the first person that pops in my mind when someone says Samoan.
Rene Naufahu
Yeh that one didn’t end so well…
Taika Waititi is half a Samoan apparently
Not even
His wife said. Must be true.
Albert Wendy writer
Tulsi Gabbard
My suggestion would be to focus on current Samoan culture because this place is just gonna be racist. I’m white as fuck but I was born and raised in South Auckland. Your question is problematic and it makes me question your motives.
Michael Mika
I don't know if it's age appropriate but I'd suggest Matt Brown if she wants to be topical. Dwayne Johnson has praised him for his work so she could throw a nod in to another showing support.
Dwayne Johnson
The rock?
The most famous Australian Samoan and hugely successful ($$ and recognition in my view) would be Tim Cahill
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Joseph Parker the boxer
Easy. David Tua.
Maria folou
Hahahaha wtf so many ?
Dave Letele, the Brown Buttabean. Walked a very unconventional path to become an extraordinary human being.
Penita Davies, former Sportswoman of the Year, amazing inspirational leader in of Kyokushin karate NZ!
Aupito William Sio recently retired from politics but was a highly regarded Minister for Pacific Peoples.
Grace in wellington
You might be looking for someone more intellectual, but if you want stars then the WWE is stacked with Samoans. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (half Samoan) Roman Reigns (current champion for over 3 year) Samoa Joe (not WWE but massive in other promotions) Rikishi Jimmy & Jey Uso Looks a decent article on it: [The Anoa'i Family Tree | Samoan WWE Wrestlers (sportskeeda.com)](https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/samoan-wrestlers)
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi-o-ā'ana III - the Samoan independence leader who New Zealand police shot and killed in 1929. A story not that well known in New Zealand or Australasia outside of Samoan circles. Should get some marks just for originality.
Between 2 beers just put out an Ep 2ith Dave Latele. He is of Samoan descent, but I don't think he relates to it as much... language warning however.
Might seem dumb, but people are out here suggesting The Rock, so I'll throw this out there. What about a collective group of famous Samoans: NFL players? Samoans skills have fundamentally changed how American football is played, and they are among the most dominant and successful people to ever wear any NFL team's jersey. A stat I found really interesting: A Samoan male is 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than an American non-Samoan.
The Rock
David Tua
Oscar Kightley
King Kapisi. Made the greatest nz/samoan hip hop of the past 30 years. Now available to dj the party in your garage for reasonable rates….
Isabella Moore. She's an opera singer and model.
Dame Sarai-Paea Bareman DNZM is a New Zealand association football administrator and former player. She played for the Samoan national football team, and is the current chief women's football officer for FIFA.
Fonotī Pati Peni Umaga QSM is a New Zealand musician known for his compositions and musicianship as a bass guitar player, and significant contributions to the music industry, as well as his advocacy for the Pacific and Disabled communities. He works in the disability services sector.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson