Entertainment · Film · 4 hrs ago
Catherine Laga’aia shares her father’s advice as she leads live-action Moana
Catherine Laga’aia leads Disney’s live-action Moana, which is now streaming on Disney+.
The 19-year-old actress has spoken openly about being called a “nepo baby” because her father, actor Jay Laga’aia, works in the industry.
Jay Laga’aia is best known for playing Captain Typho in the Star Wars prequel movies.
As his daughter begins building a career in Hollywood, he told her to treat the audition as the job she has now.
His advice is to give every audition her full effort, rather than act as if she has already won the role.
The film was released in theaters on July 10, 2026, and is now available to stream.
Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana in Disney’s live-action film, which is now streaming on Disney+.
The 19-year-old actress said she is aware of the “nepo baby” label associated with having a famous parent.
She shared advice from her father, actor Jay Laga’aia, about focusing on auditions rather than assuming she has secured a role.
Jay Laga’aia is best known for playing Captain Typho in the Star Wars prequel movies.
The film was released in theaters on July 10, 2026.
- Who
- Catherine Laga’aia, the actress playing Moana, and her father, actor Jay Laga’aia.
- What
- Catherine shared her father’s advice about approaching auditions and discussed the “nepo baby” label.
- When
- The article was published on October 23, 2026. The movie was released in theaters on July 10, 2026, and began streaming that week.
- Where
- The film is streaming on Disney+ and was released in theaters.
- Why
- Catherine shared advice her father gave her as she starts to progress in Hollywood.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The live-action Moana was released in theaters.
Catherine spoke with The Hollywood Reporter when the movie first hit theaters.
The film began streaming on Disney+.
Just Jared published its article about Catherine’s comments and her father’s advice.
- Lead actor
- Catherine Laga’aia
- Age
- 19
- Father
- Jay Laga’aia
- Theater release
- July 10, 2026
- Streaming platform
- Disney+
What people are saying
One of my dad’s biggest pieces of advice is that your job is the audition
I’m completely aware that I’m a nepo baby