Context:

Alex Tarrant, a Māori, Samoan, and Niuean actor, has made significant strides in the entertainment industry, representing Pacific Islanders on an international scale. His role as Valandil in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' was a particularly mind-boggling and surreal experience, allowing him to break traditional casting barriers and become a fan favorite. Despite the character's early exit, Tarrant expresses gratitude for the opportunity and a willingness to return for future installments. He emphasizes the importance of Pacific Islander representation, noting the lack of domestic industry support in Hawai'i compared to New Zealand, and is involved in initiatives to support upcoming actors. Tarrant cherishes his cultural heritage, particularly the sense of community and unity, and is committed to passing these values on to his son, while aspiring to tell more stories of Polynesian heroes in the future.

Dive Deeper:

• Alex Tarrant's journey to becoming a professional actor began with a high school performance at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which cemented his desire to pursue acting. His career has since taken him from New Zealand to the United States, where he has starred in notable roles such as Valandil in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' and Kai Holman in 'NCIS: Hawai'i'.

• Playing Valandil was a groundbreaking experience for Tarrant, as it allowed him to represent a person of color in a major fantasy series, challenging and diversifying traditional casting norms. His character's death in Season 2 was met with fan disappointment, yet Tarrant remains open to returning through potential flashbacks or dream sequences.

• He highlights the differences in industry support for Pacific Islander actors between New Zealand and Hawai'i, noting that New Zealand provides a nurturing environment for actors to grow before entering the international scene. In contrast, Hawaiian actors often face immediate international competition, lacking a domestic industry to hone their skills.

• Tarrant is actively involved in empowering other Pacific Islander actors through the ICAN non-profit program, which aims to level the playing field by offering training and exposure. He believes in the power of sharing authentic stories to foster understanding and representation.

• His cultural identity as Māori, Samoan, and Niuean profoundly influences his personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of community and the adage 'if one of us succeeds, we all succeed'. Tarrant is committed to preserving this heritage by teaching his son the Māori language and traditions.

• Future aspirations include telling stories of Polynesian figures and enhancing Pacific Islander visibility in global media. Tarrant dreams of roles such as a young Boba Fett, showcasing his love for combining his cultural heritage with mainstream narratives.

• Admiration for fellow Pacific Islander actors, like Cliff Curtis and Taika Waititi, inspires Tarrant to continue pursuing unique, authentic roles that reflect his heritage and contribute to a changing landscape in film and television.