Auli’i Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Disney’s “Moana,” rose to fame after overcoming a childhood marked by food stamps, single motherhood, and poverty. She and her mom shared a one-bedroom apartment in Oahu. In 2016, Cravalho landed the lead role in Moana, which launched her career. Cravalho stated, “We lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani when I was cast. I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch. She gave me everything.”
In this gallery, we explore Cravalho’s journey to success.
Soundtrack included a hit song
The Moana soundtrack, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, includes the hit song “How Far I’ll Go,” which was nominated for an Academy Award. The film grossed over $682 million worldwide and became one of Disney’s most successful animated films. It was also nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
Story incorporates Polynesian culture
The story incorporates Polynesian culture, including navigation, mythology, and traditions. Disney worked with cultural experts to ensure authenticity across the film’s portrayal.
Cravalho will be an executive producer
A live-action remake of Moana was announced in 2023, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Cravalho will serve as an executive producer for the project.
I miss my family
Cravalho said, “I absolutely owe the start of my career to Moana, and I have done roles now that have stretched me as an actor and made me grow as a person. But I also find myself deeply connected still to Moana in that I miss my family all the time when I’m gone.”
Her parents divorced
Her parents, who divorced when she was young, kept her grounded. Her mom ensured she stayed humble, balanced schoolwork, and maintained her responsibilities.
Parents give you so much
Cravalho said, “Your parents give you so much. Kids feel a little indebted, I’m going to be honest! But we feel so grateful for our parents’ sacrifices.”
Need to finish high school
Cravalho added, “My parents were like, ‘Listen, if [“Moana”] doesn’t go anywhere, you need to finish high school. You need to do the dishes. You need to fix your bed. Don’t let it get to your head.’”
Cravalho bought her mom a house
With her success, Cravalho bought her mom a house, allowing her to retire. She credited her mother’s sacrifices for helping her achieve her dreams.
Allowing me to grow
Cravalho said, “She was the one to really support me right then and there… That was some tough parenting in allowing me to grow as a human, but also looking me in the eye and saying, ‘You need to be kind and you need to be kind to me.’ It was at those moments that I realized, ‘Okay, I can’t give all of myself.’”