Auli’i Cravalho’s start in acting is something of a Cinderella story.
At 14 years old, she became the youngest person to ever play a Disney princess.
Prior to her acting career, Cravalho spent her entire childhood in Hawaii and attended an all-Hawaiian school.
“I knew the stories of Maui and I was raised with Hawaiian and Polynesian values.
I understood the importance that she would have, not only culturally, but also generationally.”
Breathing even more authenticity into the Disney princess, Cravalho also recorded a Hawaiian-language version of “Moana.”
It’s a situation Lilette has to reckon with, which deeply resonated with Cravalho.
Being raised by a single parent is another aspect of Lilette’s life that Cravalho found relatable.
The “Moana” star came out as bisexual on TikTok in April 2020.
Additionally, Cravalho celebrated the fact that the project was led by an entirely LGBTQ creative team.
“Suddenly it made sense like, ‘Oh, this is why the script is written so vibrantly.’
Considering she was 21 years old at the time of the interview, her self-assurance is impressive.
Do I have enough of them?
Am I written through the eyes of a man?
Am I eye candy?
I just want to play smart women,” the actor said.
I am not, in real life, a Disney princess," she toldThe Cut.
“Am I spending it helping my community and making an impact in real life?”
The actor ultimately decided against taking the higher education route, but only after deferring her acceptance several times.
“I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.
And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come.”
