Robbie Magasiva
Well-known actor Robbie Magasiva has an extensive and diverse
acting CV that spans almost 20 years.
Now he adds core cast Shortland Street member to the lengthy
list of credits he has under his belt.
Although he was New Zealand born, Magasiva spent his early years in
Samoa but moved here permanently with his parents and five siblings
and settled in Wellington in 1982.
After leaving school, he gave theatre sports a go and acted in
some commercials while working as a receptionist at an advertising
agency.
He made an early TV appearance in a 1991 episode of the police
drama Shark in the Park, before getting his big break in the comedy
sketch series Skitz.
He also worked on the comedy shows Telly Laughs and The Semisis.
During the 1990's he also worked on the drama series Cover Story,
Jackson's Wharf and Tiger Country.
It was while working on these comedy series that he met up with
actor Dave Fane who would eventually convince Magasiva to become
part of the award-winning theatre troupe, The Naked Samoans, who
base their comedy on their experiences of growing up as Polynesians
in Auckland.
His extensive television credits also include roles in Power
Rangers, Doves of War, Mataku, Burying Brian, three series of the
critically acclaimed The Strip (for which he was nominated for Best
Actor at the New Zealand Television Awards) and a stint presenting
the long-running show, Tagata Pasifika alongside top sportswomen
Beatrice Faumuina.
In 2001 Robbie made his move debut in the critically acclaimed New
Zealand movie, Stickmen alongside Paola Rotondo and Scott
Willis.
Magasiva played the smooth talking salesman, Jake.
In 2006, Robbie teamed up with his Naked Samoan mates in the hit
comedy movie Sione's Wedding, written by Oscar Kightley.
The movie also starred his brother Pua, another Shortland Street
alumni who played Nurse Vinnie Kruse from 2004 - 2006.
Sione's Wedding, ranks as one of New Zealand's most successful
comedy movies to date.
Along with Stickmen and Sione's Wedding, Robbie has also starred in
a substantial list of movies including Peter Jackson's Lord of the
Rings Trilogy, Skin and Bone, Airforce Down 2, The Ferrymen,
Perfect Creature and most recently, the Samoan-themed horror film
The Tattooist alongside American actor Jason Behr.
Alongside his theatre work with the Naked Samoans, Magasiva has
also acted in a number of plays written by Victor Rodger (who also
writes for Shortland Street).
He won Best Newcomer at the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for his
work in Rodger's 1998 work, Sons and went on to play the lead role
in My Name is Gary Cooper in 2006.
In the wake of the Samoan tsunami in 2009, the Naked Samoans
reunited for a special one-off fundraising show to perform Go
Home.
In 2009 Magasiva joined a revolving cast of 40 other actors to
perform the festive play, Christ Almighty!
Taking to the stage again in late 2010, Robbie performed Arthur
Miller's A View from the Bridge, alongside his Shortland Street
co-star Anna Jullienne (Maia Jeffries).
When he isn't busy working, Robbie is an avid Hurricanes fan and
watches as many games as he can.
He also enjoys playing touch rugby, going to the gym, surfing and
spending time with his family.
