Before auditioning for Disney's Moana series, actor Napoleon Tavale '07 made an important phone call—to his dad. Casting directors had asked the Whittier College notable alumnus to read some lines in fluent Samoan, and he wanted to make sure his pronunciation was on point. With his father's support, Tavale submitted the recording and booked the job, earning the opportunity to voice background characters including the Kakamora, mischievous coconut-clad pirates, in the beloved film franchise.
Tavale's role in Disney's live-action Moana, now playing in theaters, follows his earlier work as a voice performer on Moana 2. The project marks another milestone in a career that began with a talent scholarship to Whittier and has since spanned television, film, theatre, and education. Since graduating with a degree in theatre, Tavale has appeared in General Hospital, Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, NCIS: Hawai'i, Magnum P.I., and American Horror Story. Along the way, he also earned a full scholarship to pursue an MFA in drama at the University of Virginia.
We caught up with Tavale to discuss his creative voyage from Whittier to the entertainment industry, the mentors and experiences that shaped his path, what it was like to record for Moana, and why telling stories that reflect his culture makes the work especially meaningful.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts?
I was serious about pursuing it as a career by my final year of high school. I was fortunate to get cast in school plays and that's when I knew I wanted to become a professional actor.
Q: What drew you to Whittier, and how did you decide to become a Poet?
I found out about Whittier through a representative that visited my high school in Minnesota. I shared my interest in pursuing acting. The rep recommended that I interview with the school since I disclosed that I did not do well on standardized tests. My family and I made the decision to visit campus, speak with the theatre department, and get a lovely tour of the school. Whittier also offered Talent Scholarships that consisted of a Performance video and an essay submission, which I won! As a kid growing up in Minnesota, I was also ready for the year-round beautiful SoCal weather.
Q: Looking back, what experiences at Whittier had the greatest impact on you, both inside and outside the classroom?
The first few months living in the dorms were tough. At age 18, I had never left home before. It took some time to adjust, but I made the best of friends, connected with my theatre mates, and got a retail job right up the street. I wanted to be a theatre major because I needed to be educated in all there was to know about acting. I enjoyed my theatre courses, especially seeing my professors in class and then being directed by them on stage for evening rehearsals. My favorite memories were just hanging in the dorms with friends, eating meals together in the cafeteria, and trips to Huntington Beach for a swim and an evening bonfire. My favorite classroom experience was taking my first international trip with Professor Les Howard's sociology class. We took a bus to Mexico (I had to get a passport!) and spent a few days there researching poverty in Tijuana. Then we had to compare and contrast it to poverty in Los Angeles. Professor Howard had assigned us groups to research the LA portion. We had to take a bus from Whittier to downtown LA, which was scary since I had never been to DTLA or used public transportation in a big city before! But it opened my eyes to a world I had never seen. I learned about the poor, the mentally unstable, the unhoused, and I met with organizations helping those in need. That class had a memorable impact on my life.
Q: What do you remember most about getting started in the entertainment industry? What were some of your first roles?
I connected with alumni who were also pursuing the same field. This landed me everything from places to crash, to unpaid acting gigs, to working on set and meeting industry folks in and around LA. Back then, casting director workshops were a big thing for actors. I auditioned at their offices. They would direct me in the scene and put it on tape, which would then be sent to the network producers. I miss those days! My first TV role was on CSI: NY alongside Gary Sinise. Then came my biggest TV role to date on Hawaii Five-O, where I played a shady bouncer, Isaiah, that was filmed in Hawai'i – I got to visit my Ohana!
Q: You've appeared in a number of iconic television series, including General Hospital, Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and American Horror Story. Are there any roles or experiences that stand out? What have they taught you?
I am very fortunate and lucky to do what I do. Every role to me is special. There is so much talent out there that booking any role on any major show is truly miraculous! In my experience, the longer a TV show runs, the likelier it is because the stars are super nice people. I felt completely welcomed on set with the lead cast of Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Grey's Anatomy, to name a few. I have also worked with a couple of actors who are not so nice. I’ve learned that a safe, healthy, and exciting workplace starts from the top. The #1 person on the call sheet sets the tone for everyone else.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as an actor, educator, and acting coach?
The day consists of email exchanges with my reps to submit audition tapes and audio recordings for any TV, film, and voiceover work. I seek out jobs in performance, in entertainment, as well as education. I volunteer for organizations involved in TV, arts, film, and animation. Theatre auditions are in-person, so I check the traffic schedule for the drive. By late afternoon, I am working on audition material, putting that on tape with a scene partner, and then submitting the recordings. On the jobs I book, I work those days on set or on stage, or I teach an acting workshop. Lastly, a few days are saved for the gym.
Q: What continues to inspire your work as both an actor and an educator?
The inspiration to act started when I was a kid watching movies and I would reenact the roles. My parents taught me the music and dance from our Pacific Islands culture. We rehearsed in our home. Throughout the Twin Cities in Minnesota, we performed at weddings, family functions, holiday celebrations, local gatherings, and school events (later including Whittier).
I continue to act today because I enjoy creating something with a community and showcasing it for the world to see. The inspiration to teach is teaching what I know. Before being a drama professor, acting coach, or scholarly practitioner, I am a professional working actor first. As a teacher, I enjoy discovering untapped talent and then mentoring others to tell their own original stories.
Q: You recently made your ADR voice performance debut in Disney's live-action Moana. What does that work involve, and how did you become part of the Moana movies?
I got involved with Disney's Moana through an organization called PEAK (Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti). PEAK got me on Moana 2 as a voice performer and then connected me to the live action Moana. I actually auditioned for a speaking role a few years back. The casting directors needed performers who speak fluent Samoan. Next step is performing excerpts from the script speaking Samoan. I called Dad to coach me through all the authentic pronunciations. I submitted the audio and booked the job! Mahalo, Dad! I worked on the Disney lot in Burbank and there was a small group of us (one of the guys I met, I found out we're related!) and we watch the movie footage paying attention to people, animals and creatures in the background. There is no sound at all, so we watch the background closely and give them voices. It's done mostly through improvisation. There are microphones all around to capture various levels of sound. We do chants, shouts, screams, murmurs, cries and whispers, and even voice the Kakamora characters.
Q: What did it mean to you to contribute your talents to a famous film series that celebrates your heritage?
I feel grateful, humbled, and honored to be a part of the live action Moana. I am a part of a Disney franchise that reflects my culture, my language, and my ancestors. That’s amazing. Advertisements are on billboards, buses, in commercials, and fast-food specials. The movie is being played on big screens worldwide in multiple languages. It brings me such joy knowing that Moana is everywhere for all to experience. Mahalo nui Loa for supporting our Moana!
Q: How has the Whittier community remained part of your journey since graduation?
My first roommate is still my closest friend. I am connected with a few folks from my class, and I reach out to mentors to this day when I need some guidance. I was on there last year for an alumni panel from the entertainment field, and it was a blast!
Q: What's next for you and how can fans follow you to learn more?
I am part of an Audible original audiobook recently released from Disney called Disney Princess Moana and Tales from Motonui, starring the voice of Moana herself, Auli'i Cravalho. I voice Ariki at the end of Chapter 8 through Chapter 10. I was cast in an original play, Shells, with Rogue Artists Ensemble, that opens Fall 2026 at Greenway Court Theatre. You can follow me on LinkedIn (@napoleontavale), on Instagram (@napbak2reality) or on Facebook (@Nap ET).
Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors, especially college students?
It's a marathon, not a sprint. Pursue it with all the right and healthy intentions, prioritizing an alignment with what's going on in your life. Hone your craft and artistry by getting involved in theatre, TV, and film. They are all different mediums but ultimately theatre is the best training for your body and voice. Find a community that creates, collaborates, and shines! Surround yourself with folks that understand you and want the best for you in life, both personally and in business. It's okay if your community changes. It's a part of life. Remember, there is no one else in the entire universe like YOU. That's what makes you unique. Stay true, stay authentic, stay curious, take great care of the instrument (your mind and body), the music (your voice and spirit), and get out there and tell your story!
