Auli’i Cravalho’s breakout position as “Moana” was a transformative second for each her budding profession and her household’s journey.
At simply 14 years outdated, Cravalho landed the position of Disney’s iconic Polynesian princess within the 2016 animated basic, with the movie premiering when she was 16.
Now, because the sequel “Moana 2” captivates audiences, Auli’i Cravalho is reflecting on the profound affect of her dad and mom — who divorced throughout her childhood — and expressing gratitude for the help they’ve offered all through her life.
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Auli’i Cravalho Opens Up About Her Childhood
The 24-year-old actress opened up about her upbringing in a current interview with PEOPLE Journal, the place she revealed that she grew up on meals stamps whereas residing on Hawaii’s Massive Island and Oahu.
“We lived in a one-bedroom condo in Mililani once I was solid,” Cravalho shared. “I slept within the bed room, my mother slept on the sofa. She gave me all the things.”
Due to the success of her debut movie, “Moana,” Auli’i Cravalho was capable of give again to her mom, Puanani Cravalho, in a rare manner.
“I purchased my mommy a home. She’s fortunately retired,” Auli’i shared in her interview with PEOPLE. “Your dad and mom provide you with a lot. Children really feel just a little indebted, I’m going to be trustworthy!” she acknowledged. “However we really feel so grateful for our dad and mom’ sacrifices.”
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Auli’i Cravalho Went On To Be A Profitable Actress

Following her breakout position, Cravalho continued to construct a powerful résumé with performances in initiatives like “Rise,” “Crush,” “Darby and the Useless,” “The Energy,” and “Imply Women.” She additionally made her Broadway debut in September, starring as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”
Auli’i reprised her position as Moana in 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Web” and returned to voice the beloved character within the extremely anticipated sequel, “Moana 2.”
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Auli’i Cravalho On ‘Moana 2’

In July, Auli’i Cravalho shared her pleasure about returning as Moana in an unique interview with Us Weekly.
“It was such a pleasure to be again on the massive display as Moana,” she mentioned. “I’m turning 24 this 12 months, and getting to return again to this character has been actually pretty. I get to sing songs which can be Disney-fied, however once more, there’s additionally development in a personality. I believe it’s so particular that, for the primary time, we get to see a Disney princess develop up.”
“Moana 2,” set a couple of years after the occasions of the unique movie, follows Moana as she embarks on a daring new journey. Joined by the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and a recent crew of adventurers, she units out on a mission to reunite her folks throughout the huge.
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Opening Up About Her Position As Moana

In a current interview with The New York Occasions, Auli’i Cravalho mirrored on how intently she’s been recognized along with her breakout position.
“My identify was now not Auli’i — everybody known as me Moana up and down the corridor, together with a few of my lecturers!” she instructed the outlet when requested what she remembered in regards to the day she acquired the information.
“I completely owe the beginning of my profession to Moana, and I’ve carried out roles now which have stretched me as an actor and made me develop as an individual,” she added. “However I additionally discover myself deeply linked nonetheless to Moana in that I miss my household on a regular basis once I’m gone.”
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‘Moana 2’ Units New Field Workplace File For An Animated Movie

Disney’s “Moana 2” made a surprising debut on the field workplace, incomes $221 million domestically over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, setting a brand new document for the vacation interval. Internationally, the movie introduced in an extra $165.8 million, pushing its international opening whole to a powerful $389 million and surpassing earlier information for animated movie debuts.
With a manufacturing price range of $150 million, “Moana 2” is already proving to be a major monetary success. The movie claimed the primary spot in each market besides China, the place it confronted robust competitors from native releases.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel continues the journey of the younger heroine as she units out on an surprising journey into long-lost waters, guided by a name from her ancestors. Naturally, Maui makes a return, becoming a member of her on this new quest.
“Moana 2” is taking part in in theaters now.