Robbie Magasiva Opens Up on Loss of Pua Magasiva

Robbie Magasiva is one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable actors.

He is possibly best known for his role as Will Jackson, a prison guard on Wentworth. But his IMDB page is massive:

He is part of the iconic Naked Samoans comedy group.

He’s been in Shortland Street, The Lord of the Rings, Sione’s Wedding, The Strip with Taika Waititi and much more.

In this episode we chat about all sorts of stuff:

+ The good, bad and ugly of acting, including the anxiety that almost forced him off Wentworth.

+ A heartbreaking story about moving to NZ from Samoa at 10 and being ashamed of his Samoan nose.

+ The devastation of watching his mum live with dementia diagnosis.

+ The sudden death of his brother Pua, the grief that followed, and what healing has looked like over time.

+ A wild story about the best perk he has got from his mate, Taika Waititi and so much more.

By the time we wrapped this episode the thing that stood out most for me was the cool place Robbie is in now: grounded, self-aware, still ambitious, but far less interested in outside validation.

At 53, he is still pretending to be other people on camera. But off camera he is unapologetically himself.

*** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate.

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I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a game changer for me personally- I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier.

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*** Introduction and Nervousness (0:00-1:19) Life in LA and Returning to NZ (3:17-4:14) Overcoming Financial Struggles and Anxiety (5:45-6:35) Wentworth, Anxiety, and Almost Quitting (6:35-11:15) Living with COVID Restrictions in Melbourne (11:15-12:35) Life in LA and Meeting His Partner (16:35-18:03) Kiwi Contingent in Los Angeles (18:03-18:27) Reflecting on Childhood and His Father (29:19-30:35) The Success of the Film 'Tina' (34:03-34:50) Reflecting on the Film 'Tina' and His Brother (34:50-36:43) Early Career and Getting an Agent (36:43-38:22) Working with Taika Waititi and The Strip (38:22-39:05) Challenges and Realities of the Acting Industry (43:04-44:03) Turning 50 and Personal Growth (48:36-49:09) Lord of the Rings Experience (49:09-52:02) The Naked Samoans Comedy Group (52:02-54:23) Role on Shortland Street (54:23-56:41) Wentworth Con and Fan Experiences (56:41-58:30) Future Acting Goals (58:30-1:00:13) Reflecting on the Loss of His Brother Pua (1:00:13-1:06:33) Grief, Healing, and Public Reaction (1:06:33-1:14:43) Finding Presence and Positive Memories (1:14:43-1:16:54) Family Dynamics After Loss (1:16:54-1:17:36) Message to Future Grandkids (1:27:59-1:29:05) Final Thoughts and Gratitude (1:34:15-1:37:06)