‘Moana’ Star Auli’i Cravalho Says She Grew Up On Food Stamps

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At simply 14 years outdated, Cravalho landed the position of Disney’s iconic Polynesian princess within the 2016 animated traditional, with the movie premiering when she was 16.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 assist they’ve supplied all through her life.

The 24-year-old actress opened up about her upbringing in a latest interview with PEOPLE Magazine, the place she revealed that she grew up on meals stamps whereas dwelling on Hawaii’s Huge Island and Oahu.

“We lived in a one-bedroom residence in Mililani once I was forged,” Cravalho shared. “I slept within the bed room, my mother slept on the sofa. She gave me every thing.”

Due to the success of her debut movie, “Moana,” Auli’i Cravalho was capable of give again to her mom, Puanani Cravalho, in a unprecedented method.

“I purchased my mommy a home. She’s fortunately retired,” Auli’i shared in her interview with PEOPLE. “Your dad and mom offer you a lot. Children really feel slightly indebted, I’m going to be sincere!” she acknowledged. “However we really feel so grateful for our dad and mom’ sacrifices.”

Following her breakout position, Cravalho continued to construct a powerful résumé with performances in initiatives like “Rise,” “Crush,” “Darby and the Lifeless,” “The Energy,” and “Imply Ladies.” 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.”

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 large display screen as Moana,” she mentioned. “I’m turning 24 this yr, and getting to return again to this character has been actually beautiful. I get to sing songs which are Disney-fied, however once more, there’s additionally development in a personality. I feel it’s so particular that, for the primary time, we get to see a Disney princess develop up.”

“Moana 2,” set just a few 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 individuals throughout the huge.

In a latest interview with The New York Times, Auli’i Cravalho mirrored on how carefully she’s been recognized along with her breakout position.

“My title was 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 concerning the day she bought the information.

“I completely owe the beginning of my profession to Moana, and I’ve executed 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.”

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 report for the vacation interval. Internationally, the movie introduced in an extra $165.8 million, pushing its world opening whole to a powerful $389 million and surpassing earlier data for animated movie debuts.

With a manufacturing funds 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 sturdy 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.