Who is Jay Laga’aia?
Is a father of eight who suffers from imposter syndrome.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Listen to my teachers and don’t be in such a rush to grow up!
Who inspires you and why?
My wife inspires me because she is so not impressed with what I do. My kids also inspire me because they’re coming into their own and the teachings and simple lessons that they were given as kids are now part of their DNA as young adults and it’s pleasing to see.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m making a difference now – using my skills and experience to influence the next generation of performers and entertainers. I created a children’s show called Jay’s Jungle for Channel 7. We did 5 seasons and amassed 260 x 30 min episodes and we did that with next to no budget.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Last holiday I went on was Fiji – it was my honeymoon and that was in 1990.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Goat Island. I worked on the island from 1995 – 2000 in a Channel 9 show called Water Rats – about the NSW Water Police – it is the most spectacular view of the harbour and the bridge. It was where the first harbour master of sydney lived and it was also a prison. It is now run and maintained by Parks and Wildlife.
What are you currently reading?
Covid 19 pamphlets. With the kids at school you are always having to be on top of the ever changing landscape that is this pandemic.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m listening to some of my past albums because I am in need of a song for my live streaming show, Come Sing and Dance with Jay and Friends, at the Riverside Theatres on 9 August 2020.
Happiness is?
Having a calendar full of bookings.
What does the future hold for you?
There’s an old saying that goes: “you cannot change your past but you can change how your start the day and end your day!” In this current climate, for me, the future is measured by minutes, because anything longer than that is unknown.
Jay stars in Come Sing and Dance with Jay and Friends – which will be presented as part of Riverside Theatres Digital program on Sunday 9 August 2020 at 4.00pm. For more information, visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Jay Laga’aia – courtesy of Riverside Theatres