Pua Magasiva

Pua has not had any formal training as an actor.

Before getting his first big break in television on the miniseries Aroha, Pua worked as a receptionist for Saatchi & Saatchi, a global advertising agency.

Pua is a celebrity supporter of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, along with several other former Shortland Street stars, Li-Ming Hu and Renato Bartolomei. The initiative campaigns to make people aware of the symptoms of depression and encourages those suffering from it to seek help through medication and counseling.

In 2004, Pua was a finalist in Cleo Magazine's "Celebrity Bachelor of the Year" list.

Pua grew up with his Shortland Street castmate Jacob Tomuri (Norman), and both attended St Patrick's College in Kilbirnie together. The two shared a dressing room with David Wikaira-Paul (Tama).

In 2005, Pua was arrested for a second time for driving under the influence of alcohol. His license was suspended for six months, and he paid $830 in fines and court expenses as punishment. Afterwards Magasiva said (through a spokesman): "I did the wrong thing and I am very sorry. I am learning from my mistakes. I'm sorry I've let everyone down - my family, my workmates and people who watch me on Shortland Street."

Pua sings tenor, and can dance in various styles, including Latin, modern, hip hop, and break dancing.

Pua is represented professionally by Gail Cowan Management.

Pua lent his voice to the Power Rangers: Ninja Storm video game, which was based off the TV show.

Pua's main athletic ventures are rugby, running, and scuba diving. He also enjoys tennis, martial arts, horseback riding, snow skiing and skate boarding.

Pua is fluent in Afrikaans, Samoan and English. He's also performed in the Maori language TV show Aroha.

Pua's theatre credits include: (2011) Pollyhood in Mumuland, "Wolf", ATC, dir. Goreti Chadwick (2011) Well Hung "Trev", ATC, dir Ben Crowder (2011) The Brothers Size, "Oshoosi", Silo Theatre (2008) Where We Once Belonged "Lealofi/various", Auckland Theatre Company and Downstage Theatre, dir. Colin McColl (2003) Two Days In A Dream "Sione", The Herald Theatre, dir. Colin Moy (2003) Sex With Strangers "Paul", The Herald Theatre, dir. Colin Mitchell (2002) Island Girls "Jordan", Island Players, dir. Oscar Kightley

Pua's 2006 movie Sione's Wedding, in which he played the title role, co-starred his brother Robbie Magasiva.

Pua has played two different characters on Shortland Street, a popular New Zealand soap opera. He first appeared in the bit part of Elvis Iosefa, but later joined the core cast as Nurse Vinnie Kruse.

From 2002-7, Pua appeared in the New Zealand commercial campaign for Lift Plus, an energy drink made by Coca-Cola which is popular in the country. He's also done commercials for Instant Kiwi (2006) and Warehouse Stationary (2007).

Pua was born in Samoa, but was raised in Wellington, New Zealand; his family moved to the country when he was two.

Pua attended St. Patrick's College in Kilbirnie.

Pua has four brothers including Tanu, who is his twin, Steven, Miki and Robbie, and one sister named Trina. Like Pua, Robbie is an actor, and their brother Miki is a director.

He is 6'2" (1.89 m) tall, with dark brown hair and brown eyes.