Uli Latukefu Interview: Starring On Young Rock, Meeting Dwayne Johnson, People's Eyebrow, More

What was the most challenging part of the role for you?

Latukefu: There's obviously a lot in there when Dwayne goes to college where there are a whole lot upsets and setbacks. I wouldn't say that was difficult, but there was definitely something that was... it's actually interesting to play for me, personally. The whole thing has been so enjoyable. I know that's a cliché, but we really have wonderful, incredible writers. Our show-runners, writers and directors have really crafted this thing so nicely... I don't know if there's a challenge yet. Maybe the wrestling aspect if we get there and if I'm the dude to play it. That might be a challenge to some degree.

Did meeting Dwayne over Zoom meet your expectations?

Latukefu: I didn't have any expectations of him per se. I mean, I was so nervous. I had one part of my brain saying, “Listen, this is the dude.” And then the other side of my brain was saying, “Listen, you have work to do, so come prepared with some questions.” He was the most down-to-earth, present person for someone of his stature and how busy he is. He was just so present and we were really able to talk and I just asked him personal questions obviously relating to the show and he was just like a floodgate. He's as human as can be.

Were you ever told growing up you looked like him?

Latukefu: No! Not really, actually. I've heard it maybe twice. It was probably when I got into the acting circles that people went, “Oh, you look like him,” because I'm quite tall and of Pacific Island heritage and in Australia, there aren't many of us in the acting circle. I thought maybe in the future I'd like to play alongside him in something, but playing him, the actual dude, is pretty mind-boggling.

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