Rachel House - Gramma Tala in Moana Live Action (2026)

📋 Basic Information

NameRachel House
BornOctober 20, 1971, Wellington, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand / Maori
Age54 years old
OccupationActress, Director
In MoanaGramma Tala (originally voiced by Rachel House)

📖 Biography

One of New Zealand's most acclaimed actresses. Her Gramma Tala became one of Disney's most beloved grandmother characters. Also appeared in Thor: Ragnarok and v

🎬 Career Story

Rachel House is of Maori descent (Ngati Mutunga and Ngai Tahu). She studied at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Her breakthrough came through collaborations with Taika Waititi on Boy (2010), What We Do in the Shadows (2014), and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). Her role as Gramma Tala in Moana (2016) was defining. Her delivery of 'There is nowhere you could go that I won't be with you' moved audiences worldwide. She also appeared in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and voiced Terry in Pixar's Soul (2020).

🎞️ Filmography

Year	Work	Role	Type	Note
2026	Moana (Live Action)	as Gramma Tala Film	Film	Returning as grandmother
2020	Soul	as Terry (Voice) Film	Film	Pixar animated film
2017	Thor: Ragnarok	as Topaz Film	Film	Marvel / Taika Waititi
2016	Moana (Animated)	as Gramma Tala (Voice) Film	Film	Spiritual heart of Moana
2016	Hunt for the Wilderpeople	as Bella Film	Film	NZ highest-grossing local film
2014	What We Do in the Shadows	as Jackie Film	Film	Cult classic
2010	Boy	as Gracey Film	Film	NZ box office record

💡 Fun Facts

Gramma Tala's iconic line moved audiences worldwide

Long-time Taika Waititi collaborator

Member of NZ Order of Merit

Voiced Terry in Pixar's Soul

Of Ngati Mutunga and Ngai Tahu iwi