Jocelyne LaGarde
Encyclopedia
Jocelyne LaGarde was a Tahiti
an who became famous for her one acting role in the 1966
motion picture, Hawaii.
that tells the story of 19th Century white missionaries bringing Christianity
to the island natives. LaGarde was a Polynesia
n woman who fit perfectly the physical attributes of an important character in the film. Although she had never acted before, and could not speak English (speaking only in fluent Tahitian and French), she was hired by Mirisch Productions
and given a coach to be phonetically
trained to handle her character's dialogue.
As "Queen Alii Nui of Maui, Malama," LaGarde's personality and facial beauty, combined with a reported 300 pound (136 kg) frame, brought a commanding presence to the screen. Surrounded by a cast of Hollywood all-star
s, she stole the show not only with the audience but with the professional members of the film industry. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
nominated her for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
, the only performer in the film so nominated. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association
voted her the winner of their Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress
. Hawaii was LaGarde's only acting role. She died at her home in Papeete, Tahiti in 1979.
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous...
an who became famous for her one acting role in the 1966
1966 in film
The year 1966 in film involved some significant events.-Events:Animation legend Walter Disney, well known for his creation of Mickey Mouse, died in 15 December 1966 of acute circulatory collapse following a diagnosis of, and surgery for, lung cancer...
motion picture, Hawaii.
Biography
The film Hawaii was a big-budget drama based on the best-selling novel of the same name by James A. MichenerJames A. Michener
James Albert Michener was an American author of more than 40 titles, the majority of which were sweeping sagas, covering the lives of many generations in particular geographic locales and incorporating historical facts into the stories...
that tells the story of 19th Century white missionaries bringing Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
to the island natives. LaGarde was a Polynesia
Polynesia
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs...
n woman who fit perfectly the physical attributes of an important character in the film. Although she had never acted before, and could not speak English (speaking only in fluent Tahitian and French), she was hired by Mirisch Productions
Walter Mirisch
Walter Mortimer Mirisch is an American film producer. In his long and successful motion picture career, Walter Mirisch has produced some of the industry’s finest and most memorable films...
and given a coach to be phonetically
Phonetics
Phonetics is a branch of linguistics that comprises the study of the sounds of human speech, or—in the case of sign languages—the equivalent aspects of sign. It is concerned with the physical properties of speech sounds or signs : their physiological production, acoustic properties, auditory...
trained to handle her character's dialogue.
As "Queen Alii Nui of Maui, Malama," LaGarde's personality and facial beauty, combined with a reported 300 pound (136 kg) frame, brought a commanding presence to the screen. Surrounded by a cast of Hollywood all-star
All-star
All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
s, she stole the show not only with the audience but with the professional members of the film industry. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a professional honorary organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures...
nominated her for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role is one of the Academy Awards of Merit presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize an actress who has delivered an outstanding performance while working within the film industry. Since its inception, however, the...
, the only performer in the film so nominated. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Hollywood Foreign Press Association
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is an organization composed of working journalists who cover the United States film industry for a variety of outlets, including newspapers and magazines in Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. Today, the 90 members of the HFPA represent at least 55...
voted her the winner of their Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture
The Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture was first awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1944 for a performance in a motion picture released in the previous year....
. Hawaii was LaGarde's only acting role. She died at her home in Papeete, Tahiti in 1979.