Famous people from American Samoa
Here is a list of famous people from American Samoa. Curious if anybody from American Samoa made it our most famous people in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.
Tulsi Gabbard
US Congressperson
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician who has been the United States Representative for Hawaii's second congressional district since 2013. She is also a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee. She is the first American Samoan, the first Hindu member, and, along with Tammy Duckworth, one of the first female combat veterans in the United States Congress. Gabbard previously served on the Honolulu City Council and in the Hawaii House of Representatives; she was the youngest woman in the United States to be elected to a state legislature. She is currently a Military Police Company Commander with the Hawaii Army National Guard, and has served on two deployments to the Middle East.
Mighty Mo
Professional Boxer
Siala-Mou Siliga, often billed as 'Mighty Mo' is an American kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist, currently competing in the Heavyweight division of Bellator MMA. He is the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas II and the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Hawaii tournament champion. In mixed martial arts, he has competed for K-1 Hero's, DREAM, and also participated in the Dynamite!! USA and Dynamite!! 2008 events.
Musashimaru Kōyō
Sumo Wrestler
Musashimaru Koyo, is a former sumo wrestler. He was the second foreign-born wrestler in history to reach the rank of yokozuna. He won over 700 top division bouts and took twelve top division tournament championships during his career. Musashimaru's sheer 235 kg bulk combined with 1.92 m of height made him a formidable opponent, and he was remarkably consistent and injury-free for most of his career. An amiable personality, his fan base was helped by a surprising facial resemblance to Japanese warrior hero Saigō Takamori. He now works as a coach at Musashigawa stable and an executive manager at the Japan Sumo Association.
Jerome Kaino
Rugby Player
Jerome Kaino is a professional New Zealand Rugby union player. He played for the Blues in Super Rugby and All Blacks internationally. In 2004, he was named IRB International Under-21 player of the year. In 2011, he played in every match of the Rugby World Cup as part of the All Blacks, being part of the first All Blacks team to win the Rugby World Cup since 1987. In 2012 he signed a two-year deal to play rugby in Japan, during which he will be ineligible to play for the All Blacks.
George Achica
American Football Defensive tackle
George Achica is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the United States Football League and National Football League for four seasons during the 1980s. Achica played college football for the University of Southern California, and was recognized as an All-American. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Express of the USFL, and the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.
Mike Iupati
American Football Guard
Michael Iupati is an American football guard for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. A native of American Samoa, Iupati was raised in California. He played college football for the University of Idaho, and earned All-American honors. He was selected 17th overall by the 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Eni Faleomavaega
US Congressperson
Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega, Jr. is the non-voting Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from American Samoa's At-large congressional district.
Isaac Sopoaga
American Football Defensive tackle
Isa'ako "Isaac" Sopoaga is an American football defensive tackle for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii.
Sonny Siaki
Wrestler
Sonny Siaki is a retired American professional wrestler.
Al Harrington
Actor
Al Harrington is an American television actor. He is best known as his role as "Det. Ben Kokua" on the CBS television series Hawaii Five-O. He had previously appeared in five episodes of the series as other characters.
Jonathan Fanene
American Football Defensive end
Jonathan David Fanene is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at College of the Canyons and Utah.
Nicky Salapu
Footballer
Nicky Salapu is an American Samoan association football goalkeeper who currently plays for Mitra Kukar in Indonesia. He is the holder of the record of conceding the most number of goals in a single match. He previously played for PanSa East, whom he left in December 2008. He also played for SC Mauerbach in the lower divisions of Austrian league. He played in the OFC FIFA World Cup Qualifications for World Cup 2002 and World Cup 2006. American Samoa lost all of these eight matches. In these eight matches, American Samoa had scored only one goal while he and therefore American Samoa had conceded 91 goals. Tony Langkilde, who was the manager of American Samoa at that time, said: "Football is a game of three possibilities: win, tie and loss. For us it is a game of only one possibility: loss. We have not had the other two possibilities yet."
Kennedy Pola
American Football Player
Kennedy Polamalu is an American football coach and former player. Most recently he was the offensive coordinator for the USC Trojans.
Mosi Tatupu
American Football Running back
Mosiula Faasuka Tatupu was a National Football League special teamer and running back who during a fifteen-year professional career played for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. His tenure with the Patriots lasted from 1978 to 1990. He made the Pro Bowl in 1986.
Shalom Luani
Footballer
Shalom Luani is an association footballer and American footballer from American Samoa. Luani is better known for his association football career, having scored in American Samoa's first–ever FIFA–sanctioned win against Tonga. Luani, who now plays as a forward, scored twice for American Samoa in November 2011, making him the country's joint–top goalscorer of all time with fellow forward Ramin Ott. In American football he plays as a defensive back and has represented his country at under–19 level.
Isaako Aaitui
American Football Nose tackle
Isaako Aaitui is an American football defensive tackle who is currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins in 2011. He played college football at UNLV.
Natia Natia
Soccer Midfielder
Natia Natia is an American Samoan international footballer who plays as a midfielder.
Junior Siavii
American Football Defensive tackle
Saousoalii Poe Siavii, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon. Siavii has also played for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
Tauese Sunia
Politician
Tauese Tuailemafua Pita Fiti Sunia was the governor of American Samoa from 1997 until his death 2003.
Shaun Nua
American Football Defensive tackle
Shaun Nua is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Brigham Young University. Nua earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL. He has also been a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Junior Ah You
American Football Player
Junior Ah You is a former college and professional Canadian and American football player who played primarily at the defensive end position. Ah You enjoyed most of his professional career success with the CFL Montreal Alouettes, from 1972 to 1981, and was a former collegiate standout at Arizona State University. Ah You's jersey #77 is one of seven retired by the Alouettes, and he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Ah You is also a member of the Arizona State Sports Hall of Fame and the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame. In 2006, Ah You was voted to the Honour Roll of the CFL's Top 50 players of the league's modern era by Canadian sports network TSN.
Togiola Tulafono
Politician
Togiola Talalelei A. Tulafono was the Governor of American Samoa. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He had previously served as Lieutenant Governor, taking this position on January 3, 1997. Tulafono was Lieutenant Governor when, on March 26, 2003, Governor Tauese Pita Fiti Sunia died. He then became Acting Governor and officially became Governor on April 7, 2003. He was elected to a full 4-year term in the November 2004 gubernatorial elections and was re-elected in the November 2008 gubernatorial election.
Faoa Aitofele Sunia
Lawyer
Faoa Aitofele Toese Fiti Sunia, formerly known by the title of Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, is an American Samoan lawyer and politician. Sunia has served as the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa since April 11, 2003.
Jack Thompson
American Football Quarterback
Jack Thompson is a former professional football player, a quarterback in the National Football League. Known as "The Throwin' Samoan," a nickname bestowed on him by Spokesman-Review columnist Harry Missildine during Thompson's breakout sophomore season at Washington State University in 1976, he was a first-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1979 and played for Cincinnati from 1979-82. Considered by ESPN to be a bust of a draft pick, he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983 and became the team's starting quarterback, but was replaced the following year by Steve DeBerg. Thompson went to college at Washington State University, where he set numerous school, Pac-10 and NCAA records. He finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1978. His prowess led the Bengals to make him the third overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. He concluded his college career in 1978 as the most prolific passer in NCAA history, throwing for 7,818 yards. He set Pac-10 records for attempts, completions and TD passes. He was all-conference three times and either first-team, second-team or honorable mention All-American three times. He is one of only two players in WSU history to have his number retired. Thompson wore No. 14 and graduated from Evergreen High School south of Seattle.
Utu Abe Malae
Politician
Utu Abe Malae is an American Samoan politician, banker and businessman. Malae was a candidate for Governor of American Samoa in the 2008 gubernatorial elections, finishing second in the runoff to incumbent Governor Togiola Tulafono. On August 15, 2011, Malae announced his candidacy in the forthcoming 2012 American Samoa gubernatorial election, which will be held in November 2012. However, Malae withdrew from the gubernatorial race on October 10, 2011, citing a need to continue his work as the executive director of the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Utility Corporation in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Andrew Suniula
Athlete
Andrew Suniula is an American Samoan rugby union player for the London Wasps. He previously played for the Cornish Pirates and rugby league football for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. His position is at wing/centre/second row. He has represented the United States in rugby union. He previously played rugby union for Taranaki in 2005-06 before playing rugby league for the Auckland Lions in the Bartercard Cup. There he was spotted by Noel Cleal and signed by Manly. He scored a try in the 2007 Bartercard Cup Grand Final. He represented the United States at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His brothers, Roland and Shalom, have also represented the United States in rugby union.
Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga
Politician
Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga (born Ta'u, American Samoa) is an American Samoan politician, former educator, businessman, and former President of the Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) from 2009 to 2012.
Mike Gabbard
Politician
Gerald Michael "Mike" Gabbard is a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate, representing the 19th District since 2006. He has social conservative political views and rose to prominence for his successful effort to pass an amendment to the Constitution of Hawaii in 1998 to give the state legislature "the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples". He is also a businessman and musician. Gabbard, who was born in American Samoa, is the first person of Samoan descent to serve in the Hawaii Senate.
Al Noga
American Football Defensive lineman
Alapati Noga is a former American football defensive lineman who played seven seasons in the National Football League. Noga was an Outland Trophy finalist, and an AP first team All-American at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 71st pick in the third round in the 1988 NFL Draft. In the December 27, 1999 issue of Sports Illustrated he was listed as number 46 on their "50 Greatest Hawaii Sports Figures" list. Noga is married to Kathi Wolfgramm, who was part of the singing group, The Jets. Noga's brothers, Pete and Niko, both played at the University of Hawai'i and Niko played later in the NFL.
Ramin Ott
Footballer
Ramin Ott is a football player for the American Samoa national football team. He is nicknamed "The Machine". He is tied as his nation's top scorer with Shalom Luani, having scored two goals in his international career. However, Luani publicly admitted to Ott's superiority in soccer on September 3, 2012, saying "If I die half the soccer player Ott is, I am a happy man." Ott, while talented, has remained modest and declined to comment on the occurrence.
Junior Aumavae
American Football Player
Junior Aumavae is an American football nose tackle.
Leonard Peters
American Football Safety
Leonard Peters is an American football safety and a rugby player. He was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and was on the Chicago Bears practice squad. He played collegiately at Hawaii. Peters performed as a Polynesian dancer in his native Hawai'i, which includes twirling flaming knives. He has also represented the USA Tomahawks in rugby league.
Tony Solaita
Baseball First baseman
Tolia "Tony" Solaita was a Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and Montreal Expos between 1968 and 1979. He also played four seasons in Japan for the Nippon Ham Fighters from 1980 to 1983. As of 2008, Solaita is the only Major League Baseball player to have hailed from American Samoa. Pitcher Mike Fetters and outfielder Benny Agbayani are Hawaiian-born players of half-Samoan ancestry, while outfielder Chris Aguila is also partially Samoan and was born in California. Solaita had been a prolific home run hitter in the minor leagues, hitting 49 home runs in 1968 for High Point-Thomasville, but was mostly relegated to a backup position during his Major League playing days. In 1975, while playing for the Royals, he hit 16 home runs in 231 at-bats, second to only Dave Kingman in home run to at-bat ratio. After becoming a free agent following the 1979 season, Solaita, opted for a four-year contract in the Japanese League, where he was designated hitter for the Nippon Ham Fighters and averaged nearly 40 home runs a year. Solaita retired after the 1983 season. He was murdered in Tafuna, American Samoa on February 10, 1990. He was shot in a dispute over a land transaction.
Toniu Fonoti
American Football Guard
Toniuolevaiavea Satele Fonoti is a Samoan-born former player of American college and professional football who was a guard in the National Football League for five seasons during the early 2000s. He played college football for the University of Nebraska, and earned All-American honors. The San Diego Chargers picked him in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and he played professionally for the Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins of the NFL.
Maa Tanuvasa
American Football Defensive end
Maa Tanuvasa is a former American football defensive end, mainly for the Denver Broncos. He played nine years in the National Football League, winning two Super Bowl championships as a main component of the Broncos defense.
Valenese Malifa
Athlete
Valenese Malifa is an American rugby union fly-half. He is a member of the United States national rugby union team and participated with the squad at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Velega Savali
Politician
Velega Savali Savali Jr. is an American Samoan politician. Savali was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa in the American Samoan gubernatorial election in 2008. He served as the American Samoa Treasurer from 2005 until 2008.
Cocoa Samoa
Man
Ulualoaiga Onosai Tuaolo Emelio was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Cocoa Samoa.
Junior Sifa
Athlete
Junior Lotomau Sifa is an American international rugby union player who plays previously in Ireland for Midleton as a centre and currently for Nottingham Rugby. Sifa attended Edgewater College. He made the USA squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. After the World Cup Sifa retired from professional rugby and moved to Perth, Australia where he began playing for the Associates Rugby Club while also pursuing an electrician traineeship.
Peter Tali Coleman
Politician
Peter Tali Coleman was the first person of Samoan descent to be appointed governor of American Samoa and later became the territory's first popularly elected governor. A member of the Republican Party, he is the only U.S. governor whose service spanned five decades and one of the longest-serving governors in American history.
Roland Suniula
Athlete
Roland Suniula is an American international rugby union player who plays professionally for FC Auch Gers as a center. He is the younger brother of former Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Winger Andrew Suniula, who has also represented USA in rugby union. Suniula played for North Harbour between 2005-2008. He graduated in 2004 from Kelston Boys' High School which has produced several All Blacks players. He debuted for the US sevens team in October 2008 in their NAWIRA RWC 7s Qualifier event and has appeared in 13 IRB tournaments. He and his younger brother current USA 7s Captain Shalom Suniula are currently part of the US sevens team. He played with Chicago Griffins for the 2012 Rugby Super League season. Suniula signed with FC Auch Gers for the 2012-13 Pro D2 season.
Tofilau Eti Alesana
Politician
Tofilau Eti Alesana, AC, born Aualamalefalelima Alesana, was a Samoan politician. He was born in Vaitogi, Tutuila, American Samoa to a Samoan upper-class parents, Reverend James Alesana Fai'ivae and Vaoita Iosefa Mala'itai. At the age of 24, he became a clan chief.
Gabe Reid
American Football Tight end
Gabriel "Gabe" Reid is a former American football tight end for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young University.
Tai Enosa
Athlete
Tai Enosa is an American rugby union player. Enosa has played for the United States national under-20 rugby union team, including playing in the 2009 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament held in Kenya, and helping guide the US team to a second place finish. Enosa was named to the US national sevens team in 2009, and in 2012 signed a professional contract to play full-time for the US national sevens team. Enosa joined the USA Eagles player pool in 2009 and made his test match debut in 2011 against Tonga. Enosa scored the winning try that put the USA Eagles over Russia in their final Churchill Cup game. Enosa was a member of the US squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where he played in one game. On a club level, Enosa played for Tempe, before transferring to Belmont Shore.
Jaiyah Saelua
Footballer
Johnny "Jaiyah" Saelua is an American Samoan international football player and the first transgender player to compete in a men's FIFA World Cup qualifier. In December 2011, she was the subject of a BBC World Football radio show. She is a performing arts student from the University of Hawaii.
Tufele Liamatua
Man
Tufele Faatoia Liamatua, also spelled Tufele Li'amatua, was an American Samoan politician, businessman and paramount chief. He served as the first elected Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa under former Governor Peter Tali Coleman from 1978 to 1985. The chiefly title of Tufele before Liamatua's name was bestowed on him by the village of Fitiuta in the Manu'a Islands. He was a paramount chief.
Mao Tosi
American Football Defensive tackle
Mao Tosi is one of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 and is the only Samoan ever to be named Alaska’s Basketball Player of the Year. Tosi received a basketball scholarship to Butler Community College in 1995–1997, where they were ranked #1 in the country, during the 1996/97 season, AND finished 3rd in the NJCAA Tourney during the 1995/96 season. Tosi then received a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Idaho, where he excelled as a duel sport athlete, playing basketball and football for the Vandals. After two years of football for the Vandals, Tosi received many accolades including: East West Shrine Bowl and College Senior Bowl. Tosi was drafted in the 5th round of the 2000 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals, where he started 10 of 16 games and led the defensive line in tackles, as a rookie. Tosi was injured in his 3rd season and moved back to Alaska to raise his young family. In 2006, Tosi found his calling and began to work with at-risk youth in his hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. Mao Tosi created non-profit organization called Alaska PRIDE Youth Programs.
Tau Moe
Singer
Tau Moe was a singer and musician who formed The Tau Moe Family musical troupe which toured the globe for decades.
Pio Sagapolutele
American Football Lineman
Pio Alika Sagapolutele was an American football defensive tackle who played seven seasons in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots, and the New Orleans Saints. He started in Super Bowl XXXI for the New England Patriots. He played college football at San Diego State University. Born in American Samoa, he died on June 7, 2009, of an aneurysm in Chandler, Arizona where he lived. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Im-Min Young
Football player
Im-Min Young is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Lonnie Palelei
American Football Guard
Si'ulagi Jack Palelei was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Palelei transferred to UNLV from Purdue University where he signed out of Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Missouri.
Rawlston Masaniai
Footballer
Rawlston "Rawley" Masaniai is an American Samoan soccer player who plays as a midfielder. He was one of the first players from American Samoa to play at international level.
Setu Taase
Actor
Satu Taase is an American Samoan actor. He is best known for playing Junior Palaita in Gridiron Gang
Ching Wei
Swimmer
Ching Maou Wei is an American Samoan professional swimmer. He qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, despite the absence of a professional swimming pool in American Samoa. Radio Australia called Maou Wei's qualification as one of the "most unlikely of success stories" of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Maou Wei was chosen as American Samoa's flag bearer during the 2012 Summer Olympics Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony.
John Kneubuhl
Playwright
John Kneubuhl was an American Samoan screenwriter, playwright and Polynesian historian. He wrote for American television series such as The Fugitive, Gunsmoke, The Wild Wild West, Star Trek, The Invaders and Hawaii Five-O. The son of a Samoan mother and an American father, Kneubuhl's multicultural heritage produced a distinctive artistic vision that formed the basis of his most powerful dramatic work. An accomplished playwright, Kneubuhl was a bicultural Polynesian who used the medium of theatre to explore identity, loneliness and the craft required to bring them to the stage.
Lemanu Peleti Mauga
Politician
Lemanu Peleti Mauga is an American Samoan politician.
Nicky Sualua
American Football Fullback
Nicky Sualua is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. He played two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.
Lauvale Sape
American Football Defensive tackle
Lauvale Sape [la-VAH-lay sah-PAY] is an American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Utah. Sape has also been a member of the Berlin Thunder, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans VooDoo, and Colorado Crush.
Melila Purcell
American Football Defensive end
Melila Purcell, III is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii.
Don Sasa
American Football Defensive tackle
Don Sasa is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Washington State University and was drafted in the third round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Sasa is currently living in North Carolina with his two sons and wife.
Anton Palepoi
American Football Defensive end
Anton Charles Palepoi is a former American football defensive end of Samoan descent. He played five seasons in the National Football League, most notably with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wilson Faumuina
American Football Defensive lineman
Wilson Faumuina was an American football defensive lineman who played five seasons in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons. He died at age 32 of heart failure. Wilson attended Balboa High School in San Francisco and played both defensive end and offensive tackle. He was All City several times. Wilson then attended San Jose State from which he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.
Alexander Victor
Football player
Alexander Victor is an American Samoan association footballer who currently plays for domestic club PanSa East FC as well as the American Samoa national football team. He plays as a defender, usually as a centre back.
Fofó Iosefa Fiti Sunia
US Congressperson
Fofó Iosefa Fiti Sunia was the first non-voting Delegate from American Samoa to the United States House of Representatives. He was born in Fagasá, Pago Pago, and attended the University of Hawaii. Sunia was the administrative officer for the Samoan affairs-liaison functions for the Governor of American Samoa, and served as a translator and interpreter and an election commissioner from 1961 to 1966. He founded the Samoan News newspaper in 1964 and became director of tourism for the Government of American Samoa in 1966, serving until 1970. Sunia was elected a territorial Senator in 1970 and was a member of the legislature until 1978. He also formerly served as president and chairman of the American Samoan Development Corporation. Sunia was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives, and served from January 3, 1981 until his resignation on September 6, 1988, after he was indicted on charges of running a payroll padding scheme. He is currently a resident of Pago Pago.
Edgar J. Malepeai
Politician
Edgar J. Malepeai is a Democratic politician from Pocatello, Idaho. He served as an Idaho State Senator from the Bannock County-based District 30 from 2002 to 2012. During his final two years in the Idaho Senate Malepeai served as minority leader. Malepeai was born in American Samoa and graduated from high school in South San Francisco, California. He moved to Pocatello in the 1970s to attend Idaho State University, where he played football and rugby. After graduation, Malepeai worked as a government teacher at Highland High School. Malepeai also works as a football official in Big Sky Conference games. Malepeai previously served on the Pocatello City Council and as chair of the Bannock County Democratic Party. He was first elected to the Idaho Senate in 2002 with 64.6 percent of the vote. He ran unopposed for reelection in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Malepeai also has previous service representing Idaho on the Democratic National Committee. Malepeai missed the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions while caring for his wife, Brenda, who suffered from a rare form of cancer. Brenda Malepeai died in March 2009. In 2010 Malepeai faced Republican opposition for the first time since his initial state senate run eight years earlier. Malepeai was reelected to a fifth term with 54.6 percent of the vote. Malepeai was not a candidate for reelection in 2012.
Palauni Ma Sun
Man
Palauni M. Ma Sun, Jr. is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a member of the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League.
Kaino Thomsen
Olympic athlete
Kaino Thomsen-Fuataga is a Samoan taekwondo practitioner. He competed in the +80 kg event at the 2012 Summer Olympics; he was defeated by Anthony Obame in the preliminary round and was eliminated by Robelis Despaigne in the repechage contest.
Ben Falaniko
Football player
Ben Falaniko is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team, making his debut on 7 April 2001 in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Fiji, at the age of 15 years and 217 days.
Tasi Alabastro
Screenwriter
Tasi Alabastro is an actor, screenwriter, and film director.
A. P. Lutali
Politician
Aifili Paulo Lauvao, was governor of American Samoa. The founder of the U.S. commonwealth's Democratic Party, he had a long career in the legislature and the judiciary in American Samoa.
Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga
Musician
Napoleon A. Tuiteleleapaga was a prominent figure of the both Western and American Samoan culture, a lawyer and musician.
Sam Mulipola
Football player
Sam Mulipola is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Jerry Groves
Actor
Jerry Groves was an actor.
Pesamino Victor
Soccer Defender
Pesamino Victor is an association footballer from American Samoa who plays as a defender. Victor plays for PanSa East FC in the ASFA Soccer League and the American Samoan national team at international level.
Jordan Penitusi
Football player
Jordan Penitusi is an American Samoan footballer. He plays in the goalkeeper position in the national football team of American Samoa. Penitusi has played four games, against the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu. In the South Pacific Games 2007 he replaced Nicky Salapu.
Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard
Woman
Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard is a Samoan writer based at the University of Hawaii as an assistant-professor of Pacific literature. She was born in Utulei village, Tutuila, Samoa and now lives in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu. Her critically acclaimed poetry and scholarship have appeared in national and international journals and her book of poetry - Alchemies of Distance - was published in 2002. The text weaves between prose and verse and communicates a search for a Samoan identity and path of development within a modern colonized world. In his review of Alchemies of Distance, Craig Santos Perez asserts that this text "transforms the distances of time, culture, memory, and migration into a poetry of witness" New Zealand-based Samoan writer and poet Albert Wendt describes Sinavaiana-Gabbard's voice as "a new blend of Samoan, American, and widely ranging poetic and philosophical languages. A unique, vibrant, undeniable voice which shapes the now fearlessly with profound understanding and forgiveness".
Daniel Bell
Athlete
Daniel Bell is an Australian swimmer born in American Samoa, who has won five Paralympic medals from 2000 to 2008.
Terrence Sinapati
Soccer Midfielder
Terrence Sinapati is an American Samoa national team player who also plays for PanSa East FC as a midfielder. Sinapati was captain for American Samoa's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, playing in three of their four qualifiers, missing the fourth through suspension after being sent off in the game against Vanuatu.
Tiaoali Savea
Football player
Tiaoali Savea is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Freddie Letuli
Actor
Freddie Letuli, originated the fire knife dance in 1946 at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, previously dancing in Hawaii and Los Angeles with two knives. Along with performing, Freddie was also the teacher to the early fire knife dancers. Dating back from the 40's to the 60's, Freddie Letuli performed throughout the US and Europe with his dance troupes formerly known as "Freddie Letuli and the Flaming Sword of Samoa, showcasing his talents and his island. Additional dance troupes were formed to fill his contracts and to keep up with the demand for the Polynesian shows. They performed regularly at various venues in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Italy, Chicago, Kentucky, Washington, Australia, and New York. Freddie's great talents and expertise got him on movies like "Pagan Love Song", the 1953 Rita Hayworth film "Salome", and "Sailor Beware", just to name a few. Aside from other movies, he was also seen on television shows and had recurring roles on "Adventures in Paradise" and "The Bob Cummings Show".
Sulifou Faaloua
Football player
Sulifou Faaloua is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Nua Mailo Saoluaga
Man
Nua Mailo Saoluaga is an American Samoan politician. He served as the Speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives from 1997 until 2002. Saoluaga was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa in the 2008 gubernatorial elections held on November 4, 2008. He was the running mate of Utu Abe Malae.
Savaliga Afu
Soccer Defender
Savaliga Afu is an association footballer from American Samoa. Afu plays as a defender and has spent his entire club career at Pago Youth FC in his home country. He has also played and scored for the American Samoa national association football team.
Nathaniel Tuamoheloa
Olympic Freestyle wrestler
Nathaniel Tuamoheloa is an American Samoan wrestler. He competed 2012 Summer Olympics in the -96 kg event. He is a Mormon.
Richard Mariko
Football player
Richard Mariko is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Travis Pita Sinapati
Football player
Travis Pita Sinapati is an American Samoan football player. He has played for American Samoa national team.
Faimalo Tapui
Soccer Forward
Faimalo Tapui is an American Samoa soccer player who plays for Pago Youth.