Oscar Kightley
Actor, Writer & Comedian
Samoan-born Oscar came to New Zealand when he was 4 years old after the death of his father. He was the youngest of eight children and was adopted by his aunt and uncle. He attended Rutherford College where he learnt about different cultures; his experiences during this time form the basis of his writing.
Oscar acted in and co-wrote the successful 2006 film Sione’s Wedding. He is a member of the comedy group Naked Samoans, who together wrote the animated television series bro’Town. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre and television in 2009.
Oscar co-founded Pacific Underground and the Island Players theatre company, which have produced critically acclaimed work. He won the Bruce Mason playwrights’ award in 1998 and has worked as a performer and writer for a number of television shows including Skitz, Telly Laughs, The Panel, Sportzah, and TV3’s rugby coverage.