Jocelyne LaGarde was a remarkable native Tahitian woman who made a significant impact in the film industry, despite being a novice in acting. Born in Tahiti, the largest island of the Windward group islands in French Polynesia, LaGarde was fluent in her native Tahitian language and French, but unfortunately, never learned English.
LaGarde's journey in the film industry began when she was discovered by the Mirisch Company for the role of Queen Malama Kanakoa in the historical drama film "Hawaii" (1966). Despite having no prior acting experience, LaGarde's physical attributes made her an ideal candidate for the part. She was given an acting coach who phonetically trained her to handle her character's dialogue, and her facial beauty and commanding presence among the cast made her a standout.
LaGarde's performance in "Hawaii" earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Indigenous person ever nominated for an Academy Award. Although she did not win the award, which was instead won by Sandy Dennis, LaGarde received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
After her only acting role, LaGarde retired to civilian life in Papeete, Tahiti, where she lived until her passing in 1979 at the age of approximately 55. No cause of death was announced to the press. Despite her limited time in the spotlight, Jocelyne LaGarde left a lasting legacy as a pioneering Indigenous actress and a trailblazer in the film industry.
