Born on November 4, 1955, in Auckland, New Zealand, Lani John Tupu is a multifaceted artist of Samoan descent, renowned for his impressive range of performances across various mediums. His professional journey began in 1976 with a significant role in the mini-series Epidemic, which marked his television debut.
Two years later, Tupu graduated from the prestigious New Zealand Drama School, laying the foundation for his future successes. In 1985, he made the bold decision to leave his native New Zealand and relocate to Australia, a move that would ultimately shape the trajectory of his career.
The following year, 1988, saw Tupu make his film debut in Send a Gorilla, a milestone that paved the way for his subsequent appearances on the big screen. His 1996 short film, Talk of the Town, garnered considerable acclaim, with Tupu not only starring in the project but also receiving critical recognition for his performance.
The year 1999 proved to be a pivotal moment in Tupu's career, as he secured two prominent roles in the science fiction series Farscape. He played the character of Captain Crais and provided the voice for Pilot, a puppet character that added depth and nuance to the show. After Farscape's conclusion in 2003, Tupu reprised his role as Pilot in the 2004 miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars.
Since 2007, Tupu has been lending his voice to SBS promos, a testament to his versatility as a performer. Throughout his illustrious career, Tupu has been credited under various names, including Lani Tupu, Larney Tupu, John Tupu, and Lani John Tupu.