Daily Inspiration: Meet Setaleki Manu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Setaleki Manu. 

Hi Setaleki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began acting at the end of 2020. I was working as a backstage security guard at a music venue in orange county before the pandemic when a comedian named Felipe Esparza was filming their Netflix special at the venue. I got to know to director and executive producer, who encouraged me to pursue the craft as there were very few pacific islanders in the industry, and also gave my first acting job ever, as an extra in the intro of Felipes Netflix special! When the pandemic happened, I decided to finally pursue acting, started taking acting classes, and began the journey. Started off building my reel with student films and indies, to moving on to major music videos and national commercials, to finally landing my first principal role in a Netflix feature. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment for me. Now, I have several major national commercials under my belt, along with dozens of music videos for the world’s biggest artists, and TWO principal roles for two different Netflix features. Not bad for two years’ worth of work right? 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. For someone who was a homeless college dropout less than a couple years ago, to pursuing a career that most folks spend decades studying before landing major roles, it’s been a whirlwind. There are few tongan actors in the industry who I could learn from, and absolutely no one within my family or friends who had any connection to Hollywood, so there was also a lot of doubt and fear for my wellbeing from my people, of the unknown path I was taking. I was stepping blindly into uncharted territory, so plenty of mistakes had to be made. From googling where to even start to saving up paychecks from my security job just to pay for all the expenses that came with acting, (headshots, acting classes, etc.) it’s been a tough journey. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actor! I’m trained in Meisner and stunt work. Matter of fact, my first Netflix movie I have an entire solo fight scene that I performed myself! Although I tend to prefer myself as a more theatrical actor, as getting into the emotional depth and nuance of whatever character I am portraying is my bread and butter. As of right now, most people tend to recognize me from my commercial work that has aired, specifically a google commercial I did for the Superbowl. Also have several national commercials with Disney, SoFi, and others. I am most proud of how far I’ve come, in such a short amount of time. I believe my continued success is a testament to my hard work and perseverance and the continued support of those around me. 

What are your plans for the future?
To continue building upon my craft and becoming the best actor I can be. I hope to land bigger, more challenging roles in TV and film within the near future and hope that I continue to grow as an artist, to give my entire being and soul into every performance. I plan on this career not only bringing me creative happiness but also financial success, to be able to provide a better life for me and my family. Growing up poor, to be able to gain the kind of monetary income that can change my life, and also allow me to invest and contribute to other ventures would be a dream come true. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/ceddybo70