John Tui, born on June 11, 1975, in Auckland, New Zealand, has carved out an impressive career across television and film, captivating audiences worldwide. His journey began with early roles that showcased his talent, leading to iconic characters in major franchises.
Tui’s early acting credits include a role in “Mataku,” but his breakthrough came with the children’s television phenomenon, “Power Rangers S.P.D.” He embodied Commander Anubis ‘Doggie’ Cruger, the S.P.D. Shadow Ranger. This role was particularly significant as John Tui uniquely provided both the voice and physical performance for Doggie Cruger, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the character.
Alt text: John Tui as Commander Anubis ‘Doggie’ Cruger, the Shadow Ranger, in Power Rangers S.P.D., a character for which he provided both voice and suit performance.
Returning to the Power Rangers universe for “Power Rangers Mystic Force,” John Tui took on the role of Daggeron, the Solaris Knight. This marked another milestone, making him the only actor to portray two different mentor characters who were also Power Rangers themselves. His portrayal of Daggeron as a human character further demonstrated his range as an actor within the franchise.
Alt text: John Tui as Daggeron, the Solaris Knight, in Power Rangers Mystic Force, highlighting his portrayal of a second mentor character within the Power Rangers franchise.
Transitioning from the realm of Power Rangers, Tui ventured into New Zealand’s long-running soap opera “Shortland Street,” playing Colin ‘Dollar’ Laws. He further broadened his television work with roles such as Wellness Attendant #1 in “This is Not My Life” and Timbo in “Go Girls.” Another significant television role followed as Chief Petty Officer Walter ‘The Beast’ Lynch, cementing his presence on screen.
His career trajectory reached new heights when John Tui was cast as Bolg in “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” He not only played Bolg but also performed as the suit actor, drawing upon his prior experience with Doggie Cruger. This role propelled him into major film franchises.
Alt text: John Tui as Bolg in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, showcasing his physical performance as the suit actor for the character.
John Tui’s foray into blockbuster films continued with roles in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” as Korso and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” as Kal Hobbs. These roles solidified his place in Hollywood. More recently, he has returned to New Zealand cinema with roles in films like “Savages” as Moses, “The Legend of Baron To’a” as Baron To’a, and “Paper Champions” as Wade.
Alt text: John Tui as Korso in Solo: A Star Wars Story, illustrating his involvement in the Star Wars franchise.
In 2021, John Tui portrayed the real-life wrestling legend Afa Anoa’i in the television series “Young Rock,” which chronicles the life of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. His portrayal of one half of The Wild Samoans added another layer to his diverse acting portfolio.
Alt text: John Tui as Afa Anoa’i in Young Rock, a biographical role depicting the wrestling career of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s family.
Outside of his on-screen endeavors, John Tui cherishes time spent with his wife, Liyah, and their four children. From Power Rangers to The Hobbit and beyond, John Tui’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication, making him a respected figure in both New Zealand and international entertainment.
