‘Refreshing’ to be back on the stage

BY CAROLYN THOMAS

He’s rubbed shoulders with 80s TV superstar Tom Selleck and met some of Hollywood’s finest.

Now Los Angeles based actor Joe Fanene is getting back to his roots with appearances at the Titirangi Theatre.

The American Samoan is starring in The Sleeper at Lopdell House until Saturday.

The play is on daily from 8pm and is by New York writer Catherine Butterfield.

It is is based around the city’s September 11 terrorist attacks.

Joe found himself with some spare time while in New Zealand working on the international TV show Spartacus this year.

So he signed up for the Titirangi production.

"Theatre is my grounding," the 45-year-old says.

"It’s refreshing to come back."

The father of three started acting in 1985 while living in Hawaii and soon took up recurring roles on Magnum PI alongside its star Tom Selleck.

"I was working with him at his peak," Joe says.

"He was a very nice guy and very genuine."

He went on to various roles including on Jake and the Fatman, Renegade and some independent Mexican films.

Joe has spent nearly a decade in the corporate world and also worked in casinos before retraining as an actor in 2006.

Industry heavywrights Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and James Woods were among guest tutors.

"They’d drop in and we’d ask them questions," he says.

"These guys are not just famous for being famous.

"They’re damn good actors."

Tickets to The Sleeper are available at the door, through Titirangi Pharmacy or by calling 817-7658.

- © Fairfax NZ News