Jocelyne LaGarde

Jocelyne LaGarde was a native Tahitian woman, who had a single acting role in the historical drama film "Hawaii" (1966). She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role. LaGarde was born in Tahiti,the largest island of the Windward group islands in French Polynesia. She was fluent in Tahitian and French, but never learned English. The film "Hawaii" was based on a novel by James Albert Michener (1907-1997), and concerned the life of an American Calvinist missionary in Hawaii. While the Mirisch Company was seeking someone to play the role of character Queen Malama Kanakoa, LaGarde was discovered to fit perfectly the physical attributes of the character. She was hired for the role, despite not having any active experience. LaGarde was given an acting coach, "who phonetically trained her to handle her character's dialogue." Her facial beauty and large frame gave her a commanding presence among the film's cast. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first "the first Indigenous person ever nominated for an Academy Award". The Award was instead won by rival actress Sandy Dennis (1937-1992). LaGarde won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Following her only acting role, LaGarde retired to civilian life in Papeete, Tahiti. She died there in 1979. She was about 55-years-old, and no cause of death was announced to the press.