Though he's Maori, he's only played a Maori in a couple of movies, including Whale Rider (2002). He has been cast as many other dark-skinned ethnicities, having played, among others, Mexican-Americans, Colombians, Arabs, Persians, and Chechens.
Is one of nine children.
Filmed his part as Pablo Escobar in Blow in just three days.
While filming Whale Rider (2002) he would approach Rawiri Paratene in the mornings and
annoy him in order to keep them both in character.
Is in two separate films entitled "Fracture," playing a detective in both.
Member of the 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' (AMPAS) since 2016.