Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1975-11-05
- Born Place: Laie, Hawaii, USA
Keala Settle
Keala Settle is a Māori-American actress and singer renowned for her powerful voice and compelling performances in both theater and film. Born on November 5, 1975, in Laie, Hawaii, she is of Māori descent through her mother and British descent through her father. Settle's early life was marked by a passion for the arts, leading her to pursue a career in musical theater. She made her Broadway debut in 2011 in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and later originated the role of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody in 2013, earning nominations for the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Settle also performed in the 2014 revival of Les Misérables and starred as Becky in Waitress on Broadway in 2016. Her breakout film role came in 2017 as Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady, in The Greatest Showman. Her rendition of the song "This Is Me" became an anthem of self-empowerment and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Settle's emotional performance of the song at the 2018 Academy Awards left a lasting impression on audiences . In 2019, Settle faced a significant health challenge when she suffered a mini-stroke, later diagnosed as Moyamoya disease, a rare condition caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. She underwent surgery to restore blood flow to her brain and now takes medication to manage her condition. This experience profoundly changed her perspective on life, making her more appreciative of small joys . Settle has also been open about her journey with body image and self-acceptance. In preparation for her role in The Greatest Showman, she researched polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and was inspired by Harnaam Kaur, a woman who lives with PCOS. Settle reflects on struggles with self-image and how she has learned to accept her unique identity . Currently, Keala Settle is set to appear as Miss Coddle in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, slated for a November release. She continues to inspire audiences with her resilience, talent, and commitment to authenticity.
