A Storyteller Who Lives Her Truth

Talofa lava. Meet Sisa Grey, a proud Sāmoan actor whose presence is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and love for her culture. Whether you’ve seen her on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Bosch, or Next Goal Wins, you’ve already felt a piece of her magic. But her story, the one behind the screen, is just as inspiring as any role she plays.

Sisa doesn’t just tell stories. She lives them.

A Joy-Filled Childhood Rooted in Creativity

Sisa was born in the states during the time her father, the legendary musician Fa’anānā Jerome Grey, was touring. Shortly after her birth, her family returned to their island home of Sāmoa, where she spent her early years surrounded by a vibrant culture, strong values, and constant creativity.

Music and artistry were woven into everyday life - her father’s musical legacy and passion left a lasting imprint. But it wasn’t just him. Sisa credits her late mother, Emily, as a creative force in her own right: a gifted painter, a graceful Polynesian dancer (how she met Jerome), a singer with a voice like velvet, and a woman of unshakable faith. She was also an entrepreneur, opening the first hair salon in American Sāmoa. From both parents, Sisa inherited a gift for expression and a soul to match.

Her family didn’t fit into any mold and they never tried to. They were the musical, make-believing, always-singing crew, full of life and a little bit of mischief. They brought fun with them wherever they went and were known for it.

Though they grew up mativa (poor), their home was rich in the things that mattered most: laughter, imagination, and love. Sisa often reflects on that resourceful upbringing with pride and humor, once saying, “If there were ever a famine, my husband would be lucky that he’s married to a woman who grew up sleeping on the floor and can eat elegi (sardines) like it’s fine dining.”

But their path wasn’t just built on joy. Sisa and her siblings witnessed struggle, hardship, and moments of pain. They also saw what strength looked like. And through it all, they learned how to carry both, holding joy and resilience in the same breath.

Those early years shaped everything. And today, that same spirit is alive in the next generation. Sisa’s children are growing up unique, happy, and unapologetically themselves - fitting in just enough, but always standing out in their best way.

Falling in Love with Storytelling

Sisa’s love for storytelling was sparked early on by the artists her father admired; Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley. These weren’t just names on records but larger-than-life musicians and performers whose charm, rhythm, and charisma lit up every frame of the old movies she grew up with. They held a certain magic, and she felt it. As she once put it, “Whatever that is, I want to do that too.”

But it wasn’t just admiration for iconic stars that shaped her. Sisa grew up watching her own parents perform - her father on stage, her mother through dance -  and saw firsthand what it looked like to captivate an audience. They weren’t simply entertainers. They transported people to places of wonder, connection, and even healing. That experience left an imprint.

As a child, she never boldly declared she wanted to act because it felt too distant, too big. But the desire was there. She knew she wanted to make people feel something. To connect.

Now, that’s exactly what she does.

Whether on screen or behind a mic, Sisa brings the same magic she admired in others and infuses her performances with warmth, intention, and soul. She thrives in the creative process, especially in the collaboration that happens on set. 

From television to film, her growing body of work is a testament to her versatility and her ability to step fully into each character.

Faith, Family, and the Quiet Battles

Sisa may be full of light, but that light has been forged through quiet strength, conviction, and the kind of resilience that comes from facing hard things with grace.

For more than 20 years, she has lived with an autoimmune disease - a private battle she’s only recently begun to share. It’s a condition that challenges her physically, but one she faces with unshakable trust in a greater purpose. Her faith is the foundation that carries her through.

Always the person who made sure everyone in the room felt seen, Sisa has learned to prioritize herself too, embracing the encouragement she often receives from her best friend. She leads with a calm presence, stillness, and authenticity.

Her family continues to inspire her. And at home, she’s surrounded by unwavering support. She credits her husband as her biggest cheerleader - someone who sees her not only as a wife or mother but as the artist she’s always been. His belief in her is the anchor that helps her step into the next chapter of her journey, and she’s grateful for his steady presence.

When Sisa takes time for herself, it’s never about things - it’s about moments. She finds happiness in going to the theater with her family to watch musicals and plays. These outings are cherished memories made together, deepening their connections. Together, they celebrate one another’s passions, and create space for what makes each of them feel most alive.

New Chapters: New Appearances, a Podcast, a Mic, and More

Up next, Sisa will appear in Jason Momoa’s Chief of War, a nine-episode series, due out August 1st, 2025 on Apple TV+. Based on true events, the show follows warrior Ka'iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. What a great opportunity for Sisa to contribute and continue sharing the Polynesian experience. 

Beyond the screen, Sisa is stepping into a new chapter - one that allows her to share more about herself on her own terms. She’s currently developing a podcast, a personal project shaped by her experiences as a Polynesian woman in Sāmoa, Hawai’i, and the mainland U.S.

This podcast is a reflection of everything that shapes Sisa’s world. From heartfelt conversations about identity and representation to lighthearted family banter, the show will dive into all things Sisa - including the everyday beauty and chaos of raising a family rooted in culture. Designed to uplift, connect, and keep it real, listeners can expect episodes covering everything from football and water polo (a big part of her kids’ lives), to education, spirituality, and the layered experiences of being Polynesian in spaces where you’re often the minority and overlooked. Her hope is to create something relatable and comforting, a space where others feel seen, heard, and inspired.

In true Sisa fashion, she’s also challenging herself  with something she’s dreamed of for years: stand-up comedy. It’s a bold leap - one she’s embracing with her signature blend of humility, humor, and heart, adding another layer to the way she tells stories and connects with others. 

Whether behind the mic or on stage, Sisa continues to lead with curiosity and the desire to make space for stories - her own and those of others - that deserve to be told.

To the Next Generation of Poly Girls

If Sisa could say one thing to other Poly Girls navigating their own journeys?

“Be kind. It goes far. You’ll meet people who aren’t but don’t let them change you. Always be kind.”

She believes in the beauty of the Polynesian community and she’s committed to helping more of us be seen, heard, and celebrated. Not just on screen, but in every space we enter.

Sisa Grey is not just a woman in entertainment.
She’s a woman of character and conviction.
A woman who wears her story with courage.
A woman whose presence makes you feel like you belong.

And if that isn’t the Poly Girl spirit, then we don’t know what is.

Follow Sisa Grey and Stay Tuned

Instagram: @sisagrey
Facebook: @SisaGrey