Keisha Castle-Hughes was born on March 24, 1990 in Donnybrook to a Maori mother and Australian father. She was raised in New Zealand and rose to prominence for playing Paikea Apirana in the film Whale Rider.
Keisha became the youngest best actress Oscar nominee aged 13 at the 76th Academy Awards with her first film, Whale Rider, topping previous record-holder Isabelle Adjani, who was shortlisted aged 20. She was discovered by the same agent who spotted the youngest best-supporting actress Oscar-winner, Anna Paquin, years before. She had no previous acting experience.
© GettyHer portrayal in the film won accolades from all corners, with Hollywood heavyweight Dustin Hoffman confessing to her that he cried after seeing her moving performance in the film.
Keisha Castle-Hughes' personal life
In October 2006, when she was 16-years-old, it was announced that the star and boyfriend Bradley Hull were expecting a child together. Their daughter was born in 2007, but the pair broke up in 2010 after seven years together.
© GettyIn 2012, Keisha began dating Jonathan Morrison. After six weeks together, the couple became engaged in August 2012. Their wedding was held on Valentine's Day 2013. They were subsequently divorced in December 2016.
In early 2021, the actress married Donny Grahamer in New York and a month later, announced that she was pregnant with her second child, a daughter born in June.
