“Moana” star Auli’i Cravalho says she grew up on food stamps

Auli’i Cravalhos breakout role as “Moana” was a pivotal moment for both her burgeoning career and her family’s journey.

At just 14 years old, Cravalho landed the role of Disney’s iconic Polynesian princess in the 2016 animated classic, with the film premiering when she was 16.

Now, as the sequel “Moana 2” captivates audiences, Auli’i Cravalho reflects on the profound influence of her parents — who divorced during her childhood — and expresses gratitude for the support they’ve provided throughout her life.

The 24-year-old actress opened up about her upbringing in a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, where she revealed that she grew up on food stamps while living on Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu.

“We were living in a one-bedroom apartment in Mililani when I got cast,” Cravalho said. “I slept in the bedroom, my mother slept on the couch. She gave me everything.”

Thanks to the success of her debut film, “Moana,” Auli’i Cravalho was able to give back to her mother, Puanani Cravalho, in an extraordinary way.

“I bought a house for my mother. She has fortunately retired,” Auli’i said in his interview with PEOPLE. “Your parents give you so much. Kids feel a little indebted, I’ll be honest!” she said. “But we feel so grateful for our parents’ sacrifices.”

After his breakout role, Cravalho went on to build an impressive resume with appearances in projects such as “Rise,” “Crush,” “Darby and the Dead,” “The Power” and “Mean Girls.” She also made her Broadway debut in September, starring as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”

Auli’i reprized her role as Moana in 2018’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and returned to voice the beloved character in the highly anticipated sequel “Moana 2.”

In July, Auli’i Cravalho shared her excitement about returning as Moana in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.

“It was such a joy to be back on the big screen as Moana,” she said. “I’m turning 24 this year and getting back into this character has been really lovely. I get to sing songs that are Disney-fied, but again, there’s also growth in a character. I think it’s so special that we for the first time get to see a Disney princess grow up.”

Set a few years after the events of the original film, “Moana 2” follows Moana as she embarks on a new daring journey. Company of the demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) and a new crew of adventurers, she embarks on a mission to reunite her people across the great.

In a recent interview with New York TimesAuli’i Cravalho reflected on how closely she has been identified with her breakaway role.

“I wasn’t called Auli’i anymore – everyone called me Moana up and down the hall, including some of my teachers!” she told the outlet when asked what she remembered from the day she got the news.

“I totally credit Moana with starting my career, and I’ve done roles now that have stretched me as an actor and made me grow as a person,” she added. “But I also feel deeply connected to Moana in that I miss my family all the time when I’m away.”

Disney’s “Moana 2” made a stellar debut at the box office, earning $221 million domestically over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, setting a new record for the holiday season. Internationally, the film grossed an additional $165.8 million, pushing its global opening total to an impressive $389 million and surpassing previous records for animated film debuts.

With a production budget of $150 million, “Moana 2” has already proven to be a significant financial success. The film took first place in all markets except China, where it faced strong competition from local releases.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel continues the young heroine’s journey as she embarks on an unexpected adventure in long-lost waters, guided by a call from her ancestors. Naturally, Maui returns and joins her on this new mission.

“Moana 2” is in theaters now.