Advertisement
Home Celebrity Celebrity News

Teuila talks pain, passion and losing her libido at 50

After a wild party to celebrate her half-century, the actress looks back on her roller-coaster journey to stardom and her surprising next chapter
Teuila Blakely dancing outside in a red and orange dressPictures: Robert Trathen

Teuila Blakely has just celebrated her 50th birthday with a spectacular party, but in spite of dancing into the wee small hours with her closest friends, when Teuila speaks to Woman’s Day to share her bold plans for the next half-century, her eyes shine brightly.

Advertisement

“I’m so excited for what’s to come because I just have some really big projects ahead in the pipeline,” enthuses the optimistic actress, writer, broadcaster and producer. “I’m also aware that nothing is ever guaranteed and I’ve never seen the industry as bleak as it is at the moment, but one thing I do know, I will make the most of every day!”

Determined from an early age to be a success, Teuila’s steely character was forged when she fell pregnant at just 16 and was forced to go it alone. Jobs in retail followed, then a lucky break in 2003 saw the solo mum land a gig on brand-new music channel C4.

Teuila smiling in a red and orange dress

A glittering career ensued with roles in Outrageous Fortune, Bro’Town, Sione’s Wedding and Shortland Street, as well as on radio. But in 2014, at the height of her fame, an intimate recording with Warriors star Konrad Hurrell made headlines and threatened to destroy her career. But Teuila didn’t just survive the controversy – she thrived in its wake.

Advertisement

The vivacious star’s rigid determination to triumph was sharpened yet again when she lost her mother in 2022.

Teuila dancing in a red and orange dress

“Our relationship was a journey,” she admits. “Our reconciliation was a slow slide that started when I visited Samoa for the first time when I was 25. It was there I saw Mum in her element. I understood where she was from and that gave me a deeper understanding of who she really was as a person.”

Teulia is also eternally grateful to have been with her mother when she passed away.

Advertisement

“Being with Mum at that moment, I learned what death means. I know the lights just go out. That’s why I intend to live my life as brightly as possible because time flies so fast.”

Teuila Blakely smiling while leaning on her knee in a gold sequined suit
“There’s so much in store for me,” says Teuila.

As she reflects on the past 50 years, Teuila is adamant she wouldn’t want her life any other way.

“There have been challenging times, but those struggles gave me incredible resilience and tenacity, so nothing can ever faze me.”

Advertisement

That inner strength was summoned again last year, when Teuila suffered a debilitating injury.

Talking to a friend
Catching up on the news with reporter Barbara.

“It was February 28 and I was rushing down the stairs at home. I’d just finished one important meeting and was doing a quick change before racing to another, when my ankle did an unbelievable twist that took out all the ligaments and tendons at the front of my leg, all the way up to my knee.”

Even though Teuila’s ankle is still wrecked, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Advertisement

“I’m currently on a wait list for specialist surgery, only I’m stuck behind a bunch of rugby league players. Those guys have been the bane of my existence!” she jokes. However, she thinks the injury might be a sign from the universe that she take a breather.

Teuila with MP Carmel Sepuloni
Teuila could follow Carmel into politics.

“I do believe everything happens for a reason, so maybe this was the only way I’d ever slow down? Either way, it’s not been an easy journey.”

Approaching her milestone birthday wearing a moonboot, Teuila was initially reluctant to throw a party. However, her mates insisted she celebrate and she came round to the idea, seeing it as “a way to say thank you to everyone who’s been in my life throughout”.

Advertisement

To that end, family and friends – including Oscar Kightley, Miriama Smith, Shavaughn Ruakere, Megan Alatini, Bernice Mene, Dion Nash, former deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni, TVNZ reporter Barbara Dreaver and singer Vince Harder – gathered at Mr Illingsworth, a groovy bar on Auckland’s Te Atatū Peninsula for a night packed full of old-school R&B, diva dance moves and speeches.

Teuila Blakely with singer Vince Harder
Getting Closer to singer Vince.

“I was offered plenty of places to host my party, both in town and on Waiheke Island. Even still, I wanted it to reflect who I am and I’m very lucky to live near the only bar in Te Atatū, which was the perfect venue because I’m a Westie through and through,” shares Teuila.

The formalities kicked off with a traditional Samoan prayer from her dear high school friend Sheralynn Tonu’u. Then, Teuila’s frequent collaborator and “ride or die” Oscar took to the mic. He said, “An occasion like this is like a funeral because you have all your favourite people, but it’s even more important because you’re there as well.”

Advertisement

Calling Teuila a “beautiful, creative, social, spiritual soul” and a “walking barrel of love with legs”, the star recalled her appearance as a teenage mother on 60 Minutes “back in the ‘90s when being a teen mum was one of the worst things you could be”. He added that a 50th birthday is “a particularly special occasion for Pacific people because we live 10 years less”.

Teuila listening to close friend Oscar Kightley's speech
Oscar had plenty to say about his former flame.

Teuila’s bestie and neighbour Barbara hailed the actress as a trailblazer. She recalled her “doing C4 back when there were hardly any Pacific Islanders on TV, apart from Police Ten 7”, after which Teuila’s cousin Vince serenaded her with a soulful performance of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

Teary-eyed, the star herself took the spotlight to address her guests, “Hello, my village. I’m so humbled and honoured that you’re all here. I’m not usually lost for words, but I wonder how everyone I know is so good-looking!”

Advertisement

Pulling her son Jared, 32, to the floor, she described him as “the centre of my life” and “an amazing young man”. She said, “No one knows the journey we’ve been through like my son. All I’ve tried to do in life is to never have anyone feel how we felt in life.”

Teuila hugging her son Jared
Hugs for son Jared.

Amid tears and cheers, Teuila – despite her ankle injury – performed a graceful Samoan siva dance to honour her guests, showing off the traditional malu thigh tattoos done in 2019, before a monster five-tier cake was cut and passed around.

The cake’s grand columns were a surprise to Teuila, giving the dessert a wedding vibe. Regardless, it was sort of appropriate as organising the party was similar to planning a trip down the aisle.

Advertisement

The actress laughs, “That’s precisely how I approached it. I’ll never get married, but I was excited about the cake. I bought it from a cakery called Fale De Keke in Papakura. They specialise in Samoan cakes – non-Samoan bakers don’t understand the scale we require.”

Teuila Blakely  performing a siva dance
Performing a siva.

With her big soirée done and dusted, Teuila is taking a moment to take stock of the highs and lows she’s faced.

“The highest high would have to be making it in this industry,” she reflects. “To think that once upon a time I was a young single mum and to get to this moment… I’m so proud of where I am.”

Advertisement

Gratitude being a major theme in Teuila’s mindset, she adds, “I’m really content in everything I do. Whether it’s paying a bill or living where I want to live, every day I’m so grateful I no longer have to struggle. But I earned my stripes and that in itself brings a sense of peace.”

Teuila Blakely beside her fiftieth birthday cake
Happily single Teuila’s celebrations included a birthday cake fit for a bride!

As for the lows, Teuila sees them as lessons. “When I was young, there were times I literally had no one to rely on but myself. Even though I’d never wish those things on anyone, this life I’ve lived has been the greatest gift because it’s made me who I am.”

Pondering the deeper meaning of life, the star suddenly bursts into a throaty giggle. Then, she reveals something readers might not expect.

Advertisement

“Post-menopause, the thing that’s surprised me most is I have absolutely zero libido these days. And that’s not through lack of offers!” she grins. “I just can’t be bothered, which is hilarious as I’ve always been so sex-positive.

Teuila Blakely smiling in a gold sequined suit

“Everyone knows I had a fantastic time in my thirties and forties. I loved that phase of taking lovers. I had some incredible lovers too, which is possibly why I’m not lamenting the loss of my libido now. But I do find it interesting, as I used to be the complete opposite. Although I definitely wanted a relationship when I was younger, now I’m genuinely happiest on my own.”

When asked about the future, Teulia says she’s open to pretty much anything, from Parliament to working offshore. And yes, even a partner if the right person came along.

Advertisement

“There are so many paths I could go down, including big-screen projects, producing and politics. There are plenty of opportunities beckoning too. So in 10 years, my life could look completely different and I’m OK with that. As long as I keep learning. But the one thing I am certain of, exciting things are on the horizon because there is so much more in store for me!”

Related stories


Get Woman’s Day home delivered!  

Subscribe and save up to 29% on a magazine subscription.

Advertisement
Advertisement