Keanu Feleti knows a thing or two about turning an awful situation into a great one – that’s exactly how he began his spectacular career as a dancer and DJ, which has seen him perform at Coachella and Glastonbury with the likes of Lady Gaga.
“I went to an all-boys’ Catholic school growing up and I was bullied,” shares the Aucklander, 27. “I’m gay, but at that time, I didn’t actually realise I was – but some of the teachers had figured it out, so I got asked to leave that school.”
“My life wouldn’t been so different”
Desperate not to reveal his secret, Keanu instead begged his parents to send him to a local school that offered dance – and his lessons there led to him joining Parris Goebel’s Royal Family dance group, with whom he won a silver medal at the 2015 World Hip Hop Champs.
“I’m so thankful for all of what happened,” says Keanu. “If I didn’t have dancing, my life would’ve been so different. That horrific experience gave me everything. They thought they won, but I did!”
The crazy way his showbiz career started has taught Keanu to always be himself, stay calm under pressure and solve problems – all key strengths when entering the Traitors castle!
“I’m a go-hard-or-go-home kinda guy,” he smiles. “I’m a bad boy but also a sweetheart. I have a good heart, but I love being a bit bad sometimes.”
Getting his wish to be a Traitor
Entering the show, Keanu was determined to be picked as a Traitor – and he got his wish. “I wanted the villain arc!” he laughs, adding that his time on the show was an absolute life highlight.
“I wanted to be kept on my toes and to also know what was going on,” grins Keanu.
“I actually thought that when I got to the castle, I’d play down my personality and be more reserved, but I quickly realised that it would’ve been so unauthentic, so I decided to be myself. I think I’m lovable and funny, so why would I not show that off on telly?!”
The Traitors NZ screens 7.30pm Sundays and Mondays on Three, streaming on ThreeNow.
