Taika Waititi is a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian celebrated for his distinctive storytelling that blends humor with poignant social commentary. From his early days in New Zealand’s indie film scene to directing major Hollywood blockbusters like Thor: Ragnarok, Waititi has consistently showcased his versatility and creativity. His unique voice has earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, and a prominent place in contemporary cinema.
Bio
Born Taika David Cohen on August 16, 1975, in Raukokore, New Zealand, Waititi later adopted his father’s surname professionally. He began his career in the arts as a comedian and actor, forming the comedy duo The Humourbeasts with Jemaine Clement. Waititi gained international attention with his short film Two Cars, One Night (2003), which earned an Academy Award nomination. He continued to build his reputation with feature films like Boy (2010) and What We Do in the Shadows (2014), eventually breaking into mainstream Hollywood with Thor: Ragnarok (2017). His film Jojo Rabbit (2019) further solidified his status, earning him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Waititi’s work often reflects his multicultural heritage and is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama.
Early Life
Waititi was raised in both Wellington and the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. His father, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui Māori descent, was an artist, while his mother, Robin Cohen, of Russian Jewish and European heritage, was a schoolteacher. After his parents divorced when he was around five, Waititi primarily lived with his mother. He attended Onslow College in Wellington and later studied theater at Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1997.
Family
Waititi’s diverse background includes Māori, Russian Jewish, Irish, and other European ancestries. He identifies as both Māori and Jewish, describing himself as a “Polynesian Jew.” In 2011, he married New Zealand film producer Chelsea Winstanley, with whom he has two daughters. The couple separated in 2018. Since 2021, Waititi has been in a relationship with British singer Rita Ora, and they married in August 2022.
Career
Waititi’s career began in comedy and theater, leading to the formation of The Humourbeasts with Jemaine Clement. His short film Two Cars, One Night (2003) garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. He directed and starred in What We Do in the Shadows (2014), which was later adapted into a successful television series. His film Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) became a box office hit in New Zealand. Waititi’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor: Ragnarok (2017) was a commercial success, grossing over $850 million worldwide. He continued his Hollywood success with Jojo Rabbit (2019), winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Waititi has also been involved in television projects like Reservation Dogs and Our Flag Means Death, and is set to direct an upcoming Star Wars film.
Net Worth
Taika Waititi’s net worth is estimated to be around $13 million. This wealth stems from his multifaceted career as a director, writer, actor, and producer, with significant earnings from projects like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit.