Jason Momoa. The name brings to mind Aquaman right? Maybe Lobo soon too. He's a superhero a tough guy a total movie star. But did you know way before all that ocean-ruling and bounty hunting Momoa was actually on a soap opera ? Yep you heard that right. Let's dive into this surprising early chapter of his career and also check out some super cool recognition he just received.
Beach Vibes and Soap Opera Drama: Jason Momoa's Days on 'North Shore' You Probably Missed
So picture this Hawaii beautiful beaches and Jason Momoa as a lifeguard. Sounds like Baywatch? Close! Momoa actually made his TV debut in Baywatch: Hawaii back when he was just 19. He was one of the lifeguards keeping people safe on the sand. But get this after Baywatch: Hawaii wrapped up Momoa jumped right into another show in basically the same vibe but a little different. It was called North Shore and it aired on FOX.
Instead of lifeguards running around North Shore was all about a fancy hotel resort in Hawaii called the Grand Waimea. Think Baywatch but with less beach runs and more fancy drinks and hotel drama. This show had it all beautiful locations a good-looking cast and plenty of soapy storylines to keep you hooked. It had James Remar you might know him from Dexter Kristoffer Polaha from Wonder Woman 1984 and Brooke Burns who was actually in Baywatch too. Despite all that star power and the gorgeous Hawaii setting North Shore sadly didn't last too long just 21 episodes before FOX cancelled it.
Meet Frankie Seau Bartender Extraordinaire: Momoa's Smooth Character in 'North Shore'
While North Shore might be forgotten by many it is a goldmine for early Jason Momoa content. He played Frankie Seau and get this he was the bartender at the hotel's outdoor bar right by the beach. Talk about perfect casting! Frankie was the cool laid-back guy everyone went to for advice. He listened to people's problems flirted a little and basically kept things smooth amidst all the hotel chaos.
Even way back then you could see Momoa had that natural screen presence. He brought a cool calm energy to Frankie balancing out all the crazy drama happening around him. His character was always there to help his friends out of sticky situations too. Think gang members on the island and Frankie knowing how to handle it. It's almost like his North Shore bar was a training ground for becoming Aquaman just swap out cocktails for water and you're halfway there!
Some people who remember North Shore have described it as "a good show" or "great trashy soap". Reviews at the time were not amazing to be fair. But if you are looking for some warm vibes tropical scenery and early Jason Momoa charm North Shore might be worth checking out. Plus the main love story between Jason the hotel manager and Nicole a high-powered resort worker is classic soap opera "will-they-or-won't-they" goodness.
From Acting to Activism: National Geographic Honors Jason Momoa as a Changemaker
Fast forward from soap opera bartending to superhero stardom and guess what? Jason Momoa is now being recognized for something totally different but equally awesome. National Geographic just named him to their inaugural "National Geographic 33" list. This is a brand new list from Nat Geo highlighting 33 people who are making the world a better place with their ideas and actions.
Momoa is in seriously good company on this list alongside big names like Don Cheadle Michelle Yeoh Selena Gomez and Edward Norton. It is not just Hollywood stars though. The list includes climate activists musicians writers and loads of other inspiring people from all walks of life. National Geographic created this list to celebrate people who are tackling big global issues and inspiring others to do the same. They are honoring people who are not just talking about problems but actually doing stuff to fix them.
For Momoa this recognition is likely for his environmental activism and his work to protect oceans and indigenous cultures. He has used his platform to raise awareness about important issues and it is fantastic to see National Geographic acknowledge that. From saving the planet to saving lives as Aquaman Jason Momoa is definitely making a difference in more ways than one.
National Geographic 33 List Highlights: Celebs and Changemakers You Should Know
Want to know who else made National Geographic's awesome "33" list alongside Jason Momoa? Here are some of the fellow honorees:
- Don Cheadle (Actor Activist)
- Michelle Yeoh (Actress)
- Edward Norton (Actor Environmental Advocate)
- Selena Gomez (Actress Philanthropist)
- Bjork (Musician)
- Arlo Parks (Musician)
- Adam McKay (Writer-Producer)
- Sterlin Harjo (Writer-Producer)
- Jennifer Uchendu (Climate Activist)
- Lewis Pugh (Endurance Swimmer)
- Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia Founder)
North Shore Cast Reunion? Where Are Jason Momoa's Co-Stars Now?
Curious about what happened to the rest of the North Shore cast after the show ended? Here is a quick catch-up:
- Kristoffer Polaha (Jason Matthews): Continued acting in shows like Life Unexpected Ringer and movies like Wonder Woman 1984 and Jurassic World Dominion.
- Brooke Burns (Nicole Booth): Kept acting in shows like Melrose Place and movies. Hosted Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.
- James Remar (Vincent Colville): Had a successful career with roles in Dexter The Warriors Django Unchained and tons more movies and TV shows.
- Corey Sevier (Gabriel McKay): Appeared in shows like Lassie Cedar Cove and movies.
- Nikki DeLoach (MJ Bevans): Starred in Hallmark movies like Awkward and shows like The Guiding Light.
- Amanda Righetti (Tessa Lewis): Best known for her role as Grace Van Pelt in The Mentalist. Also appeared in Friday the 13th and Captain America: The First Avenger (small role).
From Paradise Hotel to Global Impact: Jason Momoa's Incredible Journey
So from playing a charming bartender in a Hawaiian soap opera to becoming a blockbuster superhero and now a National Geographic Changemaker Jason Momoa's journey is pretty amazing. He's proven himself to be talented versatile and someone who cares about making a real difference. Whether you know him from Aquaman Game of Thrones or even way back from North Shore it is clear Jason Momoa is a force to be reckoned with both on and off screen. Keep an eye on him he is just getting started.