Jay Laga’aia reveals what he really thinks about getting dropped from Play School after 16 years on the show: ‘What did I do wrong?’
Jay Laga’aia has broken his silence as he was fired from Play School in 2014 after 16 years on the hit children’s show.
The New Zealand-born actor and singer, 60, appeared on Jess Rowe’s big talk show and revealed how he really felt about getting the axe.
Despite his departure appearing amicable, Jay said the worst part about leaving the series he “loved” so much was never being contacted by his colleagues again afterward.
“The people around you who make the show, they’re great creators because when you look at it from the outside you look like an idiot dancing around like a chicken,” he began to host Jess Rowe.
“But in the room, they keep you safe while you create this world for our children… and for me, I felt sad because not only did they not call, but you were never talked about again.”
Jay Laga’aia, 60, (pictured) has broken his silence after being fired from Play School in 2014 after 16 years on the hit children’s show
He continued, “They had their parties and things like that, and as probably the only Polynesian who ever worked on the show itself, you were like, ‘Well, what did I do wrong not to get drafted?’
Jay has had a stellar career in entertainment, following his successful role in Play School from 2000 to 2014.
He has starred in a number of TV shows, such as Water Rats and Home and Away.
The New Zealand-born actor appeared on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show and revealed how he really felt about getting the ax from Play School
Jay even tried his hand at Hollywood, appearing in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in the 2000s.
He also dipped his toe into reality TV by appearing on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, during which time he turned the table on his easy-going personality.
During his stint on the series, he berated his campmates for acting like children during an explosive tirade while being slow to do their chores after dinner.
Despite his departure appearing amicable, Jay told host Jess Rowe (right) that the worst part of leaving the series he “loved” so much was never being contacted by his colleagues again.
Jay also hosted his own children’s show, Jay’s Jungle, which he started in 2015 and ran until 2018.
He recently landed a role in Grease the Musical as radio show announcer Vincent “Vince” Fontaine.
The character was originally played by the late Edd Byrnes in the iconic 1978 film, appearing as a minor antagonist judging the dance competition at Rydell High School.
Jay will now appear as Dr. Keller in Shadow Wars, a film in the Star Wars franchise, currently in post-production.