Acting, teaching, entertaining, modeling, coaching and being on the cover of one of Oahu’s most read weekly publications, Midweek Magazine, are regular occurrences, said BYU–Hawaii alumnus Cody Easterbrook.
“Since graduation, I have shared my light through the various shows and projects I’ve been a part of, and I’ve received wonderful messages from viewers around the globe whose lives have been touched. It’s my small contribution, but I know every little bit counts.”
Easterbook was born and raised in Texas, but he said he now considers Hawaii his home. He said the rich legacy of performers in his family who came before him inspired him to make a career in the entertainment industry.
“Laie is where my mother’s family is from, dating back to the old Hukilau days where my grandmother and great grandmother were dancers and entertainers for those first beachside luau celebrations that eventually became what we know as the Polynesian Cultural Center.”
From BYUH to the big screen
Leialoha Paongo Pakalani, who works for human resources at LDS Philanthropies, was friends with Easterbrook while they were both students at BYUH. Pakalani said, “Cody is the quintessential renaissance man. He is brilliant, sensitive, gifted and articulate. He was the epitome of a great student, a master teacher and someone who refined joie de vivre (enjoyment of life).”
While at BYUH, Easterbrook was an emcee at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Vice President of Cultural Presentations at PCC Delsa Moe said she was close friends with Easterbrook and he has always been a fun, yet responsible employee.
“Whether he’s a dancer or emcee, he has a fun personality that easily influences employees and guests alike who enjoy his upbeat and friendly nature. He valued excellence and worked hard at his craft to ensure he was always doing his very best.”
She added she is proud to seem him continue his passion for acting and entertaining. “Because of these traits, it’s no surprise Cody has done well as an actor on TV and in the movies.”
At the turn of the century in 2000, Easterbrook said he began his time at BYUH. He then took a two-year break to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
In 2006, Easterbook finished up his schooling at BYUH and graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in international cultural studies and communications.
Easterbrook said along with being a member of many cultural clubs on campus, he “was always the man on the mic hosting all the campus activities including Culture Night, FoodFest and our campus and community singing competition, BYUH Idol.”
Hawaii Five-0 and the Emmys
Since graduating from BYUH, Easterbrook said he has done nothing but take advantage of every opportunity put in his path. He added his “go-getting attitude” at BYUH stayed with him even after leaving the Seasiders.
Easterbrook said he always knew he wanted to work in television and film. After BYUH, Easterbook shared he began his acting career by landing roles in a variety of commercials and landing roles in primetime television shows and major motion pictures.
“One such role was playing Luke Pakele, a bull-riding cowboy on season five of the CBS hit drama, Hawaii Five-0.”
Before going into acting, Easterbook was a mentor for young students at Kahalu’u Elementary School. He said his main emphasis was about making learning fun.
After mentoring young students, Easterbrook was then asked to stay on as a kindergarten teacher at Kahalu’u. Easterbook said this experience as a student mentor and as a kindergarten teacher played a lead role in him hosting a nationally televised show for children, which was nominated for an Emmy.
“Having entertained audiences for years at BYUH and at the PCC, I was well prepared when I recently took on the role of host for a nationally televised kids show for NBC Universal.”
He explained he is the crafty host of “The Big Fun Crafty Show,” which is a kids crafting competition show and its first-season show was recognized by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Daytime Emmy Nomination for outstanding children’s programming.
“Of course, I got to walk the red carpet and was so honored to attend the 2019 Daytime Emmy awards. It is such a fun and creative show, and we were just honored for this wonderful accolade.”
According to Easterbook, the old saying goes, “If you do what you love, then you never work a day in your life.” Easterbrook said he has found his love and passion in entertaining audiences on stage, in a group, or on television, by sharing his light and energy with them, and he hopes to keep doing that as long as he can.
“I’m honored to count myself among those that fulfill David O. McKay’s prophetic vision, when he declared that “from this school… will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally.”
Writer: Mackenzie Beaver