Luciane Buchanan, a talented actress of Tongan and Scottish descent, has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most promising performers. Known for her captivating roles in international hits like The Night Agent and The New Legends of Monkey, Buchanan has built a remarkable career through her versatility, dedication, and passion for storytelling. This article explores her biography, career, net worth, hometown, notable projects, and personal life.
Biography and Early Life
Luciane Buchanan was born on July 18, 1993, in Auckland, New Zealand, though some sources mention Taneatua, Whakatane, as her birthplace. Raised in the Mount Albert area of Auckland, she grew up in a supportive middle-class family. Her father, Geoff Buchanan, is of Scottish descent and works as a payroll manager, while her mother, Losi Buchanan, is of Tongan heritage and immigrated to New Zealand in the 1970s. Luciane’s cultural background has deeply influenced her work, particularly her commitment to elevating Pasifika stories in the entertainment industry.
Buchanan’s interest in acting sparked at a young age, despite her shy nature and cultural expectations to remain reserved, as is common in Polynesian communities. She begged her parents to enroll her in acting classes at the Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC), where she trained under Fiona Edgar and Miranda Harcourt. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Psychology, skills she applies to her in-depth character portrayals.
Career
Luciane Buchanan’s acting career began in 2011 with her debut role as Cherie James, the daughter of comedian Billy T. James, in the biographical film Billy. This role marked the start of her journey in New Zealand’s entertainment industry. She gained early experience in local productions, including roles as Aroha Nash in The Blue Rose (2013), a waitress in Power Rangers Dino Charge (2015), and Tai Smith in The Brokenwood Mysteries (2016).
Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she was cast as Kennedy Truebridge in the New Zealand drama series Filthy Rich, where she played the daughter of a wealthy family entangled in scandal. The role showcased her ability to handle complex characters and solidified her reputation in the local industry. In 2018, Buchanan landed the lead role of Tripitaka (Tang Sanzang) in Netflix’s The New Legends of Monkey, a reimagining of the Chinese tale Journey to the West. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and depth, earning her international recognition.
Buchanan’s global profile soared in 2023 with her starring role as Rose Larkin in Netflix’s political thriller The Night Agent, based on Matthew Quirk’s 2019 novel. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show of 2023, viewed by 98 million people in its first three months, and propelled Buchanan to the top of IMDb’s most-searched actress list for two weeks. Her chemistry with co-star Gabriel Basso was lauded, with even Stephen King praising the show. She also appeared in Sweet Tooth (2021) as Louisa, Mr. Corman (2021) as Astrid, and the film The Tank (2023).
Beyond acting, Buchanan is a writer and producer with a passion for Pasifika narratives. In 2020, she received funding from the New Zealand Film Commission’s Script to Screen ‘Fresh Shorts’ program for her debut screenplay, Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue. The short film, inspired by her grandmother’s experiences with language barriers in New Zealand, premiered at the Sundance 2024 International Fiction Short Film competition. She also served as an associate producer on The Panthers (2021), a TVNZ series about the Polynesian Panther movement, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Her latest project is a lead role as Queen Ka’ahumanu in Apple TV+’s Chief of War, set to release in late 2024. Buchanan’s dedication to her craft and her advocacy for diverse representation have made her a role model for aspiring actors, particularly those from Polynesian backgrounds.
Net Worth
Luciane Buchanan’s net worth is estimated to range between $250,000 and $6 million, with most sources citing a figure of $1 million to $5 million as of 2025. Her wealth primarily comes from her acting roles in high-profile projects like The Night Agent and The New Legends of Monkey, as well as her work as a writer and producer. Additional income is derived from brand endorsements and advertising. Given the volatility of the entertainment industry, her net worth may fluctuate based on future projects and demand for her work.
Hometown
Luciane Buchanan hails from Auckland, New Zealand, specifically the Mount Albert area. She has expressed a deep connection to her hometown, where she maintains close ties with family and friends despite now being based in the United States for her career. Her Tongan heritage, rooted in her mother’s family’s migration to Aotearoa in the 1970s, remains a significant influence on her identity and work.
Famous Movies and TV Shows
Luciane Buchanan has an impressive portfolio of roles across film and television, showcasing her versatility across genres:
The Night Agent (2023–present): Played Rose Larkin in Netflix’s record-breaking political thriller series.- The New Legends of Monkey (2018–2020): Starred as Tripitaka in the Netflix action-adventure series.
- Filthy Rich (2016–2017): Portrayed Kennedy Truebridge in the New Zealand drama series.
- Sweet Tooth (2021): Played Louisa in the Netflix fantasy series.
- Mr. Corman (2021): Appeared as Astrid in the Apple TV+ series.
- The Tank (2023): Featured in the New Zealand horror film.
- Billy (2011): Debuted as Cherie James in the biographical drama.
- Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue (2024): Wrote and starred in the short film, which premiered at Sundance.
- Chief of War (2024): Upcoming role as Queen Ka’ahumanu in the Apple TV+ series.
Her ability to portray diverse characters, from action heroes to dramatic leads, has earned her critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.
Current Relationship
Luciane Buchanan is notably private about her personal life, particularly her relationship status. As of 2025, she has not publicly confirmed whether she is single, dating, or married. While some sources speculate about past relationships, including unverified rumors of a romance with The Night Agent co-star Gabriel Basso due to their on-screen chemistry, both actors have clarified that they are close friends off-screen but not romantically involved. Other rumors about her sexual orientation or dating history lack credible evidence, and Buchanan has chosen to keep such details out of the public eye, focusing instead on her career. Fans respect her decision to maintain privacy, and no confirmed information about a current partner exists.
Personal Life and Impact
Buchanan’s cultural heritage and personal experiences shape her work. Her short film Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue was inspired by her grandmother’s struggles with language barriers in New Zealand’s healthcare system, reflecting her commitment to telling authentic Pasifika stories. She has spoken about the challenges of navigating a predominantly male and white industry as a Polynesian woman, emphasizing the importance of staying true to her instincts as a storyteller.
An active Instagram user (@lucianebuchanan), Buchanan has over 174,000 followers, sharing glimpses of her projects, travels, and family moments. She is not active on Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, though fan accounts exist. Physically, she stands at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), weighs approximately 49–56 kg, and has dark brown eyes and light brown hair. Her distinctive appearance and artistic tattoo on her right arm add to her unique presence.
Conclusion
Luciane Buchanan’s journey from Auckland to international stardom is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication. With a net worth reflecting her rising success, a career spanning iconic roles, and a commitment to cultural representation, she continues to break barriers in Hollywood. As she prepares for the release of Chief of War and future projects, Buchanan remains a proud New Zealander and a powerful voice for Polynesian storytellers, inspiring audiences worldwide.
