Jackson Lee, hospital orderly on Shortland Street is Iliesa Vosarogo.
Shortland Street, is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera cantering on the fictitious Shortland Street Hospital.
Mr Vosarogo, 28 is the third Fijian to be a cast in the popular television series.
He hails is from Naila Village in Bau, Tailevu.
He migrated to New Zealand in 2016 and works at North Shore Hospital and Waitakere Hospital as coding and records administration.
He had attended primary school at Ratu Ravuama Memorial School in Mokani, Tailevu. For secondary school he attended Nakauvadra High, Saraswati College and Dilkusha High School. He then went to Koronivia Fiji National University for tertiary education before migrating to New Zealand.
He said he was blessed to have his mother as his mentor.
“It has been one and a half years I have been acting on and off Shortland Street. I was invited to act in by Tane Willams whose name on the programme is Ali Karim,” Mr Vosarogo said.
“I loved drama in high school and have done acting classes in New Zealand,” he said.
“All my families were surprised and excited especially my friends when I first appeared on the screen.
“I have drawn a lot from my experience with Shortland Street. I have met people from different countries which I have come to respect and learn about their customs and culture.
“I have acted in Sweet Tooth on Netflix, Power Rangers and few other American films shot here in New Zealand.”
Iliesa Vosarogo on set
With those experiences on his record Mr Vosarogo is determined to grab more opportunities on the silver screen.
“I have never stopped dreaming about getting higher than what I have achieved. I keep dreaming and also working towards it.”
He attributes his achievements and success to his mother as she is not only his pillar of strength but one that had contributed to what he is today.
“I have been through a lot and there was a time when I ran away from home.
“I went back home because that is the only place, I find love and comfort. Home is where I learned how to deal with my challenges.
“I never knew my father. It was my mother’s family that helped her raise me and for that I am forever grateful; the sacrifices my mother had done for me.
“My mother always made sure I had all her attention and that was why she never got married. She always encouraged me to believe in myself.
“I am always positive that I will conquer every challenge I go through because God is my strength.
“One thing I have learned in life is that behind the challenges I face there will always be something good waiting for me out there.
“My whole family always stood by me through thick and thin. I am the only child but when my mother’s sister passed, my mother helped raise her children.
Iliesa Vosarogo (second from right) with Shortland Street actors.
His advice: “Never give up on your dream no matter the challenges that may come your way.”
His future plans include exploring different countries.
Shortland Street is New Zealand’s longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 6000 episodes and over 27 years, and is one of the most watched television programmes in New Zealand and popular in Fiji.
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