24 Jul 2003

Inventor of Samoan fire knife dance dies aged 84

10:22 am on 24 July 2003

Paramount Chief Letuli Olo Misalagi, the man who invented the fire knife dance, has died aged 84 in Honolulu.

The American Samoan made a name for himself in Hollywood as a performer of traditional Samoan dancing, including his own fire knife dance, and various movie appearances.

Letuli also served for a brief period as senator of Fofo District and was an associate judge.

He was also active in village and district affairs.

Letuli was taken to hospital in Honolulu on monday for a medical check-up.

He suffered a heart attack later in the day and passed away yesterday afternoon.

He is survived by his wife and 9 children.