The All Black & the actress ARIĀNA'S FAMILY VALUES

This Kiwi talent is kicking goals like her rugby legend dad Glen Osborne

- Words: Debbie Harrison

At just 29, Ariāna Osborne is carving out a reputation as one of Aotearoa's most exciting new acting talents. She's been captivating audiences in bold bilingual drama Tangata Pai, walking the red carpet at the Toronto Film Festival for her role in the gothic thriller Mārama and has held her own on screen alongside Rachel Griffiths in Madam, which last week nabbed her a nod for Best Supporting Actress at the New Zealand Screen Awards.

“I still feel like I'm finding my feet,” Ariāna admits. “But I know how lucky I am to be doing the work I’m doing and I want to make the most of every opportunity.”

Such passion and work ethic comes from her upbringing. Her dad is All Blacks legend Glen Osborne, who was known for his energy on and off the field in the mid-1990s.

When Woman's Day catches up with the pair at their family home in Whanganui, Ariāna has just returned from Taranaki, where she attended the Tangata Pai premiere with Glen, 54, and her mum Kylee, a former TV reporter.

“I'm very proud of her,” says Glen. “She blew me away on the big screen. I'm a tough marker, but she’s got something special. It’s not just that she can act - it’s that she’s committed. She’s prepared to work hard and that’s what makes the difference.”

If anyone knows what commitment looks like, it's Glen. After retiring from rugby, he became a policeman.