Jason Momoa’s Early Career Highlighted in Soap Opera North Shore

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Before gaining fame as Aquaman and becoming a household name, Jason Momoa made his television debut in the soap opera realm with the NBC series Baywatch: Hawaii in 1999. In this role, the now-44-year-old actor portrayed a lifeguard, marking the start of his on-screen journey.

Momoa’s early career took another turn when he joined the cast of FOX’s North Shore, which debuted in 2004. As Frankie Seau, he transitioned from lifeguards to the tropical drama around the fictional Grand Waimea Hotel and Resort.

North Shore aimed to bring sophistication to the soap opera format, featuring an ensemble cast that included notable actors such as James Remar and Kristoffer Polaha. Despite high hopes, the series only lasted 21 episodes before being canceled.

“North Shore was loved for its beautiful setting and engaging characters, despite not achieving high ratings,” a viewer commented on a fan forum. The lush surroundings of Oahu, Hawaii, lent a picturesque backdrop to the drama, framed by the relationships of the characters.

The storyline focused on personal and professional conflicts among hotel staff and guests, with romance and rivalry interwoven in typical soap opera fashion. Polaha played Jason Matthews, the resort’s general manager, while Remar took on the role of Vincent Colville, the hotel’s owner.

Momoa’s character, Frankie Seau, was described as a laid-back bartender who seemed to have natural chemistry with the rest of the cast. “He brought a cool vibe to the show, and his interactions added depth to the chaotic events happening at the hotel,” said a television critic.

Viewers witnessed a range of storylines, including a lifeguard’s dreams of becoming a pro surfer and a waitress’s aspiration to launch an island clothing line. Despite its short run, fans have shared mixed sentiments online, referring to North Shore as both “a good show” and “great trashy soap,” reflecting its entertaining yet campy charm.

Nighttime soaps like North Shore often struggle with retaining viewership, a trend that ultimately contributed to its cancellation. Nevertheless, the show developed a cult following. “The charm of the characters and the scenic beauty made North Shore memorable, even if it was cheesy at times,” said one devoted fan.

Shortly after airing, the series faded from public view. However, it has recently found new life with some episodes available on YouTube and the Internet Archive. This revival allows a new audience to experience the early work of Momoa and the unique flair of the show.

In an interesting turn of fate, the beachside bar in North Shore became a preliminary glimpse of Momoa’s future role as Aquaman. Even then, he demonstrated a strong presence, showcasing his ability to play layered characters before stepping into blockbuster films.

While it may not have reached the heights of other soap operas, North Shore remains a jewel in Jason Momoa’s impressive career trajectory. For those who remember the series fondly or wish to catch a glimpse of Momoa’s early performances, revisiting the show feels like diving into a nostalgic treasure trove.