We know the face, and we know the name. But after his interview with Watch!, we get to know the man and his blended family.
Alex O'Loughlin was faced with the life-changing decision to move to Hawaii after being offered the lead role as Steve McGarrett in the crime drama "Hawaii Five-O." During his interview, Alex shared how he was conflicted about the move. However, Hawaii eventually won his heart.
"Hawaii Five-O" has had an impressive ten seasons since the show's reboot in 2010, when O'Loughlin starred alongside Daniel Williams. The reboot aired over forty years after the original series in 1968, starring Jack Lord. Alex has also been featured in the 2010 romcom “The Back-up Plan,” starring alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Alex O’Loughlin at the premier of CBS’s “The Back-up Plan” on April 21, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Accepting the offer to play Steve McGarrett meant Alex would have to relocate to Hawaii. The 45-year-old Australian actor was initially hesitant about the big move to Hawaii, seeing as his acting experience in previous television series had been short-lived. During his interview, Alex said:
"I didn’t know anything about Hawaii. I asked everyone, 'What do I do? Is this the right move?' Everybody was like, 'Are you crazy? What’s wrong with you?'"
Alex played the role of Mick St. John in the drama “Moonflight” for a single season in 2007. He also played Dr. Andy Yablonski in the medical drama “Three Rivers” in 2009 for a single season as well.
Alex O’Loughlin on the set of “Moonlight” on April 26, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Alex eventually did make the decision to move to Hawaii, and several years later he's still in love with the island. He said:
"It's deeply entrenched in me… I don't think I’m ever going to leave.”
O’Loughlin at the screening of season 2 of “Hawaii Five-O” on September 10, 2011, | Source: Getty Images
FINDING LOVE IN HAWAII
Even though O’Loughlin was filming his hit show in Hawaii and found inspiration in the energy of the island, he also found other reasons to stay on the beautiful island— his wife and their blended family.
After his move to Waikiki beach, Alex met Malia Jones. The two got married a couple years later and shared three children.
O’Loughlin joked that perhaps he won the heart of his wife after he took up surfing shortly after his move. Surfing player a big part in Malia's life.
Alex O’Loughlin and wife Malia Jones at the Sunset On The Beach for the 50tj anniversaries of “Hawaii Five-O”on September 16, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
WHO IS MALIA JONES
Jones was a professional surfer who later became an international model. During her modeling career, Malia spent time in Paris.
It was during her time there that she discovered her love for fashion. She then decided to launch her own swimwear line. Speaking about her swimsuit line in an interview, Malia said:
“I wanted to put together a collection of timeless swim styles that fit great with beautiful fabrics that you feel good in.”
It was during her surfing days that Malia struggled to find a go-to bikini, and this led to her creating her own collection. She used her years of experience as a professional surfer and international model when designing the cut and fit of her swimwear line.
Named on People Magazine's “Most Beautiful” list, Jones is not only a businesswoman but a full-time mother to three boys. Alex and Malia have quite a blended family.
Alex has his teenage son, Saxon, from a previous relationship. Malia also had a son, Spike, from her previous marriage. The surfer turned model had been married twice, to Luke Stedman and Conan Hayes, before meeting Alex.
Eighteen months after welcoming their third child, their first child together, they got married. The two tied the knot in a very private ceremony in Hawaii. It was Alex’s first marriage, and Malia’s third.
Alex O’Loughlin and wife Malia Jones at CBS’s Sunset On The Beach Event for the premier of season 7 of “Hawaii Five-O” on September 23, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
ALEX AND MALIA PUT FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING
Both Alex and Malia have managed to achieve success in their respective fields, but have also managed to keep their blended family as their number one priority.
Growing up, Alex’s mother used to read to him, ensuring she took time out of her day to do so. This led to him reading to his sons as well. Malia also took to Instagram to share a sweet throwback photograph of herself and her mother, admiring the beach.
As a parent of three in a house full of boys, Alex admitting that he dreamed of some time away to himself does not come as much of a surprise. When asked what he wanted for Father’s Day, the Australian actor shared that he dreamed of spending some alone time in the mountains.
However, with family being the most important thing to him, nothing beats spending some quality time with his children. And the list of activities seems endless.
“Bike rides with the kids… we’re a family that really loves going on rides,” Alex said. The O'Loughlin family also enjoys surfing, spearfishing, and even archery!
Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett on the set of “Hawaii Five-O” in Honolulu on August 7 | Source: Getty Images
Malia also shared that living in Hawaii, near a beach meant the family was always able to take a dip in the water during their days.
Alex has a busy schedule, between always shooting and trying to keep up and remember things. He shoots for ten months in a year and is also a hands-on parent.
Considering himself to be a motivated person, Alex understands the significance of balance and positive thinking. “The thing I strive for is balance,” he says. He continues to also talk about the importance of staying present in the moment.
Alex and Malia at the “Hawaii Five-O” season 7 Premier Event on September 23, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
After more than one hundred and fifty episodes of “Hawaii Five-O” and a beautiful blended family, it might be safe to say Alex O’Loughlin has found his home in Hawaii and has no plans to leave. “I’m married to a local girl, I’ve got local kids,” Alex said.
During an interview, O’Loughlin reflected on the journey that led him to Hawaii. Although hesitant to use the term 'God', he does admit to believing there is something bigger than him in the world.
He feels it when he looks around, when he watches the Hawaiian waves in the winter. He suspects it had something to do with his journey to Hawaii. His home.
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