Biography
Who is John Boyega?
Early life and background
John Boyega was born in the Camberwell district of London and grew up in Peckham. His parents are Abigail, who worked as a carer, and Samson Adegboyega, a Pentecostal minister. Both of his parents are of Yoruba descent, and he grew up alongside two older sisters.
His early interest in acting began at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School, where he played a leopard in a school play. Teresa Early, the artistic director of Theatre Peckham, noticed his acting talents when he was nine years old. He spent his time outside school hours at the learning theatre from ages nine to fourteen, participating in various youth drama programs.
Education and training
In 2003, John Boyega began attending Westminster City School, where he took part in multiple school productions. He later studied at South Thames College at the Wandsworth campus from 2008 to 2010 to earn a National Diploma in Performing Arts. During this period, he played the title role in the institution's production of Othello.
He enrolled at the University of Greenwich to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in film studies and media writing. However, he eventually left the university to concentrate fully on his acting career. Also, he trained at the Identity School of Acting in London and later became a patron of its Los Angeles branch.
Career highlights
John Boyega first gained recognition in Britain for playing a teenage gang leader in the 2011 comedy horror film Attack the Block. His international breakthrough occurred when he was cast as Finn, a stormtrooper who joins the resistance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He reprised this major role in subsequent entries of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Beyond the science fiction franchise, he has taken on diverse roles in film and television. He portrayed Leroy Logan in Small Axe, played King Ghezo in The Woman King, and starred in They Cloned Tyrone. He also established an independent production company called UpperRoom Productions.
Birthday and age
John Boyega was born on March 17, 1992, which makes John 34 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. John shares the date with 67 other famous people.
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