From Rwanda to Hollywood: The Story of Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa’s rise to fame has been nothing short of exceptional. The Scottish actor has made a name for himself with his outstanding performances, particularly his portrayal of Eric Effiong in the Netflix hit series Sex Education. But it’s not just his acting skills that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide – his inspiring backstory is equally remarkable.
The Early Life of Ncuti Gatwa
Ncuti Gatwa was born in Nyarugenge, the city center of Rwanda, on October 15, 1992, amidst the Rwandan Civil War. His family was forced to flee the country to avoid the genocide that claimed the lives of over 500,000 Tutsi ethnic people. The Gatwas eventually settled in Edinburgh, Scotland as refugees, where Ncuti spent most of his childhood. The actor has described his early years as a nightmare.
The Gatwa Family and His Father, Tharcisse Gatwa
There isn’t a lot of information on Ncuti Gatwa’s family, except that his father, Tharcisse Gatwa, played a significant role in helping them survive the war. Tharcisse is a theologian with a Ph.D. and had been working as a journalist in the Karongi district of Rwanda before the war. It is unclear what happened to Ncuti’s mother and siblings during this period.
Ncuti Gatwa’s Accomplishments
Ncuti Gatwa is a talented actor who has worked on numerous films and TV shows. He has caught the attention of top Hollywood production companies due to his diverse acting abilities. In 2019, Gatwa won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television and received three BAFTA Television Award nominations for his role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education. He was also cast as the Time Lord in the new BBC Doctor Who series that premiered in 2022. Gatwa has been working on the upcoming film Barbie, which is set to release in 2023.
Quick Facts About Ncuti Gatwa
- Ncuti Gatwa was born on October 16, 1992, in Rwanda.
- As of 2023, he is 31 years old and a Libra.
- His estimated net worth is between USD $300,000-350,000
- At 5’8″, Gatwa weighs around 70 kg.
- He has black hair and black eyes.
FAQs
1. What is Ncuti Gatwa’s nationality?
Ncuti Gatwa is a Scottish actor of Rwandan descent.
2. How did Ncuti Gatwa become an actor?
Ncuti Gatwa’s passion for acting was already evident in high school. He further honed his skills by attending the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied acting.
3. What other TV shows and movies has Ncuti Gatwa been in?
Aside from Sex Education, Ncuti Gatwa has appeared in other TV shows such as Stonemouth, Bob Servant Independent, and Clique. He has also worked on films such as The Flood and Last Christmas.
4. What is Ncuti Gatwa’s role in the upcoming film Barbie?
Ncuti Gatwa is set to play the role of Ken in the upcoming film Barbie.
5. What is Ncuti Gatwa’s message to struggling actors out there?
In an interview, Gatwa stressed the importance of perseverance and patience in the acting world. He mentions that it may take years before one gets a break, but the wait is all worth it in the end.
Conclusion
Ncuti Gatwa’s remarkable journey from surviving the Rwandan genocide to becoming a BAFTA award-winning actor is a story of resilience, hard work, and passion. His talent and dedication have allowed him to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry and inspire others to follow their dreams.