The HBO reboot of Harry Potter began manufacturing in London on July 15, and one of many latest faces within the solid is Paapa Essiedu. The Ghanaian-British actor is taking up the position of Professor Severus Snape, the pinnacle of Slytherin Home, who has a love of perilous potions and a grudge in opposition to younger Harry.
In a transfer that shocked nobody, Essiedu’s casting stirred up a firestorm on social media. Snape was final performed by the late actor Alan Rickman, who starred in all eight Harry Potter films. People have argued that Essiedu doesn’t align with the bodily description of Snape within the books. They state that his presence might complicate the character’s historical past with James Potter and Lily Evans, as there was hypothesis that Snape may be the younger, orphaned wizard’s organic father. However many have praised Essiedu’s casting, keen for one more interpretation of the character.
It actually shall be enjoyable to see how Essiedu inhabits Snape’s mysterious methods together with his personal vibe, however who is that this gifted actor? Listed here are some enjoyable details to know.
Born on June 11, 1990, in London, England, Essiedu was raised by his mother, a dressmaker and trainer. His father hailed from Ghana and handed when Essiedu was 14 years previous.
Essiedu initially thought he would turn into a physician and was even accepted into the medical program at College School London. However a ardour for appearing drove him as an alternative to check on the Guildhall College of Music & Drama.
Becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Firm in 2012, Essiedu grew to become the primary Black actor to star as Hamlet for the corporate in 2016. At simply 25 years previous, he received an Ian Charleson Award for his mesmerizing efficiency.
After taking part in bit roles in initiatives like Kenneth Branagh’s Homicide on the Orient Express and British TV collection The Miniaturist, Essiedu landed an element in I Could Destroy You, created by Micheala Coel, which aired on the BBC in London and HBO within the U.S. Solid as Kwame, a homosexual Black man and greatest pal to Coel’s Arabella, he earned a British Academy Tv Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for his emotionally charged portrayal. He would go on to star within the mini-series Anne Boylen, The Lazarus Challenge and memorable episodes of Black Mirror.
Essiedu has supported the transgender group by signing rights petitions, regardless that Harry Potter’s creator, J.Okay. Rowling, has opposing views. He has additionally achieved charitable work to assist theaters and fellow actors discover their means within the trade.
Essiedu has been married to actress and comic Rosa Robson since 2023.