John Boyega

**John Boyega: Biography and Career** John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega (born March 17, 1992) is a British actor and producer. He gained international recognition for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015–2019) and is widely celebrated for his versatile acting range and commitment to social advocacy. **Early Life and Education** Boyega was born in the Camberwell district of London, England, and grew up in Peckham. His parents, Abigail (a carer) and Samson Adegboyega (a Pentecostal minister), are both of Yoruba descent, hailing from Nigeria. He has two older sisters. His interest in acting began early, with his first role playing a leopard in a school play at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School. To pursue his passion, Boyega trained at the Identity School of Acting in London. He enrolled at the University of Greenwich to study for a BA in Film Studies and Media Writing but ultimately dropped out to focus entirely on his burgeoning acting career. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Boyega’s breakthrough came in 2011 with the critically acclaimed British sci-fi comedy film *Attack the Block*, where he starred as Moses, a teenage gang leader defending his neighborhood from an alien invasion. This pivotal role launched his career in the UK. He achieved global fame by being cast as Finn, a stormtrooper who defects to the Resistance, in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, beginning with *The Force Awakens* (2015), followed by *The Last Jedi* (2017), and concluding with *The Rise of Skywalker* (2019). Beyond the *Star Wars* franchise, Boyega has starred in significant films such as *Pacific Rim: Uprising* (2018), which he also produced through his company, UpperRoom Entertainment Limited. In 2020, Boyega received widespread critical praise for his performance as Leroy Logan in *Red, White and Blue*, a film within Steve McQueen's *Small Axe* anthology series. His recent notable film appearances include the historical action film *The Woman King* (2022) and the sci-fi mystery film *They Cloned Tyrone* (2023). **Major Achievements and Current Status** Boyega has received significant recognition for his work, including the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 and the Trophée Chopard at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. His role in *Red, White and Blue* earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. In addition to his work as an actor and producer, Boyega is known for his outspoken activism, particularly regarding social and racial justice. He gained attention in 2020 for his impassioned speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in London. As of his most recent activities, he continues to act and produce, and is reportedly set to reteam with Joe Cornish for a sequel to *Attack the Block*. He is also a patron of the Identity School of Acting's Los Angeles branch.