John Boyega, an English actor, has amassed a net worth of $8 million. His rise to fame came with his breakout role in the 2011 sci-fi comedy “Attack the Block,” but it was his portrayal of Finn in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy that truly propelled him into international stardom. Alongside his work in film, Boyega has also made a mark in television, with roles in critically acclaimed series. His career spans multiple genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Early Life and Beginnings in Acting
Born on March 17, 1992, in London, England, John Boyega was raised in a family with Nigerian roots. His mother, Abigail, worked with disabled individuals, while his father, Samson, was a Pentecostal minister. Boyega grew up with two older sisters and attended Oliver Goldsmith Primary School. It was during his time there that he first caught the acting bug, taking part in school plays. His talent did not go unnoticed, and soon after, he was noticed by artistic director Teresa Early at Theatre Peckham, an arts organization for youth in South London.
Boyega’s passion for acting continued to grow as he entered secondary school at Westminster City School. It was here that he continued to participate in drama, solidifying his love for the craft. After high school, Boyega enrolled at South Thames College, where he played the lead role of Othello in a production. Although he initially studied media writing and film at the University of Greenwich, Boyega ultimately dropped out to pursue his acting career full-time. He honed his skills at the Identity School of Acting in London, where his professional career began to take shape.
Entering the Professional World
Boyega’s career took off in 2009 when he made his stage debut in the play “Six Parties” at the National Theatre in London. This was followed by performances in several other plays, including “Category B,” “Seize the Day,” and “Detaining Justice,” all performed at the Kiln Theatre. These early roles helped Boyega gain recognition within the theatre world and set the stage for his eventual leap into film.
In 2011, Boyega made his feature film debut in “Attack the Block,” a British science-fiction comedy that featured him in the role of Moses, a streetwise youth defending his neighborhood from alien invaders. His performance was widely praised, and it marked the beginning of his ascent in the film industry.
A Breakthrough in Film: ‘Star Wars’ and Beyond
Boyega’s big break came in 2015 when he was cast as Finn, a former stormtrooper turned hero, in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The film became a global phenomenon, breaking box office records, and Boyega’s portrayal of Finn was widely praised. His role in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy continued with “The Last Jedi” in 2017 and “The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019, cementing his place as a household name.
Beyond the “Star Wars” franchise, Boyega showcased his range by taking on diverse roles. He starred in the thriller “The Circle,” a techno-thriller that explored the dangers of corporate surveillance. He also appeared in “Detroit,” Kathryn Bigelow’s hard-hitting period crime drama about the 1967 Detroit riots. Boyega’s role in “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” the sequel to the 2013 monster film, further demonstrated his ability to shine in large-scale blockbuster films. Other notable projects include “Naked Singularity” and “They Cloned Tyrone,” both of which added to his eclectic filmography.
Television Career and Animated Projects
John Boyega’s versatility extends beyond film into television and voice work. In 2011, he made his TV debut with a guest appearance on “Law & Order: UK.” That same year, he appeared in four episodes of the web series “Becoming Human,” a spinoff of the popular show “Being Human.” Boyega’s television career continued to grow as he starred in the TV film “My Murder” and the drama “The Whale.” He also appeared in the limited series “24: Live Another Day” in 2014, showcasing his adaptability to various television formats.
From 2015 to 2019, Boyega lent his voice to animated series, including voicing Blkmrkt in “Major Lazer” and Dutch in “Tinkershrimp & Dutch.” Additionally, he reprised his role as Finn in the animated web series “Star Wars Forces of Destiny.” He also voiced Bigwig in the 2018 Netflix adaptation of “Watership Down,” further expanding his work in the animated space.
One of Boyega’s most notable television performances came in 2020 in Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology series. In the episode “Red, White, and Blue,” Boyega played Leroy Logan, a Black officer in the London Metropolitan Police attempting to fight against systemic racism within the force. His performance was widely acclaimed and earned him the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film.
Advocacy and Personal Views
Throughout his career, Boyega has been a vocal advocate for racial equity and social justice. In 2020, following the death of George Floyd, he delivered an emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter rally in Hyde Park, London, expressing his outrage over police brutality and the systemic oppression of Black people. His impassioned words resonated with many, further establishing him as a leading voice for change.
Boyega’s activism didn’t stop there. Later in 2020, he publicly criticized Disney for sidelining his character Finn in the later installments of the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy. He spoke out about the racial bias he believed played a role in how his character was underutilized, despite the early marketing of Finn as a central figure in the trilogy. Boyega’s courage in addressing these issues made headlines and underscored his commitment to speaking out against injustice in the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of John Boyega
John Boyega’s career trajectory has been marked by significant achievements, both in front of the camera and through his activism. As he continues to diversify his portfolio with a mix of film, television, and voice acting roles, his impact on the industry and the world of social justice remains strong. With numerous projects lined up, Boyega is sure to maintain his place as one of the most influential actors of his generation.
