Naomi Ackie

Naomi Sarah Ackie, born on 2 November 1992 is an accomplished English actress recognized for her versatile television and film roles. She hails from Walthamstow, London, as the daughter of second-generation immigrants from Grenada. Growing up, she shared her household with an older brother and sister. Her parents were diligent workers, her father was a Transport for London employee, and her mother worked for the National Health Service. Her penchant for performance emerged early, evidenced by her role as angel Gabriel in a school nativity play at the age of 11. Ackie honed her skills at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2012.

Ackie's illustrious career began with her groundbreaking role in Lady Macbeth (2016), a performance that won her the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 2017. Her career continued to flourish as she appeared in Idris Elba's directorial debut Yardie (2018) and global sensation Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). She delivered a memorable performance as Bonnie in the second season of Netflix's black comedy series The End of the F*ing World, and left her mark in Education, a part of Steve McQueen's anthology film series Small Axe. One of her most acclaimed roles yet was the portrayal of Whitney Houston in the biographical film I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Ahead, Ackie is set to star in a promising lineup of projects including Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut Blink Twice (2024) and Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, Mickey 17.