Paapa Essiedu
Biography
Paapa Essiedu is a British actor born on June 11, 1990, in Southwark, London, England, UK. He started his career in 2012 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, acting in numerous productions. Essiedu has won an Independent Spirit Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, and has been nominated for various other accolades. His screen breakthrough came in 2020 with a role in BBC One's I May Destroy You, earning nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a British Academy Television Award. He has been involved in 42 known credits, primarily in acting.
Career overview
Paapa Essiedu is a British actor who began his career in 2012 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has appeared in numerous productions, including The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, and King Lear. Essiedu's work with the Royal Shakespeare Company marked the beginning of his acting career.
Essiedu's screen breakthrough came in 2020 with his role in BBC One's I May Destroy You. This role earned him nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award and the British Academy Television Award. His performance in I May Destroy You showcased his ability to excel in television roles.
Throughout his career, Paapa Essiedu has demonstrated his range and versatility as an actor. His work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his television debut in I May Destroy You have established him as a talented and accomplished actor. Essiedu's career is marked by his dedication to his craft and his ability to take on a wide range of roles.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
44 titles- Harry Potter (2026) as Severus Snape
- Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic (2026) as Self
- Falling (2026) as David
- Babies (2026) as Stephen
- National Theatre Live: All My Sons (2026) as Chris Keller
- Finding Harry: The Craft Behind The Magic (2026) as Himself
- The Name of Action (2026) as Self
- Laundreams (2025) as Danny
- National Theatre Live: Death of England: Delroy (2025) as Delroy
- Black Doves (2024) as Elmore Fitch
- The Outrun (2024) as Daynin
- National Theatre Live: The Effect (2024) as Tristan
- Genie (2023) as Bernard Bottle
- The Lazarus Project (2022) as George Addo
- Men (2022) as James
- Anne Boleyn (2021) as George Boleyn
- Femme (2021) as Jordan
- The Exit Plan (2021) as Zeke
- Gangs of London (2020) as Alexander Dumani
- I May Destroy You (2020) as Kwame Acheamong
- Unsaid Stories (2020) as Michael
- The Capture (2019) as Isaac Turner MP
- The Capture (2019) as Isaac Turner
- Stand Still (2019) as David
- Black Earth Rising (2018) as Jaalen
- Kiri (2018) as Nate Akindele
- Press (2018) as Ed Washburn
- Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 (2018) as Narrator
- Murder on the Orient Express (2017) as Young Policeman
- The Miniaturist (2017) as Otto
- The Miniaturist (2017) as Otto
- Canned (2017) as Charlie
- RSC Live: King Lear (2016) as Edmund
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016) as Demetrius
- Shakespeare Live! From the RSC (2016) as Hamlet
- RSC Live: Hamlet (2016) as Hamlet
- Not Safe for Work (2015) as Paul
- National Theatre Live: King Lear (2014) as The Duke of Burgundy
- Utopia (2013) as Roy
- Black Mirror (2011) as Gaap
- The Graham Norton Show (2007) as Self
- Tyrant
- The Scurry
- Sweet Dreams as Billy
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Paapa Essiedu best known for?
Paapa Essiedu is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Harry Potter (2026), Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic (2026), Black Doves (2024), The Outrun (2024).
When and where was Paapa Essiedu born?
Paapa Essiedu was born on June 11, 1990 in Southwark, London, England, UK.
How many credits does Paapa Essiedu have?
Paapa Essiedu has accumulated over 44 film and television credits across a career spanning from 2007 to 2026.
What is Paapa Essiedu's background in cinema and television?
Paapa Essiedu is a British actor born on June 11, 1990, in Southwark, London, England, UK. He started his career in 2012 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, acting in numerous productions. Essiedu has won an Independent Spirit Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, and has been nominated for various other accola...