Naomi Ackie

Naomi Ackie was born on November 2, 1992, in Walthamstow, London, England, to parents of Grenadian and Ghanaian descent. She grew up in East London and developed an interest in acting during her school years. Ackie trained at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2014 with a strong foundation in classical and contemporary theater that would serve her well in her burgeoning screen career.

Ackie began her career with small roles in British television, including appearances in “Doctor Who” (2018) and the critically acclaimed Channel 4 series “The End of the F***ing World” (2017). Her breakout moment came when she was cast as Jannah in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019), a role that put her on the global stage and introduced her to audiences worldwide. The film, the final installment of the Skywalker saga, grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

In 2022, Ackie delivered what many consider her defining performance as Whitney Houston in the biographical film “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Her portrayal of the legendary singer required months of preparation, including vocal training and studying Houston’s mannerisms and stage presence. While the film received mixed reviews, Ackie’s performance was widely praised, with many critics singling her out as the best element of the film and earning her nominations at the NAACP Image Awards.

Ackie has continued to build an impressive body of work, appearing in projects that showcase her versatility as an actress. She starred in the thriller “Blink Twice” (2024), directed by Zoe Kravitz, and has been consistently recognized as one of the most promising young talents in British and international cinema. Her net worth of approximately $3 million reflects a career that is still in its early stages but has already included major franchise films and leading roles.