Naomi Ackie British actress Date of Birth: 22.08.1992 Country: Great Britain

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Theater and Film Career
3. Breakthrough Role and Rise to Fame
4. Iconic Role as Whitney Houston
5. Personal Life
6. Recent Work
7. Legacy

Childhood and Early Life

Naomi Ackie was born on August 22, 1992, in Walthamstow, East London, to second-generation Grenadian immigrants. Her father worked in London's transport system, while her mother was employed by the National Health Service. Ackie's parents had three children, and they encouraged their youngest daughter's creative aspirations.

At a local girls' school, Ackie discovered her passion for theater. At the age of 11, she played the angel Gabriel in a Christmas play, which sparked her interest in the performing arts. She later attended the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2012.

Theater and Film Career

Ackie began performing on stage as a 17-year-old student. She appeared in productions such as "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," "The Snow Queen," "The Day the Waters Came," and "Billy the Girl."

Ackie made her screen debut in the 2015 short film "I Used To Be Famous." She then had a small role in the cult TV series "Doctor Who," where she worked alongside Peter Capaldi. Ackie's first significant role came in Harlan Coben's crime miniseries "The Five," where she played Jemma Morgan for two episodes alongside Hannah Arterton, Tom Cullen, and Sarah Solemani.

Breakthrough Role and Rise to Fame

In 2016, Ackie gained recognition for her supporting role as Anna in William Oldroyd's drama "Lady Macbeth." Although her character was secondary, Ackie's performance alongside Florence Pugh was highly praised. She won British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer and was nominated for the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

After her success in "Lady Macbeth," Ackie's filmography expanded. She starred in Idris Elba's crime drama "Yardie," which received international awards, and had a five-episode arc in the TV series "The Bisexual."

In 2019, Ackie appeared in the crime series "Cleaning Up" for four episodes, alongside Sheridan Smith and Jade Anouka. She also joined the second season of the crime comedy "The End of the Fing World," sharing the screen with Jessica Barden and Alex Lawther. Ackie's raw and honest portrayal of Bonnie earned her a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The same year, Ackie made her debut in a major franchise when she joined the "Star Wars" universe. In "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," she played Jannah, working with J.J. Abrams and a cast that included Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill.

Iconic Role as Whitney Houston

In May 2021, it was announced that Ackie would portray Whitney Houston in a biopic of the legendary singer. The project, titled "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," had a lot of anticipation, with audiences eager to see Ackie's interpretation of the pop icon. Despite the pressure, Ackie expressed her determination to honor Houston's legacy.

Personal Life

Ackie has kept her personal life private. She is unmarried and enjoys traveling, shopping, and listening to music. Her social media presence is limited, but fan accounts often post photos of her.

Recent Work

In June 2022, Ackie starred in the musical-drama "Alice, Darling," alongside Will Poulter, Johnny Flynn, and Lydia Wilson. She then took on the highly anticipated role of Whitney Houston in the biopic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Ackie also served as an executive producer for the film, alongside Houston's sister-in-law and former manager, Pat Houston.

Legacy

Naomi Ackie is a rising star in the entertainment industry. With her talent, determination, and diverse roles, she has established a strong portfolio. Ackie is known for her fearless performances, her commitment to character development, and her ability to bring depth to both stage and screen. Her portrayal of Whitney Houston is a testament to her artistry and her potential for future success.