In 2018, he rose to global stardom overnight thanks to Eric Effiong, his character in 'Sex Education' (Netflix). But as of May 2022, Ncuti Gatwa will be remembered for being the 14th Doctor Who.
Photo: Netflix
The actor, born in Rwanda but raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, has been chosen by the BBC to replace Jodie Whittaker at the helm of a legendary series that premiered in November 1963.
Photo: Instagram - @bbc
"I may only have one heart but I'm going to give my all for this show," said the actor, minutes after the BBC announced the news. Now that it's official, we would like to know where he comes from and who Ncuti Gatwa is.
Photo: Instagram - @bbc
Netflix has not only made him one of television's most acclaimed actors, but also a global fashion icon. It hasn't all been plain sailing for the actor, though. He had a tough time growing up.
Photo: Netflix
Born in 1992 in Rwanda, Ncuti Gatwa, when he was only two years old, his parents fled the Rwandan genocide and settled in Edinburgh, as the actor recalled to 'The Independent.'
"We were one of three black families in the whole of Edinburgh. I grew up in a working class neighbourhood and I always stood out because of my voice, my presence and doing dance and that sort of thing. But I was always confident in my talent and charm," he says.
Ncuti Gatwa always knew what he wanted to do in the future. He studied Drama at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, Scotland.
Breaking on to the scene, his first two roles were in the series 'Bob Servant' (2014) and 'Stonemouth' (2015).
In addition, Ncuti Gatwa also had important roles in theatre, such as Demetrius in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Shakespeare's Globe in London.
It wouldn't be until 2018 that Eric Effiong would change his life. A leading character, the best friend of Otis (Asa Butterfield) and openly gay. It was a magnificent script and Ncuti Gatwa has done himself proud in every season of the series.
Photo: Netflix
In fact, Ncuti Gatwa has been nominated several times at the BAFTA Awards for his role in the Netflix series.
With his ove to 'Doctor Who,' the actor's career has radically changed. Eric Effiong is a generational character, but the Doctor is a character of legend. Ncuti Gatwa is aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
Photo: Netflix
"There are no words to describe how I feel. It's a mixture of deep honour, excitement and a little bit of fear," he told the BBC after his appointment. Here he is pictured with Russell T. Davies, who will return as showrunner following Chris Chibnall's departure.
Photo: Instagram - @russelltdavies63
In addition, Ncuti Gatwa will be the first black actor to play Doctor Who, after 13 predecessors at the helm of the Tardis.
Photo: Instagram - @ncutigatwa
By just a few months, the actor is not the youngest actor to play the Doctor. He is beaten to that honour by Matt Smith, who got the role at 28. Ncuti Gatwa is currently 29. And yes, that hasn't stopped him from playing a high school student.
Interestingly, while Ncuti Gatwa takes over the Tardis, he is also working on another spectacular project, the Greta Gerwig-directed 'Barbie' movie.
Photo: Netflix
With the likes of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu in the cast, Ncuti Gatwa will be reunited with two 'Sex Education' co-stars and friends: Emma McKey (Maeve) and Connor Swindells (Adam).
Photo: Instagram - @ncutigatwa
It remains to be seen when Ncuti Gatwa will debut in the role of the Doctor, but everything points to 2023. In fact, before his debut, it's time to give Jodie Whittaker a fitting farewell as her last episode will air later on in 2022.
