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Biography
Paapa Kwaakye Essiedu is a British actor born on 11 June 1990 at Guy’s Hospital in Southwark, London to Ghanaian parents.
Growing up, he was involved in theater productions and sports teams, and his first career goal was to become a doctor. Essiedu became interested in Shakespeare after receiving strong encouragement to perform from his Forest A-level Drama teacher.
He was accepted to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he collaborated with Michaela Coel. His mother passed away from breast cancer when he was a drama school student.
In 2012, Essiedu joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to perform as Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Phillip Breen. He later joined the National Theatre, where he understudied Edmund and played Burgundy in King Lear, directed by Sam Mendes.
During a performance, Essiedu filled in for Sam Troughton, who lost his voice. The portrayal was well received by critics. He made appearances in Romeo and Juliet (Tobacco Factory), Black Jesus (Finborough Theatre), Outside on the Street (Pleasance Theatre), and You For Me For You (Royal Court).
Essiedu played the title role in Hamlet and Edmund in King Lear in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 performances. The audience listened to Essiedu’s Hamlet “completely still,” according to the judges. Essiedu’s description ranged from charming, flirty, and playful one moment to ferociously brilliant the next.
Essiedu started his television career playing the parts of Nate Akindele in Channel 4’s Kiri (2018), Ed Washburn in the BBC One drama Press (2018), Otto in the historical drama The Miniaturist (2017), and Demetrius in Russell T. Davies’ television film rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016).
He made his feature film debut in a minor part as a police officer in the 2017 version of Agatha Christie’s classic, Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Kenneth Branagh. Alongside Letitia Wright, he performed in the Young Vic’s production of Danai Gurira’s play The Convert in 2019.
In 2023, he acted with Anjana Vasan in the Black Mirror episode Demon 79. “The best Black Mirror episode in years” is what GQ’s Jack King reported. He acted with Saoirse Ronan in the Sundance Film Festival 2024 premiere of The Outrun.
Paapa Essiedu Parents
There is not much information about his parents. However, his father is called Tony and his mother was a fashion designer teacher.
Paapa Essiedu Age, Birthdate, Height, Weight
Essiedu was born on 11 June 1990, and as of 2025, he is 34 years old. However, there is no information about his height and weight.
Paapa Essiedu Wife, Children
He has been married to an actress and comedian Rosa Robson since 2023. T couple doesn’t have children as of now.
Paapa Essiedu’s Net Worth
As of 2025, he has an estimated net worth of $ 4.5 million.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paapa_Essiedu
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a64228309/stephen-graham-net-worth/
