John Boyega

John Boyega’s childhood must seem like a galaxy far, far away.
John Boyega, 23, plays a lead role in the new Star Wars film. He grew up on north Peckham estate where Damilola Taylor was killed and only had school plays to nurthure his budding talent.

Boyega got his start at the Identity School of Acting in Hackney aged 16. Family, friends and former neighbours ‘proud’ of how far he has come. A local theatre director spotted his potential during a performance when he was nine –and it seems he has not looked back since. As seen in the trailer, Boeyga’s character, left, will team up with old favourites Han Solo and Chewbacca. He went to the Identity School of Acting in Hackney aged 16, which helped him win roles on the stage and small screen. Now, as Hollywood beckons, Boyega still remains loyal to those who gave him his first chance. His former head teacher is his agent and his father is travelling with him on the promotional tour for The Force Awakens, which is released on Thursday. As for his mother Abigail, 57, she couldn’t be more proud – even if she doesn’t really understand what Star Wars is. Speaking outside the family home this week, she said: ‘You know when you’re watching a film but you’re not really paying attention so you don’t know what it is. I had seen it and then when he got his part I remembered. ‘John is my baby. But my children are grown ups so I don’t want to embarrass them. Even to have people knocking to ask about it is a source of joy. We feel so happy about it.’ Boyega’s parents, who originally come from Nigeria, kept their son protected from the rougher elements of the North Peckham Estate in south London, which has since been demolished. His sister Grace was the last friend to see ten­ year ­old Damilola before he was killed by two boys in 2000, and the parents of the two families were reportedly once close.

The Star wars film, The Force Awakens is expected to make $2 billion.

John Boyega and fellow Star Wars stars, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver. On the right is The Force Awakens Director, JJ Abrams

• Daily Mail

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Tags : Entertainment, movies