Is hardship the best spur to success? Ncuti Gatwa will soon appear in one of TV’s top roles — Dr Who. But his life has not always been easy.
New time lord powers his way to the top
Is hardship the best spur to success? Ncuti Gatwa will soon appear in one of TV's top roles - Dr Who. But his life has not always been easy.
What's happening?
Things seemed to be looking up for Ncuti Gatwa. He had run out of money, but his friend had offered him a free room to live in.
But then, on the day he was due to move in, his friend changed his mind. He was left standing on the street with his suitcases.
Ncuti Gatwa was born in Rwanda in 1992. When he was two years old, his family moved to Scotland. They were refugeesAnyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from., fleeing a deadly war.
He was 17 when one of his teachers suggested he study drama. At the age of 21, he moved to London to become an actor. But for many years, he did not find big roles. Sometimes, he would only eat one meal a day.
Then, soon after his friend let him down, he was castThe group of people who act in a film or play. in a Netflix series. The show was a big success.
Find out more
Last May, TV bosses announced that Gatwa would be the next Dr Who. It is his biggest role so far.
Today, Gatwa has 2.5 million followers on Instagram. He has been named as the most powerful person on British television.
"I want to play absolutely everything," he says "My dream role would be a Bond villain."
Yes! Facing challenges makes you stronger. It is learning how to deal with difficult things which helps you to become successful.
No! Some people are born with the drive to succeed - and others are not. And Ncuti Gatwa would not be famous if he did not have a lot of talent.
Is hardship the best spur to success?
Keywords
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
Cast - The group of people who act in a film or play.
New time lord powers his way to the top
Glossary
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
Cast - The group of people who act in a film or play.