Actor
Paapa Essiedu is a British actor of Ghanaian descent who has emerged as one of the most compelling interpreters of classical theatre of his generation, notably becoming the first Black actor to play Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Defining moments and milestones
Essiedu emerged from the National Youth Theatre and Guildhall School of Music and Drama to make his professional debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2012, quickly establishing himself as a classical actor of exceptional depth. His 2016 performance as Hamlet—a landmark role as the first Black actor to play the part at the RSC—won him the Ian Charleson Award and secured his standing as one of Britain's most significant interpreters of Shakespeare. In recent years, he has expanded his reach into prestige television and film, earning Emmy and BAFTA nominations while maintaining his commitment to theatre, proving himself equally compelling in contemporary drama and canonical roles.
Ian Charleson Award (2016) for performances as Hamlet and Edmund in *King Lear* at the Royal Shakespeare Company; first Black actor to play Hamlet at the RSC
Forest School, Walthamstow; Guildhall School of Music and Drama (BA in Acting)
Recordings featuring Paapa Essiedu in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.