Disney’s Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa has died at age 15

The young actress, who starred in the 2016 Walt Disney film 'Queen of Katwe,' had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 Photo Courtesy of Disney

The film star from Uganda, who starred in Disney’s 2016 movie about a chess prodigy, passed away at age 15, according to multiple news sources.

2016 film was based on true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged 9 despite not being in school, went on to compete in international tournaments.

She had been battling a tumour for about 3 years.

David Oyelowo paid tribute to the young star: “We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa. She was a ball of light in Queen of Katwe and in life. Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness. Her light will live on”

About The Author

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading