Disney star Nikita Pearl Waligwa who starred opposite Lupita Nyong'o dies aged 15
Nikita Pearl Waligwa, the 'Queen of Katwe' star, died aged 15. The young actor was diagnosed with brain tumor, according to a BBC report. It also added that Mira Nair, the director of 'Queen of Katwe', helped fund Waligwa's treatment while working on the film.
Waligwa played Gloria, a young girl in the film, and was a supporting character who teaches Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), the main character to play chess. Starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o and Madina Nalwanga, the film depicts the life of Phiona Mutesi, an Ugandan girl living in a slum in Katwe. She learns to play chess and becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her victories at World Chess Olympiads.
According to Daily Mail, Gayaza High School, where Pearl was a student prior to her death, took to Twitter to share a heartfelt tribute. "Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa," the tweet read. "You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear." She was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016. She was given the all-clear in 2017 but was found to have another tumor last year.
'Queen of Katwe' received positive reviews from critics, with David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o's performances receiving unanimous praise. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approval rating of 93% based on 165 reviews and an average rating of 7.4/10. The website's critical consensus states: "Queen of Katwe is a feel-good movie of uncommon smarts and passion, and Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo's outstanding performances help elevate the film past its cliches."
