Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Holdbrook-Smith was born on August 23, 1977, in Accra, Ghana but raised in Frimley, Surrey, England, along with his parents, Henry and Tenu, and his brother, Kofi. Despite his familial disapproval of pursuing a career in acting, Holdbrook-Smith developed a fascination for the craft at the age of 15. Overcoming his initial fears and reservations, he embarked on a gradual exploration of acting, ultimately leading him to pursue formal training.

Holdbrook-Smith's dedication to his craft led him to the Guildford School of Acting, where he studied acting and graduated in 2000.

Soon after, Smith made his television debut in 2002, portraying Orlando Figes in the episode "Everyone's Child" of the series Judge John Deed. This marked the beginning of his journey into the world of entertainment, and he steadily built his career from there.

Throughout his career, Holdbrook-Smith has made notable appearances in various television series, including Little Britain, Sirens, Silk, The Split, and Dark Heart, among others. He has showcased his versatility by portraying diverse characters across genres, captivating audiences with his exceptional performances.

Holdbrook-Smith's passion for the stage is evident through his numerous theatre roles. In 2005, he gained recognition for his portrayal of Ken in Mustapha Matura's Playboy of the West Indies at the Tricycle Theatre. He continued to excel in theatre, starring in critically acclaimed productions such as Walk Hard, Fabulation, and Gem of the Ocean. Holdbrook-Smith's deep admiration for August Wilson's plays has influenced his career significantly.

Holdbrook-Smith's talent extends to the silver screen, where he has made a lasting impression with his compelling performances. In 2016, he appeared alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel's Doctor Strange, followed by his role as Det. Crispus Allen in DC Comics' Justice League. His portrayal of Warden Walker in Paddington 2 and Father Emery in Ghost Stories showcased his versatility in both children's films and horror genres. Holdbrook-Smith has also been cast in the upcoming film Wonka (2023), further solidifying his prominence in Hollywood.

Holdbrook-Smith's exceptional contributions to the world of acting have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to drama. His immense talent and influence led to his inclusion in the 2021 edition of the annual Powerlist, which recognizes the United Kingdom's most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage.