Peckham boy who's gone from Damilola estate to Star Wars: As Hollywood beckons, John Boyega's childhood must seem like a galaxy far, far away 

  • John Boyega, 23, plays a lead role in the new Star Wars film
  • He grew up on north Peckham estate where Damilola Taylor was killed
  • Boyega got his start at the Identity School of Acting in Hackney aged 16
  • Family, friends and former neighbours 'proud' of how far he has come 

By Sam Creighton for the Daily Mail

Published: 19:07 EST, 11 December 2015 | Updated: 21:07 EST, 11 December 2015

As he gets used to life in the limelight as the lead character in the new Star Wars movie, John Boyega’s childhood must seem like a galaxy far, far away.

The 23-year-old grew up on the rough council estate where Damilola Taylor was killed and had only school plays to nurture his budding talent.

Nevertheless a local theatre director spotted his potential during a performance when he was nine – and it seems he has not looked back since.

Scroll down for video 

John Boyega shows off a lightsaber promoting Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Damilola Taylor was killed by Ricky Preddie in Peckham 2000

John Boyega, pictured left, who plays one of the lead roles in the new Star Wars film, grew up on the same London estate where Damilola Taylor, pictured right, was killed

The North Peckham estate, pictured, near where Boyega grew up and Damilola was killed in 2000

The North Peckham estate, pictured, near where Boyega grew up and Damilola was killed in 2000

Boyega plays former stormtrooper Finn in the film, joining the side of good against the evil First Order

Boyega plays former stormtrooper Finn in the film, joining the side of good against the evil First Order

As seen in the trailer, Boeyga's character, left, will team up with old favourites Han Solo and Chewbacca

As seen in the trailer, Boeyga's character, left, will team up with old favourites Han Solo and Chewbacca

He went to the Identity School of Acting in Hackney aged 16, which helped him win roles on the stage and small screen.

Now, as Hollywood beckons, Boyega still remains loyal to those who gave him his first chance.

His former head teacher is his agent and his father is travelling with him on the promotional tour for The Force Awakens, which is released on Thursday.

As for his mother Abigail, 57, she couldn’t be more proud – even if she doesn’t really understand what Star Wars is. 

Speaking outside the family home this week, she said: ‘You know when you’re watching a film but you’re not really paying attention so you don’t know what it is. I had seen it and then when he got his part I remembered.

‘John is my baby. But my children are grown ups so I don’t want to embarrass them. Even to have people knocking to ask about it is a source of joy. We feel so happy about it.’

Boyega’s parents, who originally come from Nigeria, kept their son protected from the rougher elements of the North Peckham Estate in south London, which has since been demolished.

His sister Grace was the last friend to see ten-year-old Damilola before he was killed by two boys in 2000, and the parents of the two families were reportedly once close.

Boyega pictured in Star Wars with Daisy Ridley, who plays the mysterious Rey

Boyega pictured in Star Wars with Daisy Ridley, who plays the mysterious Rey

Boyega, left, pictured promoting his new film with fellow rising stars Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, right, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams

Boyega, left, pictured promoting his new film with fellow rising stars Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, right, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams

The film comes out in the UK on December 18 and has been tipped to make more than $2billion (£1.3billion)

The film comes out in the UK on December 18 and has been tipped to make more than $2billion (£1.3billion)

Boyega’s father, Pentecostal preacher Samson, 56, originally wanted his son to follow him into the church but today he is a vital support for his acting career. Family friends said he has also passed on his strong faith to his son. 

The Force Awakens has been tipped by some to be only the third film ever to make more than $2billion (£1.3billion), after Titanic and Avatar.

Boyega, who plays stormtrooper Finn, is also a huge source of pride for Peckham. 

Yusupha Samba, who knew him as a young man, said: ‘It wasn’t the best place to grow up. It’s always good to see someone like him who has got out of it.

‘I’m just immensely proud such a humble guy from the area has done so well.’

Comments (118)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now