Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a British actress with a wide range of roles in theatre, television, and film. Her acting career began with classical roles in "Romeo and Juliet" and "Anthony and Cleopatra" at the Royal Exchange Theatre, leading to her West End and Broadway debut in "Hamlet." She also earned a nomination for the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress through her role in Jessica Swale's play "Nell Gwynn." Her television career includes roles in popular series such as "Doctor Who," "Undercovers," and "Touch," and she has also been featured in the Emmy Award-winning "Black Mirror" episode "San Junipero."

In film, Mbatha-Raw's breakthrough role came with "Belle," which earned her the BIFA Award for Best Actress. She has since appeared in a variety of films, including "Beauty and the Beast," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "Miss Sloane," demonstrating her ability to handle a diverse array of characters and genres. Her recent projects include the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show," the Disney+ series "Loki," the starring opposite Kevin Hart in the heist-film "Lift."

For her contributions to drama, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to her acting career, she has been appointed a global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Beyond her successful career in acting, she is also known for her painting skills and has created poignant portraits of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.