Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who co-starred in the 2016 film “Queen of Katwe,” has died at the age of 15, according to Ugandan media reports. The young actress reportedly died Saturday night at TMR International Hospital, in Naalya, Kampala.
The film “Queen of Katwe” is based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess at 9-years-old and went on to compete internationally. Lupita Nyong’o played the role of Mutesi’s mother, and David Oyelowo played Mutesi’s chess teacher. Nikita played the role of Gloria, Mutesi’s friend, who also grew up in Katwe – the largest of Kampala’s slums.
Nikita was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, and the director of the film reportedly funded treatment for her in India. According to The Sun, she underwent surgery and radiotherapy to treat the tumor and was given the all-clear in 2017, but unfortunately, another tumor was discovered last year.
R.I.P to the beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa ??
