https://www.essence.com/celebrity/queen-of-katwe-actress-nikita-pearl-waligwa-dead-at-15/

Young actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa has passed away at the age of 15 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Waligwa appeared in 2016’s Queen of Katwe, which starred Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, and Madina Nalwanga. Based on true events, the film told the story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl living in Katwe who becomes a chess prodigy and leads the Uganda team at the Chess Olympiad in Russia.

Waligwa played Gloria, a friend of Phiona’s who explains the rules of chess to her.

BBC reports that the actress was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016. Following the diagnosis, Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly worked with others to fund treatment for Waligwa.

In 2017, the actress was deemed tumor-free but was diagnosed again last year.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

The post ‘Queen Of Katwe’ Actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa Dead At 15 appeared first on Essence.