Paapa Essiedu has built a remarkable career bridging classical theater and contemporary screen roles, evolving from Royal Shakespeare Company stages to Emmy-nominated television stardom. His journey reflects versatility, critical acclaim, and a pivotal casting as Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Paapa Kwaakye Essiedu |
| Date of Birth | 11 June 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Southwark, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| State of Origin | N/A (born and raised in UK to Ghanaian parents) |
| Partner | Rosa Robson (married) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Occupations | Actor |
| Net Worth | $1 million (2025 est.) |
Early Life and Education
Paapa Kwaakye Essiedu entered the world on 11 June 1990 at Guy’s Hospital in Southwark, London, growing up in Walthamstow under his mother’s care as a fashion teacher after his father returned to Ghana.
He pursued studies at Forest School via scholarship, balancing sports and theater ambitions until drama ignited his love for Shakespeare. Later, he honed his craft at Guildhall School of Music & Drama, forming a key connection with Michaela Coel amid personal loss when his mother passed from breast cancer.
Career
Essiedu debuted professionally in 2012 with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in The Merry Wives of Windsor, marking his entry into prestigious theater circles.
He quickly rose to prominence, portraying Hamlet in a sold-out 2016 production directed by Simon Godwin, which transferred to the Barbican Theatre and garnered widespread praise for its modern interpretation. That same year, he played Edmund in King Lear opposite Antony Sher, solidifying his status as a leading Shakespearean actor and earning him the Ian Charleson Award.
Expanding into television, Essiedu broke through with the role of Kwame in Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You (2020), delivering a raw, Emmy-nominated performance exploring trauma and identity. He followed this with the intense gangster Alex Dumani in Gangs of London (2020–2022), showcasing action prowess across two seasons.
Further TV credits include George in the sci-fi thriller The Lazarus Project (2022–2023) and the demon Gaap in Black Mirror‘s “Demon 79” episode (2023).
On film, he appeared as Sergeant Campbell in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express (2017), then took layered roles like James in Alex Garland’s horror Men (2022), Bernard Bottle in Mel Gibson’s Genie (2023), and Daynin in The Outrun (2024) alongside Saoirse Ronan.
In 2025, Essiedu landed his most high-profile role yet: Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter series reboot, positioning him for global superstardom amid production buzz. His stage work continues selectively, blending with a growing slate of international projects.
Personal Life
Essiedu wed actress and comedian Rosa Robson around 2023 or 2024 following nearly eight years together. No public details indicate they share children.
Net Worth
Paapa Essiedu’s wealth sits at approximately $1 million as of 2025, fueled by theater, television, films, and endorsements.
Filmography
Films:
- Murder on the Orient Express (2017) as Sergeant Campbell
- Men (2022) as James
- Genie (2023) as Bernard Bottle
- The Outrun (2024) as Daynin
Television:
- I May Destroy You (2020) as Kwame
- Gangs of London (2020–2022) as Alex Dumani
- The Lazarus Project (2022–2023) as George
- Black Mirror: Demon 79 (2023) as Gaap
- Harry Potter (upcoming) as Severus Snape
Awards and Nominations
Wins
- Ian Charleson Award (2016) for Hamlet and King Lear
- Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble (2021) for I May Destroy You
Nominations
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor (2021) for I May Destroy You
- BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor (2021) for I May Destroy You
- Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor (2016) for Hamlet
