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Paapa Essiedu is set to become one of television’s biggest stars after being cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.
While some viewers are only just discovering him, the British actor has already built up an impressive list of TV and theatre credits, including recent Channel 4 drama Falling alongside Keeley Hawes.
Here’s everything to know about the actor, from his biggest roles to his life away from the screen.
What TV shows and films has Paapa Essiedu been in?
Before landing the role of Snape, Paapa Essiedu had already become a familiar face on British television.
Many fans will recognise him from Michaela Coel’s acclaimed BBC drama I May Destroy You, where he played Kwame. He also appeared in Black Mirror episode Demon 79, earning praise for his charismatic performance as Gaap.
Other major credits include Babies, The Lazarus Project, Gangs of London, The Capture and Press.
More recently, he has starred opposite Keeley Hawes in Falling, written by Jack Thorne of Adolescence, which follows the emotional relationship between a priest and a nun.
Paapa has previously worked with Jack Thorne on another Channel 4 drama called Kiri, alongside Sarah Lancashire.
Why is Paapa Essiedu playing Snape?
Paapa has been cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation.
The character was famously played by Alan Rickman in the original film series, making it one of the most iconic roles in the franchise.
Following the announcement, the actor was met with both excitement and backlash online, including racist abuse directed at the casting.
He addressed the response in an interview, recalling the severity of the messages he received: “The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying they’ll come and kill me.”
Despite this, the actor said he remains focused on the role and determined not to be distracted by negativity. He also shared that he hopes younger audiences will see themselves represented in the wizarding world.
How old is Paapa Essiedu?
Paapa Essiedu is 35 years old.
He was born in London in 1990 and grew up in Walthamstow.
Where is Paapa Essiedu from?
Paapa Essiedu was born in Southwark, London, and raised in east London by his mother after his father returned to Ghana during his childhood.
Paapa Essiedu on losing his parents
His father, Tony, later died when Paapa was 14.
Six years later, while he was in his first year of drama school at 20, his mother died from breast cancer.
He has spoken openly about losing both of his parents at a young age and how it shaped his outlook on life and work.
Speaking to The Guardian, the actor said: “I started going to therapy. Maybe only on the third attempt did it take hold for me. I still go every week, though not really to talk about my grief any more.
“When you lose people, you’re forced to fill in the gaps. When my mum died I was still coming into an understanding of what her experience was like. As a child you’re just like: ‘That’s my mum, that’s what my mum does.’ So I’ve filled in a lot of the context of her experience as a single mum, as a black woman, after the fact.”
Is Paapa Essiedu married?
Yes, Paapa Essiedu married actor and comedian Rosa Robson in 2023.
Rosa is known for appearing in series including Extraordinary, The Outlaws and Buffering.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. A devoted bookworm and TV fan, she’s always immersed in the latest shows or catching the newest films and theatre productions. When she’s not writing, Arabella enjoys cooking and exploring the outdoors with her dog.