This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
Kenyan Actress Featured in U.S. Christmas Film ¶
January 3, 2020
Grace Wacuka Njoroge, a 26-year-old Kenyan actress, has made it big in the US film industry. She recently featured in a film titled A New Christmas, produced in the United States.
Despite facing numerous challenges in her childhood, Grace never lost hope in pursuing her dreams. At the age of 14, she started acting in various Nairobi theatres for free, but 12 years later, she is living her dream and following the path to stardom.
Grace's childhood was not a smooth one, especially after she lost her father to alcoholism at the age of 10, leaving her mother as the sole breadwinner. She had to figure out how to afford her secondary school fees while her mother struggled to make ends meet.
"As a family, we have always struggled especially after my dad died. I was raised by a single mother and while in secondary school, I had to figure out how to afford my fees," Grace said in an interview with NTV.
However, when Lupita Nyong'o made it big in Hollywood, Grace's mother decided to support her dream. Lupita's success validated Grace's aspirations, and she eventually pursued a career in acting and music.
Grace advised parents to support their children's dreams, even if it's in the arts. "Parents should support their children. African households look down on arts, which is a big mistake. Most parents squash the dreams of their children," she said.
Grace has undergone extensive training in the arts sector, which involves acting and music from various institutions, including the American Theatre Wing, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Centre, Smith College, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
She plans to release a song every month, starting with a hip-hop song titled "Drift," which is an invitation for people to join her in her journey.
