Malachi Kirby

Malachi Kirby is a British actor and writer. He gained prominence through his roles in the 2016 Roots remake and the Black Mirror episode "Men Against Fire". He won a BAFTA for his performance in Small Axe: Mangrove (2020). Early life Kirby grew up an only child on the Patmore Estate in Battersea. His father died when he was 6. His parents were born in London where his grandparents had arrived from Jamaica. The cast of Roots were invited to take DNA tests, and Kirby's results came up as mostly West African with some South Asian and a small amount European. He stated he hopes to do more specific research. Kirby attended Southfields Academy. Originally into literature, he discovered acting in year nine through a course at the Battersea Arts Centre. He studied at Richmond upon Thames College and was admitted to Identity School of Acting in 2007. Career Kirby began his career in theatre, and describes himself as a theatre actor "at heart". He was shortlisted for Outstanding Newcomer at the 2011 Evening Standard Theatre Awards after appearing in a production of Mogadishu. He also appeared in a number of television shows and films, including a stint on EastEnders and the lead in the television film My Murder. He was named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow in 2013.