Nikita Pearl Waligwa, a rising star in Hollywood best known for her role in the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe, died on Sunday.
She was 15 years old.
Waligwa was initially diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, as her those who worked with her on this movie mobilized to get her treatment in India.
She made a recovery in 2017, but the tumor returned last year.
Not many details are available at this time, and we wish to respect Waligwa’s privacy, but the actress’ high school took to Twitter this morning to share their condolences and heartbreak over the news of her passing.
“Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa,” the Gayaza High School wrote.
“You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear.”
Queen of Katwe was a biographical film that was inspired by the true story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), which chronicled the chess prodigy… who rose from the Ugandan slum and went on to compete in international tournaments
It starred Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as her mother and David Oyelowo as her chess teacher.
Waligwa portrayed Gloria in the movie, a friend of Phiona who explained the rules of chess to her.
On Sunday, David took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late young star.
“We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa. She was a ball of light in @queenofkatwemovie and in life,” the veteran actor wrote, adding:
“Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness.”
He closed his post as follows:
“Her light will live on.”
The post, as you can above, also included a photo of Waligwa in character, holding up two chess pieces.
A quote from her character was also in the image, reading:
“In chess, the small one can become the big one.”
May Nikita Pearl Waligwa rest in peace.