Disney’s ‘Queen Of Katwe’ Star Nikita Pearl Waligwa Has Passed Away At 15 Of A Brain Tumor

TSR Take A Moment: Roommates, we’re saddened to report that one of the stars of Disney’s “Queen Of Katwe,” Nikita Pearl Waligwa, has reportedly passed away of a brain tumor, according to Deadline.

Nikita Pearl had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, according to Ugandan media. The movie was about a chess prodigy rising from a Ugandan slum and was based on the true story of chess player Phiona Mutesi. She began playing chess at age nine and went on to compete in international tournaments.

The movie starred Lupita Nyong’o as Phiona’s mother and David Oyelowo as her chess teacher while Nikita Pearl portrayed Gloria, a friend of Phiona who explained the rules of chess to her.

Nikita Pearl was initially diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, and her film family mobilized to get her treatment for the tumor in India.  She made a recovery in 2017, but the tumor returned last year. Our prayers are with Nikita’s family at this time.