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{{short description|British-Tanzanian actor}}
{{Short description|British-Tanzanian actor (born 1976)}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Peacock|date=September 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name = Lucian Msamati
|name = Lucian Msamati
|image = Lucian Msamati (2010) headshot.jpg
|image = Lucian Msamati (2010) headshot.jpg
|caption = Msamati in 2010
|caption = Msamati in 2010
|birth_name = Lucian Wiina Msamati
|birth_name = Lucian Gabriel Wiina Msamati
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|3|5|df=y}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|3|5|df=y}}
|birth_place = London, England
|birth_place = London, England
|death_date =
|death_date =
|death_place =
|death_place =
|othername = Wiina Msamati
|othername =
|occupation = Actor, playwright
|occupation = Actor, writer, director and producer
|yearsactive =
|years_active =
|spouse =
|spouse =
|children = 2
|domesticpartner =
|website =
|website =
|awards =
|awards =
}}
}}


'''Lucian Wiina Msamati''' (born 5 March 1976) is a British-Tanzanian actor. He received the majority of his formative education at Prince Edwards school in Harare, Zimbabwe. He played Salladhor Saan in [[HBO]] series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' and was the first black actor to play [[Iago]] at the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]]'s 2015 production of ''[[Othello]]''.
'''Lucian Gabriel Wiina Msamati''' (born 5 March 1976) is a British-Tanzanian actor, writer, director and producer in theatre, film, television and radio. His screen credits include the roles of Salladhor Saan in the [[HBO]] series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', J.L.B. Matekoni in the [[BBC]]/HBO adaptation of ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV series)|The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]'', David Runihura in the [[Netflix]]/BBC thriller ''[[ Black Earth Rising]]'' and Ed Dumani in the [[Sky Atlantic|Sky]]/[[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] series ''[[Gangs of London (TV series)|Gangs of London]]''.

Msamati's theatre credits include being the first black actor to play [[Iago]] in the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]]'s acclaimed 2015 production of ''[[Othello]]'', Toledo in the National Theatre's Olivier award-winning revival of August Wilson's ''[[ Ma Rainey's Black Bottom]]'' in 2016, Antonio Salieri in the National Theatre's Olivier-award winning revival of ''[[Amadeus (play)| Amadeus]]'' 2017–2018, Arturo Ui in Brecht's ''[[The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui]]'' at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2008 and Kevin/Albert in the multi-award winning ''[[ Clybourne Park]]'' by Bruce Norris at the Royal Court Theatre and The Wyndhams Theatre in the West End 2010–2011.

Msamati is a patron of Lewisham Youth Theatre, WildChild and The Actor's Children's Trust (ACT) and currently serves on the board of trustees at the Donmar Warehouse.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Msamati was born in [[London]] and brought up in [[Zimbabwe]] by his [[Tanzania]]n parents, a doctor and a nurse; he is the eldest of four siblings. His primary education began at Olympio Primary School in [[Dar-es-Salaam]], [[Tanzania]], and continued at Avondale Primary School in [[Harare]], Zimbabwe. After secondary education at [[Prince Edward School]] in Harare, he studied towards a BA honours degree in French and Portuguese at the [[University of Zimbabwe]] from 1995 to 1997.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|author=Edemariam, Aida|author-link=Aida Edemariam|url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,2267195,00.html|title=And now for the good news... |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=21 March 2008|accessdate=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Wiina">{{cite web|title=biographies: wiina lucian msamati|publisher=Over the Edge|url=http://www.topsa.co.za/ote/wiina.htm|accessdate=28 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="Guardian2015">{{cite news|title= Lucian Msamati: danger zone|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 January 2015|last=Gilbey|first=Ryan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/28/lucian-msamati-othello-game-of-thrones-interview
Msamati<ref name="Wiina"/> was born at [[St Thomas' Hospital]],<ref name="lt 16"/> London<ref name="Guardian2015"/> on 5 March 1976 and brought up in Zimbabwe by his Tanzanian parents, a doctor and a nurse.<ref name="Guardian" /> After secondary education at [[Prince Edward School]] in Harare, he studied towards a BA honours degree in French and Portuguese at the [[University of Zimbabwe]] from 1995 to 1997.<ref name="Wiina">{{cite web|title=Biographies: Wiina Lucian Msamati |publisher=Over the Edge Zimbabwe |url=http://www.topsa.co.za/ote/wiina.htm|access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|author=Edemariam, Aida|author-link=Aida Edemariam|url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,,2267195,00.html|title=And now for the good news... |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=21 March 2008|access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Guardian2015">{{cite news|title= Lucian Msamati: danger zone|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=28 January 2015|last=Gilbey|first=Ryan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/28/lucian-msamati-othello-game-of-thrones-interview|access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref>
|accessdate=27 February 2015}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
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After university, he took a day-job as an advertising [[copywriter]] and freelance radio presenter. He also worked as a voice-over artist, [[compere (host)|compere]] and after-dinner speaker.
After university, he took a day-job as an advertising [[copywriter]] and freelance radio presenter. He also worked as a voice-over artist, [[compere (host)|compere]] and after-dinner speaker.


In 1994, Msamati and school friends Shaheen Jassat (deceased), Craig and Gavin Peter, Kevin Hanssen, Roy Chizivano, Sarah Norman founded what would become Zimbabwe's acclaimed [[Over the Edge (Zimbabwe)|Over the Edge Theatre Company]]<ref name="BBC">{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/13/ladies_msamati.shtml|title=The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Lucian Msamati plays JLB Matekoni|publisher=[[BBC]] Press Office |date=13 March 2008|accessdate=26 July 2020}}</ref> in [[Harare]], later joined by Erica Glyn-Jones, Zane E. Lucas, [[Chipo Chung]], Karin Alexander, Rob Hollands and Michael Pearce. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2004, having flown the Zimbabwe flag across Europe, the United States and [[South Africa]]. The last few years have seen individual members pursuing other interests. Though not officially disbanded, there are no immediate plans of an Over the Edge reunion. From 1998 to 2001, the company performed at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]] in Edinburgh, [[Scotland]]; some plays were written by Msamati.<ref name="Guardian"/>
In 1994, Msamati and school friends Shaheen Jassat (deceased), Craig and Gavin Peter, Kevin Hanssen, Roy Chizivano, Sarah Norman founded what would become Zimbabwe's acclaimed [[Over the Edge (Zimbabwe)|Over the Edge Theatre Company]]<ref name="BBC">{{cite press release|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/13/ladies_msamati.shtml|title=The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Lucian Msamati plays JLB Matekoni|publisher=[[BBC]] Press Office |date=13 March 2008|access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> in [[Harare]], later joined by Erica Glyn-Jones, Zane E. Lucas, [[Chipo Chung]], Karin Alexander, and Michael Pearce. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2004, having flown the Zimbabwe flag across Europe, the United States and [[South Africa]]. The last few years have seen individual members pursuing other interests. Though not officially disbanded, there are no immediate plans of an Over the Edge reunion. From 1998 to 2001, the company performed at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]] in Edinburgh, [[Scotland]]; some plays were written by Msamati.<ref name="Guardian"/>


In November 2010, Msamati was appointed the Artistic Director of British-African theatre company [[Tiata Fahodzi]],<ref name="Guardian2015"/> until being succeeded in 2014 by [[Natalie Ibu]].<ref name=Stage2014>
In November 2010, Msamati was appointed the artistic director of British-African theatre company [[Tiata Fahodzi]],<ref name="Guardian2015"/> until being succeeded in 2014 by [[Natalie Ibu]].<ref name=Stage2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2014/tiata-fahodzi-names-new-artistic-director/|title=Tiata Fahodzi names new artistic director|date=12 November 2014|last=Hutchison|first=David|work=[[The Stage]]|access-date=27 February 2015}}</ref> He has continued to work with Tiata Fahodzi, directing ''Boi Boi is Dead'' in February–March 2015.<ref name="Guardian2015"/>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2014/tiata-fahodzi-names-new-artistic-director/
|title=Tiata Fahodzi names new artistic director
|date=12 November 2014
|last=Hutchison
|first=David
|work=[[The Stage]]
|accessdate=27 February 2015
}}</ref>
He has continued to work with Tiata Fahodzi, directing ''Boi Boi is Dead'' in February–March 2015.<ref name="Guardian2015"/>


In the spring of 2015, Msamati became the first black actor ever to play [[Iago]] in a [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] production of ''[[Othello]]'' (with [[Hugh Quarshie]] in the title role).<ref name="Guardian2015"/><ref>Shenton, Mark (12 February 2016), [https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/lucian-msamati-some-people-still-see-the-colour-not-the-actor/ "Lucian Msamati: ‘Some people still see the colour, not the actor’"]. ''The Stage''. Retrieved 23 July 2020.</ref>
In the spring of 2015, Msamati became the first black actor ever to play [[Iago]] in a [[Royal Shakespeare Company]] production of ''[[Othello]]'' (with [[Hugh Quarshie]] in the title role).<ref name="Guardian2015"/><ref>Shenton, Mark (12 February 2016), [https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/lucian-msamati-some-people-still-see-the-colour-not-the-actor/ "Lucian Msamati: 'Some people still see the colour, not the actor'"]. ''The Stage''. Retrieved 23 July 2020.</ref>


From October 2016 to March 2017 and from February to 24 April 2018, he performed in the leading role of [[Antonio Salieri]] in [[Peter Shaffer]]'s play ''[[Amadeus (play)|Amadeus]]'' at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], a performance which [[Michael Billington (critic)|Michael Billington]], in a four-starred review for ''[[The Guardian]]'', described as "excellent".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/oct/27/amadeus-review-national-michael-longhurst-lucian-msamati-salieri|title=''Amadeus'' review – stunning production pits Salieri against God, Mozart and his own orchestra|last=Billington|first=Michael|author-link=Michael Billington (critic)|date=27 October 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/amadeus|title=''Amadeus'' 2018|publisher = [[Royal National Theatre]]|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
From October 2016 to March 2017 and from February to 24 April 2018, he performed in the leading role of [[Antonio Salieri]] in [[Peter Shaffer]]'s play ''[[Amadeus (play)|Amadeus]]'' at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], a performance which [[Michael Billington (critic)|Michael Billington]], in a four-starred review for ''[[The Guardian]]'', described as "excellent".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/oct/27/amadeus-review-national-michael-longhurst-lucian-msamati-salieri|title=''Amadeus'' review – stunning production pits Salieri against God, Mozart and his own orchestra|last=Billington|first=Michael|author-link=Michael Billington (critic)|date=27 October 2016|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/amadeus|title=''Amadeus'' 2018|date=23 January 2017 |publisher=[[Royal National Theatre]]|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>


In 2019 he starred as Sam in ''[["Master Harold"...and the Boys|Master Harold and the Boys]]'' at the [[Royal National Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|title="Master Harold"...and the Boys|url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/master-harold-and-the-boys |publisher = [[Royal National Theatre]]|date = 2019|accessdate= 24 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/master-harold-boys-review-nationals-lyttelton-theatre-spellbinding/|title='Master Harold… and the Boys, National’s Lyttelton Theatre, review: a spellbinding affirmation of the need for humanity at the bleakest moments |work = [[The Daily Telegraph]]| author= Cavendish, Dominic| date = 2 October 2019|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
In 2019, he starred as Sam in ''[["Master Harold"...and the Boys|Master Harold and the Boys]]'' at the [[Royal National Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|title="Master Harold"...and the Boys|url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/master-harold-and-the-boys |publisher=[[Royal National Theatre]]|year=2019|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/master-harold-boys-review-nationals-lyttelton-theatre-spellbinding/|title='Master Harold… and the Boys, National's Lyttelton Theatre, review: a spellbinding affirmation of the need for humanity at the bleakest moments |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |author=Cavendish, Dominic |date=2 October 2019|access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>


Msamati has appeared in several other theatrical productions in London, UK, including:
Msamati has appeared in several other theatrical productions in London, UK, including:
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*''[[The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui]]'', [[Lyric Hammersmith]]<ref name="Guardian"/>
*''[[The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui]]'', [[Lyric Hammersmith]]<ref name="Guardian"/>
*''[[Walk Hard (play)|Walk Hard]]'', Tricycle Theatre<ref name="BBC"/>
*''[[Walk Hard (play)|Walk Hard]]'', Tricycle Theatre<ref name="BBC"/>
*''[[Death and the King's Horseman]]'', Royal National Theatre<ref name="Coveney 2009">{{Cite news |last=Coveney |first=Michael |date=13 April 2009 |title=Death and the King's Horseman, National Theatre, London |work=[[The Independent]] |author-link = Michael Coveney|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/death-and-the-kings-horseman-national-theatre-london-1667710.html |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
*''[[Death and the King's Horseman]]'', Royal National Theatre<ref name="Coveney 2009">{{Cite news |last=Coveney |first=Michael |date=13 April 2009 |title=Death and the King's Horseman, National Theatre, London |work=[[The Independent]] |author-link=Michael Coveney|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/death-and-the-kings-horseman-national-theatre-london-1667710.html |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
*''[[Ruined (play)|Ruined]]'', Almeida Theatre<ref name="Ruined">{{Cite news |last=Billington |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Billington (critic) |date=23 April 2010 |title=Ruined |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2010/apr/23/ruined-michael-billington |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
*''[[Ruined (play)|Ruined]]'', Almeida Theatre<ref name="Ruined">{{Cite news |last=Billington |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Billington (critic) |date=23 April 2010 |title=Ruined |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2010/apr/23/ruined-michael-billington |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
*''[[Clybourne Park]]'', [[Royal Court Theatre]]<ref name="Sierz 2010">{{Cite news |last= Sierz |first=Aleks |author-link= Aleks Sierz|date=2 September 2010 |title= Clybourne Park, Royal Court Theatre |work=[[The Arts Desk]] |url=https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/clybourne-park-royal-court-theatre |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
*''[[Clybourne Park]]'', [[Royal Court Theatre]]<ref name="Sierz 2010">{{Cite news |last= Sierz |first=Aleks |author-link= Aleks Sierz|date=2 September 2010 |title= Clybourne Park, Royal Court Theatre |work=[[The Arts Desk]] |url=https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/clybourne-park-royal-court-theatre |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
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===Television===
===Television===
He has also appeared in several television productions, including episodes of the television series ''[[Ultimate Force]]'' and ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]''. In 2008, he took on his most prominent role, playing JLB Matekoni in the [[BBC]]/[[HBO]]-produced series ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV series)|The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]''.<ref name="Ladies' Detective Agency">{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/12_december/04/detective.shtml|title=Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis collaborate for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency|accessdate=24 July 2020|publisher=[[BBC]] Press Office|year=2007}}</ref> He has guest starred in episodes of the BBC television series ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'', ''[[Ashes to Ashes (British TV series)|Ashes to Ashes]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'', ''[[Taboo (2017 TV series)|Taboo]],'' and ''[[Death in Paradise (TV series)|Death in Paradise]]'', as well as playing the part of the pirate Salladhor Saan in the HBO series ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title='Game of Thrones': Trio Join Sprawling Season 2 Cast|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-trio-join-sprawling-228360|first=Lesley |last=Goldberg|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=26 August 2011|accessdate=27 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Durrant">{{Cite news |last=Durrant |first=Nancy |date=24 September 2019 |title=Lucian Msamati on Game of Thrones and returning to the National Theatre |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lucian-msamati-on-game-of-thrones-and-returning-to-the-national-theatre-xhkvc9cb9 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
He has also appeared in several television productions, including episodes of the television series ''[[Ultimate Force]]'' and ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]''. In 2008, he took on his most prominent role, playing JLB Matekoni in the [[BBC]]/[[HBO]]-produced series ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (TV series)|The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]''.<ref name="Ladies' Detective Agency">{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/12_december/04/detective.shtml|title=Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis collaborate for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency|access-date=24 July 2020|publisher=[[BBC]] Press Office|year=2007}}</ref> He has guest starred in episodes of the BBC television series ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'', ''[[Ashes to Ashes (British TV series)|Ashes to Ashes]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'', ''[[Taboo (2017 TV series)|Taboo]],'' and ''[[Death in Paradise (TV series)|Death in Paradise]]'', as well as playing the part of the pirate Salladhor Saan in the HBO series ''[[Game of Thrones]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title='Game of Thrones': Trio Join Sprawling Season 2 Cast|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-trio-join-sprawling-228360|first=Lesley |last=Goldberg|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=26 August 2011|access-date=27 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Durrant">{{Cite news |last=Durrant |first=Nancy |date=24 September 2019 |title=Lucian Msamati on Game of Thrones and returning to the National Theatre |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/lucian-msamati-on-game-of-thrones-and-returning-to-the-national-theatre-xhkvc9cb9 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>
He recently appeared as [[Lord Faa]] in ''[[His Dark Materials (TV series)|His Dark Materials]]'' on [[BBC One]]. In 2020 Msamati appeared as Ed Dumani in [[Sky Atlantic]]’s ''[[Gangs of London (TV series)|Gangs of London]]''<ref name="Ritman">{{Cite news |last=Ritman |first=Alex |date=5 December 2018 |title='Gangs of London' Cinemax Series Sets Cast |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gareth-evans-gangs-london-star-joe-cole-sope-dirisu-1166564 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> and in an episode of the BBC's production of [[Alan Bennett]]'s ''[[Talking Heads (series)|Talking Heads]]''.<ref name="Bennett BBC">{{Cite press release |date=2020 |title=Alan Bennett's Talking Heads |work=[[BBC]] Media Centre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2020/26/alan-bennetts-talking-heads-ep5 |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>
He recently appeared as [[Lord Faa]] in ''[[His Dark Materials (TV series)|His Dark Materials]]'' on [[BBC One]]. In 2020 Msamati appeared as Ed Dumani in [[Sky Atlantic]]'s ''[[Gangs of London (TV series)|Gangs of London]]''<ref name="Ritman">{{Cite news |last=Ritman |first=Alex |date=5 December 2018 |title='Gangs of London' Cinemax Series Sets Cast |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gareth-evans-gangs-london-star-joe-cole-sope-dirisu-1166564 |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> and in an episode of the BBC's production of [[Alan Bennett]]'s ''[[Talking Heads (series)|Talking Heads]]''.<ref name="Bennett BBC">{{Cite press release |year=2020 |title=Alan Bennett's Talking Heads |work=[[BBC]] Media Centre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2020/26/alan-bennetts-talking-heads-ep5 |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>


===Film===
===Film===
Msamati appeared in the film ''[[The International (2009 film)|The International]]'' (2009). Other film credits include ''[[Lumumba (film)|Lumumba]]'' (1999), directed by [[Raoul Peck]]; the animated feature ''[[The Legend of the Sky Kingdom]]'' (2003), directed by [[Roger Hawkins (film director)|Roger Hawkins]] and ''[[Richard II (2012 film)|Richard II]]'', directed by [[Rupert Goold]].<ref name="Spotlight">{{cite web|date=|url=http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/M86852|title=Lucian Msamati|website=[[Spotlight (company)|Spotlight]]|accessdate=26 July 2020}}</ref>
Msamati appeared in the film ''[[The International (2009 film)|The International]]'' (2009). Other film credits include ''[[Lumumba (film)|Lumumba]]'' (1999), directed by [[Raoul Peck]]; the animated feature ''[[The Legend of the Sky Kingdom]]'' (2003), directed by [[Roger Hawkins (film director)|Roger Hawkins]] and ''[[Richard II (2012 film)|Richard II]]'', directed by [[Rupert Goold]].<ref name="Spotlight">{{cite web|date=|url=http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/M86852|title=Lucian Msamati|website=[[Spotlight (company)|Spotlight]]|access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>


===Radio===
===Radio===
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Msamati permanently moved to the UK in 2003,<ref name="Guardian"/> and now resides in London.<ref name="Spotlight"/>
Msamati permanently moved to the UK in 2003,<ref name="Guardian"/> and now resides in London.<ref name="Spotlight"/> He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.<ref name="lt 16">{{Cite web|url=https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/interviews/lucian-msamati|title=Lucian Msamati|website=London Theatre|date=8 June 2016}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==

⚫
===Film===
⚫
{| class="wikitable sortable"
⚫
|-
⚫
! Year
⚫
! Title
⚫
! Role
⚫
! class="unsortable" | Notes
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2003 || ''[[The Legend of the Sky Kingdom]]'' || Italiano (voice)|| Credited as Wina Msamati
⚫
|-
| 2009 || ''[[The International (2009 film)|The International]]'' || General Charles Motomba ||
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2016 || ''Seekers'' || Yusuf || Short film
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2019 || ''[[The Good Liar]]'' || Beni ||
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2020 || ''Zog and the Flying Doctors'' || The Lion (voice) || Short film<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000qq5j|title=Zog and the Flying Doctors|publisher=[[BBC One]]|date=1 January 2021|access-date=23 January 2021}}</ref>
|-
| 2022 || ''[[See How They Run (2022 film)|See How They Run]]'' || [[Max Mallowan]] ||
|-
| {{TableTBA}} || ''[[Conclave (film)|Conclave]]'' || Cardinal Adeyemi || Filming
|}

===Television===
===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 89: Line 107:
! class="unsortable" | Notes
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1997 || ''[[The Knock]]'' || Doctor || Series 3, Episode 2<br />Credited as Wina Msamati
| 1997 || ''[[The Knock]]'' || Doctor || Series 3, episode 2<br />Credited as Wina Msamati
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Ultimate Force]]'' || Blessed || Episode: "Never Go Back"
| 2005 || ''[[Ultimate Force]]'' || Blessed || Episode: "Never Go Back"
Line 95: Line 113:
| 2006 || ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]'' || Manu Buffong || [[Spooks (series 5)|Series 5, episode 4]]<br />Uncredited
| 2006 || ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]'' || Manu Buffong || [[Spooks (series 5)|Series 5, episode 4]]<br />Uncredited
|-
|-
| 2008–2009 || ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]'' || JLB Matekoni || Seven episodes
| 2008–2009 || ''[[The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency]]'' || JLB Matekoni || 7 episodes
|-
|-
| 2009 || ''10 Minute Tales'' || Flirty Orderly ||
| 2009 || ''10 Minute Tales'' || Flirty Orderly ||
|-
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Doctor Who]]'' || Guido || Episode: "The Vampires of Venice"
| rowspan="2"|2010 || ''[[Doctor Who]]'' || Guido || Episode: "[[The Vampires of Venice]]"
|-
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Ashes to Ashes (British TV series)|Ashes to Ashes]]'' || Tobias Ndbele || Series 3, Episode 7
| ''[[Ashes to Ashes (British TV series)|Ashes to Ashes]]'' || Tobias Ndbele || Series 3, episode 7
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[The Hollow Crown (TV series)|The Hollow Crown]]'' || [[Bishop of Carlisle]] || Episode: ''[[Richard II (play)|Richard II]]''
| 2012 || ''[[The Hollow Crown (TV series)|The Hollow Crown]]'' || [[Bishop of Carlisle]] || Episode: ''[[Richard II (play)|Richard II]]''
|-
|-
| 2012–2014 || ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' || Salladhor Saan || 3 episodes
| 2013 || ''[[Death in Paradise (TV series)|Death in Paradise]]'' || Dr Johnson || Episode: "Murder on the Plantation"
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' || Joseph Segunle || Episode: "Thicker Than Water"
| rowspan="4"|2013 || ''[[Death in Paradise (TV series)|Death in Paradise]]'' || Dr Johnson || Episode: "Murder on the Plantation"
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Holby City]]'' || Dumisani Themba || Episode: "Ask Me No Questions"
| ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' || Joseph Segunle || Episode: "Thicker Than Water"
|-
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'' || Ken Barnaby || Two episodes
| ''[[Holby City]]'' || Dumisani Themba || Episode: "Ask Me No Questions"
|-
|-
| 2012–2014 || ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' || Salladhor Saan || Three episodes
| ''[[Luther (TV series)|Luther]]'' || Ken Barnaby || 2 episodes
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Inspector George Gently]]'' || Ellison || Episode: "Son of a Gun"
| rowspan="2"|2015 || ''[[Inspector George Gently]]'' || Ellison || Episode: "Son of a Gun"
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Urban Myths]]'' || Herbert Muhammed || Episode: "The Greatest. Of All Time."
| ''[[Urban Myths]]'' || Herbert Muhammed || Episode: "The Greatest. Of All Time."
|-
|-
| 2017 || ''[[Taboo (2017 TV series)|Taboo]]'' || George Chichester ||
| rowspan="2"|2017 || ''[[Taboo (2017 TV series)|Taboo]]'' || George Chichester ||
|-
|-
| 2017 || ''[[Electric Dreams (2017 TV series)|Electric Dreams]]'' || The Director || Episode: "Crazy Diamond"
| ''[[Electric Dreams (2017 TV series)|Electric Dreams]]'' || The Director || Episode: "Crazy Diamond"
|-
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Kiri (TV series)|Kiri]]'' || Tobi Akindele || Miniseries
| rowspan="2"|2018 || ''[[Kiri (TV series)|Kiri]]'' || Tobi Akindele || Miniseries
|-
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Black Earth Rising]]'' || David Runihura ||
| ''[[Black Earth Rising]]'' || David Runihura ||
|-
|-
| 2019 || ''[[His Dark Materials (TV series)|His Dark Materials]]'' || John Faa || TV series
| 2019 || ''[[His Dark Materials (TV series)|His Dark Materials]]'' || John Faa || TV series
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2020 || ''[[Gangs of London (TV series)|Gangs of London]]'' || Ed Dumani || TV series
|-
|-
| 2020 || ''[[Talking Heads (series)|Talking Heads]]'' || Wilfred Paterson || Episode: "Playing Sandwiches"
| 2020 || ''[[Talking Heads (series)|Talking Heads]]'' || Wilfred Paterson || Episode: "Playing Sandwiches"
⚫
|}

⚫
===Film===
⚫
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
⚫
| 2020–2022 || ''[[Gangs of London (TV series)|Gangs of London]]'' || Ed Dumani || TV series
⚫
! Year
⚫
! Title
⚫
! Role
⚫
! class="unsortable" | Notes
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2003 || ''[[The Legend of the Sky Kingdom]]'' || Italiano (voice)|| Credited as Wina Msamati
|-
|-
| 2009 || ''[[The International (2009 film)|The International]]'' || General Charles Motomba ||
| 2023 || ''[[Best Interests (British TV series)|Best Interests]]'' || Derek || Miniseries
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2016 || ''Seekers'' || Yusuf || Short film
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2019 || ''[[The Good Liar]]'' || Beni || N/A
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2020 || ''Zog and the Flying Doctors'' || The Lion (voice) || Short film<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000qq5j|title=Zog and the Flying Doctors|publisher=[[BBC One]]|date=1 January 2021|access-date = 23 January 2021}}</ref>
|}
|}


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== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{IMDb name|1748634|Lucian Msamati}}
*{{IMDb name|1748634|Lucian Msamati}}

{{RTS Programme Award for Best Performance by a Male Actor}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:21st-century Zimbabwean male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Zimbabwean male actors]]
[[Category:Actors from Harare]]
[[Category:Actors from Harare]]
[[Category:Actors from the London Borough of Lambeth]]
[[Category:Alumni of Prince Edward School]]
[[Category:Alumni of Prince Edward School]]
⚫
[[Category:Black British male actors]]
[[Category:British male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:British male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:British male film actors]]
[[Category:British male film actors]]
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[[Category:British male television actors]]
[[Category:British male television actors]]
[[Category:British male voice actors]]
[[Category:British male voice actors]]
[[Category:English male Shakespearean actors]]
[[Category:English people of Tanzanian descent]]
[[Category:English people of Tanzanian descent]]
[[Category:Male actors from London]]
[[Category:Male actors from London]]
⚫
[[Category:Shakespearean actors]]
[[Category:University of Zimbabwe alumni]]
[[Category:University of Zimbabwe alumni]]
[[Category:Zimbabwean dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Zimbabwean dramatists and playwrights]]

Latest revision as of 18:40, 1 July 2024

Lucian Msamati
Msamati in 2010
Born
Lucian Gabriel Wiina Msamati

(1976-03-05) 5 March 1976 (age 48)
London, England
Occupation(s)Actor, writer, director and producer
Children2

Lucian Gabriel Wiina Msamati (born 5 March 1976) is a British-Tanzanian actor, writer, director and producer in theatre, film, television and radio. His screen credits include the roles of Salladhor Saan in the HBO series Game of Thrones, J.L.B. Matekoni in the BBC/HBO adaptation of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, David Runihura in the Netflix/BBC thriller Black Earth Rising and Ed Dumani in the Sky/AMC series Gangs of London.

Msamati's theatre credits include being the first black actor to play Iago in the Royal Shakespeare Company's acclaimed 2015 production of Othello, Toledo in the National Theatre's Olivier award-winning revival of August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in 2016, Antonio Salieri in the National Theatre's Olivier-award winning revival of Amadeus 2017–2018, Arturo Ui in Brecht's The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2008 and Kevin/Albert in the multi-award winning Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris at the Royal Court Theatre and The Wyndhams Theatre in the West End 2010–2011.

Msamati is a patron of Lewisham Youth Theatre, WildChild and The Actor's Children's Trust (ACT) and currently serves on the board of trustees at the Donmar Warehouse.

Early life and education[edit]

Msamati[1] was born at St Thomas' Hospital,[2] London[3] on 5 March 1976 and brought up in Zimbabwe by his Tanzanian parents, a doctor and a nurse.[4] After secondary education at Prince Edward School in Harare, he studied towards a BA honours degree in French and Portuguese at the University of Zimbabwe from 1995 to 1997.[1][4][3]

Career[edit]

Theatre[edit]

Msamati (left) and Lenny Henry in the Royal National Theatre production of The Comedy of Errors in 2011

After university, he took a day-job as an advertising copywriter and freelance radio presenter. He also worked as a voice-over artist, compere and after-dinner speaker.

In 1994, Msamati and school friends Shaheen Jassat (deceased), Craig and Gavin Peter, Kevin Hanssen, Roy Chizivano, Sarah Norman founded what would become Zimbabwe's acclaimed Over the Edge Theatre Company[5] in Harare, later joined by Erica Glyn-Jones, Zane E. Lucas, Chipo Chung, Karin Alexander, and Michael Pearce. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2004, having flown the Zimbabwe flag across Europe, the United States and South Africa. The last few years have seen individual members pursuing other interests. Though not officially disbanded, there are no immediate plans of an Over the Edge reunion. From 1998 to 2001, the company performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland; some plays were written by Msamati.[4]

In November 2010, Msamati was appointed the artistic director of British-African theatre company Tiata Fahodzi,[3] until being succeeded in 2014 by Natalie Ibu.[6] He has continued to work with Tiata Fahodzi, directing Boi Boi is Dead in February–March 2015.[3]

In the spring of 2015, Msamati became the first black actor ever to play Iago in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Othello (with Hugh Quarshie in the title role).[3][7]

From October 2016 to March 2017 and from February to 24 April 2018, he performed in the leading role of Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer's play Amadeus at the National Theatre, a performance which Michael Billington, in a four-starred review for The Guardian, described as "excellent".[8][9]

In 2019, he starred as Sam in Master Harold and the Boys at the Royal National Theatre.[10][11]

Msamati has appeared in several other theatrical productions in London, UK, including:

Television[edit]

He has also appeared in several television productions, including episodes of the television series Ultimate Force and Spooks. In 2008, he took on his most prominent role, playing JLB Matekoni in the BBC/HBO-produced series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.[15] He has guest starred in episodes of the BBC television series Luther, Ashes to Ashes, Doctor Who, Taboo, and Death in Paradise, as well as playing the part of the pirate Salladhor Saan in the HBO series Game of Thrones.[16][17] He recently appeared as Lord Faa in His Dark Materials on BBC One. In 2020 Msamati appeared as Ed Dumani in Sky Atlantic's Gangs of London[18] and in an episode of the BBC's production of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads.[19]

Film[edit]

Msamati appeared in the film The International (2009). Other film credits include Lumumba (1999), directed by Raoul Peck; the animated feature The Legend of the Sky Kingdom (2003), directed by Roger Hawkins and Richard II, directed by Rupert Goold.[20]

Radio[edit]

Msamati appeared as Matthew in the BBC Radio 4 drama Burned to Nothing (2011) by Rex Obano.[21]

Personal life[edit]

Msamati permanently moved to the UK in 2003,[4] and now resides in London.[20] He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.[2]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2003 The Legend of the Sky Kingdom Italiano (voice) Credited as Wina Msamati
2009 The International General Charles Motomba
2016 Seekers Yusuf Short film
2019 The Good Liar Beni
2020 Zog and the Flying Doctors The Lion (voice) Short film[22]
2022 See How They Run Max Mallowan
TBA Conclave Cardinal Adeyemi Filming

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1997 The Knock Doctor Series 3, episode 2
Credited as Wina Msamati
2005 Ultimate Force Blessed Episode: "Never Go Back"
2006 Spooks Manu Buffong Series 5, episode 4
Uncredited
2008–2009 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency JLB Matekoni 7 episodes
2009 10 Minute Tales Flirty Orderly
2010 Doctor Who Guido Episode: "The Vampires of Venice"
Ashes to Ashes Tobias Ndbele Series 3, episode 7
2012 The Hollow Crown Bishop of Carlisle Episode: Richard II
2012–2014 Game of Thrones Salladhor Saan 3 episodes
2013 Death in Paradise Dr Johnson Episode: "Murder on the Plantation"
Doctors Joseph Segunle Episode: "Thicker Than Water"
Holby City Dumisani Themba Episode: "Ask Me No Questions"
Luther Ken Barnaby 2 episodes
2015 Inspector George Gently Ellison Episode: "Son of a Gun"
Urban Myths Herbert Muhammed Episode: "The Greatest. Of All Time."
2017 Taboo George Chichester
Electric Dreams The Director Episode: "Crazy Diamond"
2018 Kiri Tobi Akindele Miniseries
Black Earth Rising David Runihura
2019 His Dark Materials John Faa TV series
2020 Talking Heads Wilfred Paterson Episode: "Playing Sandwiches"
2020–2022 Gangs of London Ed Dumani TV series
2023 Best Interests Derek Miniseries

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Biographies: Wiina Lucian Msamati". Over the Edge Zimbabwe. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Lucian Msamati". London Theatre. 8 June 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e Gilbey, Ryan (28 January 2015). "Lucian Msamati: danger zone". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Edemariam, Aida (21 March 2008). "And now for the good news..." The Guardian. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Lucian Msamati plays JLB Matekoni" (Press release). BBC Press Office. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  6. ^ Hutchison, David (12 November 2014). "Tiata Fahodzi names new artistic director". The Stage. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  7. ^ Shenton, Mark (12 February 2016), "Lucian Msamati: 'Some people still see the colour, not the actor'". The Stage. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  8. ^ Billington, Michael (27 October 2016). "Amadeus review – stunning production pits Salieri against God, Mozart and his own orchestra". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
  9. ^ "Amadeus 2018". Royal National Theatre. 23 January 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  10. ^ ""Master Harold"...and the Boys". Royal National Theatre. 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  11. ^ Cavendish, Dominic (2 October 2019). "'Master Harold… and the Boys, National's Lyttelton Theatre, review: a spellbinding affirmation of the need for humanity at the bleakest moments". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  12. ^ Coveney, Michael (13 April 2009). "Death and the King's Horseman, National Theatre, London". The Independent. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  13. ^ Billington, Michael (23 April 2010). "Ruined". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  14. ^ Sierz, Aleks (2 September 2010). "Clybourne Park, Royal Court Theatre". The Arts Desk. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  15. ^ "Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis collaborate for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" (Press release). BBC Press Office. 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  16. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (26 August 2011). "'Game of Thrones': Trio Join Sprawling Season 2 Cast". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  17. ^ Durrant, Nancy (24 September 2019). "Lucian Msamati on Game of Thrones and returning to the National Theatre". The Times. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  18. ^ Ritman, Alex (5 December 2018). "'Gangs of London' Cinemax Series Sets Cast". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  19. ^ "Alan Bennett's Talking Heads". BBC Media Centre (Press release). 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Lucian Msamati". Spotlight. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  21. ^ "Burned to Nothing, Afternoon Drama – BBC Radio 4". BBC.
  22. ^ "Zog and the Flying Doctors". BBC One. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.

External links[edit]

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