8. Nikita Pearl Waligwa (Age 15)
Nikita Pearl Waligwa starred as Gloria in the film Queen of Katwe, directed by Mira Nair. Her performance as a young Ugandan chess prodigy earned international praise and highlighted her natural talent and resilience.
Nikita passed away at 15 from a brain tumor. After an initial diagnosis in 2016, she received treatment funded in part by the director, but the cancer returned. Her story of courage and the global support she received touched many hearts.
