John Boyega
A charismatic actor who broke barriers as a Black Stormtrooper in Star Wars and became a vocal advocate for diversity in Hollywood.
Born 1992 (age 34)·English actor·Birthday: March 17·Millennials
Biography
John Boyega played the charismatic leader Moses in the 2011 cult film 'Attack the Block' before J.J. Abrams cast him as Finn in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' He grew up in Peckham, South London, training at Theatre Peckham. The global franchise role made him a face of representation for a new generation. He followed with performances in 'Detroit' and 'The Woman King,' and produces through his company UpperRoom. In 2020, he delivered an impassioned speech at a London Black Lives Matter protest, using his platform to speak directly on social justice issues.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
John was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
John's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 for his role in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
- Received the Trophée Chopard at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for his emerging talent.
- Starred as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, beginning with 'The Force Awakens' in 2015.
- Produced and starred in the 2022 historical epic 'The Woman King,' showcasing African warrior history.
Did You Know?
He was part of the Identity School of Acting in London, founded by fellow actor Femi Oguns.
Before his big break, he had a small role in the 2011 film 'Junkhearts.'
He is a big fan of the video game franchise 'Call of Duty.'
He named his production company UpperRoom after a prayer room his father attended.
“I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing.”
