Ellie CambridgeLes Steed 16 Feb 2020, 20:06Updated: 16 Feb 2020, 20:08
Tributes have been pouring in for the "talented soul", who "stunned the Disney Film World" and had "so much potential".
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| Nikita Pearl Walinga |
Nikita passed away on Saturday night after battling a brain tumour that was first diagnosed in the same year the smash hit film was released.
She starred in the 2016 Disney film about a chess prodigy, Phiona Mutesi, from a Ugandan slum.
The young actress played the part of Gloria, a pal of Mutesi, as they grew up in Katwe - the largest of Kampala's slums.
The film is based on the true story of a young girl who took up chess aged nine and went on to compete internationally.
Oscar-winning Lupita Nyong'o took on the role of Mutesi's mum, and David Oyelowo played her chess teacher.
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| Nikita Walinga stars with Lupita Nyongo |
The film was seen as a great opportunity for unknown young actors to star alongside Hollywood-elite's and showcase their talent, of which Nikita was a perfect example.
Nikita was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, and the director of the Disney film reportedly funded treatment for her in India as Ugandan doctors reportedly did not have the necessary equipment.
She had surgery and underwent radiotherapy to treat the tumour. more
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