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Kingsley Ben-Adir

(1986)

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Facts of Kingsley Ben-Adir

Birth DateFebruary 28,1986
Full NameKingsley Ben-Adir
Birth NameKingsley Ben-Adir
OccupationActor
NationalityBritish
EthnicityAfro American
Birth CityBarnet, London
Birth CountryUK
Father OccupationMusician
Mother OccupationCaregiver
Gender IdentityMale
HoroscopePisces
Marital StatusSingle
Height171 cm
Weight58 kg
Networth1500000
EducationGraduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Awards2021 Winner Gotham Independent Film Award
FilmographySecret Invasion, Peaky Blinders, The OA

Kingsley Ben-Adir is a talented actor from Britain who recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the exciting series "Secret Invasion." This marks his first appearance in the MCU, where he portrays the character of Gravik. 

Ben-Adir, born on November 20, 1986, is a British actor hailing from Barnet, London, England. Standing at a height of 5 feet 7 and a half inches (171 cm), he has made a name for himself in the world of entertainment. His passion for acting and dedication to his craft has helped him excel in his career. 

Ben-Adir's Relationship Status

Kingsley Ben-Adir's relationship status is currently single, and he has no public records of previous relationships. He prefers to keep his love life private and remains tight-lipped about his romantic endeavors. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir is wearing a black jacket with a polo shirt.
Kingsley Ben-Adir in an interview with Collider (Source: Collider Interviews YouTube Channel)

Instead, Ben-Adir chooses to prioritize his career and put his focus on his professional pursuits. By dedicating his time and energy to honing his acting skills, he strives to deliver outstanding performances and make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. 

Ben-Adir's Net Worth Status

Kingsley Ben-Adir has accumulated net worth of $1.5 million through his successful acting career. His primary source of income is from his work in the entertainment industry. He has been a part of notable projects, including Marvel shows and the acclaimed series, "Peaky Blinders.

While Ben-Adir's exact salary remains undisclosed, it is evident that his talent and dedication have contributed to his financial success. With his growing popularity and consistent appearances in high-profile productions, his net worth is likely to continue increasing as he takes on more challenging and rewarding roles in the future.

Ben-Adir's Role In MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ben-Adir made his debut with the highly anticipated series "Secret Invasion," the show starring Samuel L. Jackson. He took on the role of Gravik, character with mysterious abilities and integral part of the thrilling storyline. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir has a serious look on his face as he is listening to someone talk.
Kingsley Ben-Adir in Secret Invasion (Source: IGN Movie Trailers YouTube Channel)

Ben-Adir's portrayal of Gravik captivated audiences, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess. Throughout the show, he appeared in three episodes, leaving lasting impact on his performance. As he continues to make his mark in the MCU, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects.

Who Is Gravik?

Gravik is a character in the Marvel Universe who plays a significant role in the "Secret Invasion" storyline. He is a Skrull General and the leader of the radical Skrull Resistance. His ultimate objective is to covertly invade Earth and transform it into a new homeland for the Skrulls. 

In his past, Gravik faced tragedy when his parents were killed, leading him to pilot a ship alone to escape the Kree, another alien race. His traumatic experiences and deep-seated beliefs fuel his unwavering commitment to the mission of making Earth the new Skrull home. 

Gravik holds a strong disdain for the human race, viewing them as inferior to dogs. He believes that dogs are more honest creatures, while humans are prone to deception as mentioned in an article from Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki. Driven by these convictions, he is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals.

What Has Ben-Adir Done Besides Marvel?

Besides his involvement in the Marvel universe, Kingsley Ben-Adir has been active in the entertainment industry since 2012, building an impressive portfolio of work. One of his most popular roles was portraying Col Ben Younger in the widely acclaimed series "Peaky Blinders," where he captivated audiences with his compelling performance. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir is playing chess in the picture.
Kingsley Ben-Adir in Peaky Blinders (Source: Niklas Black YouTube Channel)

Furthermore, Ben-Adir has an exciting project on the horizon, as he is set to play the iconic musician Bob Marley in the highly anticipated film, "Bob Marley: One Love." This role has generated significant buzz and showcases his versatility as an actor. Additionally, he has appeared in other notable productions such as "Barbie," "The OA," "High Fidelity," and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." 

Had Auditioned For A Marvel Role In The Past

In an interview with E Times, Ben-Adir revealed that he had auditioned for a Marvel role in the past. When asked if he had previously tried out for a Marvel superhero, he confirmed that he had indeed auditioned for Marvel years before. 

Although Ben-Adir couldn't recall the specific role he auditioned for, he mentioned that he had sent a few tapes over to Marvel during his younger days. This highlights his earlier aspirations and eagerness to be a part of the Marvel universe. 

How Did Ben-Adir Felt Playing Gravik?

When reflecting on his experience playing the character Gravik, Kingsley Ben-Adir described it as a unique and somewhat dark journey. Despite the intensity of the role, he expressed that it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir is sitting as his clones are behind him.
Gravik using his superpowers (Source: Marvel)

Ben-Adir found great satisfaction in stepping into the shoes of a character he had never portrayed before. The idea of embodying a menacing figure like Gravik brought him a sense of excitement and fulfillment. It allowed him to explore a different side of his acting abilities, and he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. 

Prefers Playing Supervillans Then Heroes

Ben-Adir has expressed his preference for playing supervillains rather than heroes. He has revealed that he felt grateful for being cast as a villain because he finds it more enjoyable. According to him, portraying a villain allows him to explore and perform a wide range of actions and behaviors that he might not get to do when playing a hero. 

This preference suggests that Ben-Adir relishes the opportunity to delve into complex and sometimes morally ambiguous characters, embracing the challenges and complexities that come with bringing a villainous role to life on the screen. By immersing himself in these intriguing characters, he can showcase his versatility as an actor.

One Way Ben-Adir Prepared For Gravik's Role

In his preparation for the role of Gravik in "Secret Invasion," (the show that also features Olivia Colman) Ben-Adir adopted a specific accent known as the Butetown accent. To familiarize himself with this unique accent, he turned to Butetown in Cardiff as a reference point for developing his character. 

Kingsley Ben-Adir is trying to catch something by extending his arms.
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Gravik in action (Source: Heavy Spoilers YouTube Channel)

Butetown is a vibrant community with a significant Caribbean population and a rich military history. To gain a deeper understanding of the character and the accent, Ben-Adir engaged with people from the area, conversing and listening to their stories. 

This allowed Ben-Adir to capture the nuances and authenticity of the Butetown accent, bringing a distinct flavor to his portrayal of Gravik. In his exploration of the community, he also discovered the remarkable story of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black head teacher, which added another layer of inspiration and cultural context to his performance. 

Where Did Ben-Adir Trained His Skills?

Ben-Adir honed his acting skills at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He dedicated his time and efforts to studying his craft and refining his abilities. 

After graduating in 2011, Ben-Adir emerged from his training equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary for a successful acting career. Before his time at Guildhall, he attended the William Ellis School in Gospel Oak, Northwest London. 

Ben-Adir Can Relate To His Character, Gravik

Kingsley Ben-Adir, in relating to his character Gravik, recognizes the frustrations and disappointments that can arise from broken promises and a sense of hypocrisy. He empathizes with his character's experience of having a significant promise made to him by Nick Fury, only to have it go unfulfilled.

Ben-Adir acknowledges that he too has felt let down by leaders in his life, and understands the resulting feelings of anger and frustration that can arise from such experiences. The motivation behind Gravik's actions stems from a place of deep disappointment and a desire for justice. 

While Ben-Adir clarifies that he does not condone Gravik's actions, he emphasizes the importance of portraying the character in a way that makes his motivations understandable and grounded in reality. This connection between the actor and the character allows him to bring a sense of authenticity.

 

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Updated On Sat Jul 15 2023 Published OnSat Jul 15 2023 By Vinay

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