Zawe Ashton

Zawedde "Zawe" Ashton (/ˈzæwiː/; born 21 July 1984) is an English actress, playwright and director best known for her roles in Channel 4 comedy dramas Not Safe for Work (as Katherine) and as Vod in Fresh Meat. Her credits include the feature films Blitz and St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold

Early life

Ashton was born in Hackney, London, the eldest of three children born to an Ugandan mother, Victoria, and an English father, Paul Ashton, both teachers (her father later worked for Channel 4 in educational programming). Her maternal grandfather was Ugandan President and Prime Minister Paulo Muwanga. She attended the Anna Scher Theatre School and was a member of the National Youth Theatre. She studied at the City and Islington College, then at the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre, where she gained a degree in acting.

Career

Acting

Ashton attended the Anna Scher Theatre after school junior classes and later became a member of the Anna Scher YPs (Young Professionals). She started improvised acting at the age of six due to her confidence, social skills and creativity.