5 Quick Facts about 'Preacher' and 'Loving' Star Ruth Negga

Here are a few interesting facts about the lovely Ethiopian-Irish actress Ruth Negga who is popularly known for her iconic role in the AMC television series "Preacher" and the 2016 film "Loving."

After her much-acclaimed role in the 2016 movie "Loving," Ethiopian-Irish actress Ruth Negga left the world curious about who she was and where she had been all these years.

The 38-year-old was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to an Ethiopian father and Irish mother. When she was four years old, she left her native land to be raised in Limerick and London. Unfortunately, her father died in a car crash when she was just seven. Here are more interesting facts about her.

ON BEING OF MIXED RACE

Negga once revealed that she probably feels different partly because she had parents of different races. She explained that she had quite a scattered childhood and never really fit anywhere.

The actress was of the opinion that her race and her accent cost her several roles in Hollywood. However, she was cast for the movie "Loving," where she played the role of Mildred Loving.

Mildred was a real black woman in 1958 who was prevented by the law from marrying Richard, a white man, because of her race. Negga's remarkable portrayal of the role earned her a BAFTA Rising star nomination.

HER FIRST BIG BREAK

Negga was also cast as a slave in the 2012 movie "Twelve Years A Slave." However, her first big break came when she was featured in "Breakfast on Pluto," which was about a transgender person's struggles in 1970s Ireland.

Negga's rise to stardom taught the world a huge lesson on the importance of perseverance despite all odds.

The movie, directed by Neil Jordan, featured A-list actors such as Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, and Stephen Rea. The film was released in 2006, and it won four IFTA awards and a Golden Globe Nomination for Murphy.

GETTING AN IFTA NOMINATION

Negga got an IFTA nomination for her part in "Breakfast on Pluto" and also won the Shooting Star of 2006 award in the Berlinale Film Festival, which set her apart as one of the best young European actors of the time.

FINDING LOVE

The actress also landed a role in the hit TV series "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," and in 2016, she featured in the graphic AMC show "Preacher." Her role in the action flick earned her much acclaim in the Hollywood scene.

Negga was also in a relationship with the film's lead actor, Dominic Cooper. The pair met while appearing with actress Helen Mirren for the 2009 adaption of Jean Racine's drama "Phedre."

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION

In the coming years, the 38-year-old continued to push herself through the movie industry. Eventually, she made an unforgettable name for herself when she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a leading role for "Loving."

She was up against big Hollywood names such as Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, and Isabelle Huppert. Indeed, Negga's rise to stardom taught the world a huge lesson on the importance of perseverance despite all odds.