London, England – Actor John Boyega recently opened up about the profound impact that the tragic death of his childhood friend Damilola Taylor had on his life, describing it as a “life-changing” event. Boyega, known for his role in Star Wars, revealed that the killing of Damilola Taylor in 2000 has shaped his perspective over the years.
Damilola Taylor’s death at the age of 10 shocked the nation and became one of the most high-profile killings in London. His father, Richard Taylor, who recently passed away at the age of 75, dedicated his life to campaigning against knife crime and improving the lives of disadvantaged children following his son’s tragic death.
Boyega, who was a school friend of Damilola in Peckham, south-east London, remembers the last day he saw his friend vividly. Reflecting on the impact of Damilola’s death, Boyega shared how the experience altered his outlook on life and influenced his decisions.
Despite his initial reluctance to speak about his relationship with Damilola publicly, Boyega felt compelled to share his story after Richard Taylor’s passing. He emphasized the importance of using his platform to address real-life issues and honor the memory of his childhood friend.
Richard Taylor and his wife Gloria established the Damilola Taylor Trust to support underprivileged youth and ensure that their son’s legacy would inspire hope and provide opportunities for others. Boyega commended Mr. Taylor for transforming his son’s tragic loss into a source of triumph for the community.
Recalling a poignant poem written by Damilola and read by Mr. Taylor at his son’s funeral, Boyega found inspiration to pursue his dreams without hesitation. He credited the poem for instilling a sense of purpose and determination in him, leading him to aspire to become a successful actor.
Damilola’s killers were brought to justice in 2006 after three crown court trials. Despite the passage of time, Boyega continues to carry the memory of his friend with him, using his platform to advocate for positive change in honor of Damilola Taylor’s legacy.