How this 23-year-old went from British theater actor to starring in the next 'Star Wars'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

John Boyega is a "Star Wars" fanboy. 

And now, the 23-year-old from London is living out his dream as Finn, one of the lead characters in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Before Boyega was cast as the runaway Stormtrooper in the newest addition to the "Star Wars" galaxy, he was building his name with indie projects. He made his feature-film debut when he was 19 in "Attack the Block," a British sci-fi comedy written and directed by Joe Cornish. He earned praise for the role, which landed him on director J.J. Abrams' radar. 

With the December 18 release of "The Force Awakens," Boyega is primed for his shot up the Hollywood ladder.

Get to know the new member of the "Star Wars" universe below:

John Boyega was born March 17, 1992 in Peckham, London to Nigerian immigrants. His father was a preacher and his mother worked with the disabled. After playing a leopard in elementary school, Boyega knew he wanted to act.

Source: New York Times and Interview 

He was invited to join Theatre Peckham when he was nine, a special theater school for aspiring actors. He later studied performing arts at South Thames College and trained at the Identity School of Acting.

Source: CNN

His earliest roles included a character on the British web drama series "Becoming Human" and a guest appearance on "Law & Order: UK."