Zain Iqbal
ActingManchester, England, UKZain Iqbal (born 28 May 1998) is a British actor. He is known for his role as Ravi Singh in the BBC Three teen crime drama A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024), based on the novel of the same name. Iqbal grew up in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. He studied economics at university and trained in acting with the Royal Exchange Theatre's Youth Company. His younger brother is a model.Iqbal's father is a film buff and introduced him to Western films growing up. He cites Marlon Brando and Clint Eastwood as his biggest acting inspirations, and admired their performances from a young age in films like The Godfather and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. He particularly looked up to Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed to see how actors who look like him navigate and succeed in the film industry. He has also cited Jack O'Connell, Ben Mendelsohn, Barry Keoghan, Kristen Stewart, and Robert Pattinson as acting influences due to their "very unique, almost odd, approaches to the craft."
Asha Banks
Asha Banks is a young British actress and singer based in London.Asha has extensive theatre credits, and has a lead part in her first feature film, The Magic Flute, released in November 2022. The film is a modern retelling of Mozart's popular opera, produced by Roland Emmerich's Centropolis Entertainment and Flute Film, and directed by Florian Sigl. Asha plays the female lead part of Princess Pamina. The movie also stars Iwan Rheon and Jack Wolfe and some of the world's most renowned opera stars.Asha recently played the part of Thea in London's 2021/22 critically acclaimed Olivier-nominated production of Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre directed by Rupert Goold. She was also the understudy for the lead role of Wendla and performed as Wendla a number of times.Asha made her professional acting debut at the age of 8 years old in the London West End show Les Miserables (at the Queen's Theatre, now the Sondheim Theatre). Since then she has played principal parts in a further six West End and UK productions.Asha worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 2019/20, when she portrayed the lead part of Lisa James in their musical production of David Walliams' The Boy in the Dress, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon directed by Gregory Doran, with a book by Mark Ravenhill, and music from pop partnership Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. Asha sings Lisa James' main musical ballad 'When Things Fall Apart" on the original cast album of the musical, released in 2020.Prior to this, Asha has played parts such as Violet Beauregarde in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Duffy in the UK tour of Annie the Musical directed by Nikolai Foster, and the Parsons Girl in the multi-award-winning and Olivier-nominated play 1984, directed by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan for the Almeida theatre, which then transferred to the Playhouse theatre, London, taking Asha with it.Asha also portrayed Pandora Braithwaite in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 ¾ at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London, for which she earned outstanding reviews. "Asha Banks gives a stellar performance" said The Times, and "Asha Banks on press night - very funny and a cracking singer, surely a future star" from London Timeout magazine while The Telegraph said she was "the perfect mix of poise, aloofness and vitality" and The Times called her performance "outstanding".
Yali Topol Margalith
Yali Topol Margalith is known for A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (2024), The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024) and House of David (2025). She attended Mountview Academy of Theater Arts from 2019-2022. She studied at the institution, which is located in Peckham, South London after she finished her time in secondary school. She ultimately graduated from Mountview with a BA in Performance.
Yasmin Al-Khudhairi
Yasmin Al-Khudhairi is an English actress. She is best known for her role in the final two series of the Channel 4 comedy-drama Ackley Bridge (2021–2022). Al-Khudhairi was born to Arab Muslim parents from Iraq in Kingston upon Thames, South West London. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2016 with a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Anthropology. During university, she befriended Rishi Pelham when she auditioned for one of his plays.Having met director and writer Rishi Pelham at university and working with him on a number of fringe theatre projects, Pelham cast Al-Khudhairi as Ayala in his 2019 independent dance film Hilda, marking Al-Khudhairi's professional screen acting debut. This was followed by her television debut with a minor guest appearance in a 2020 episode of the BBC thriller Killing Eve.In 2021, Al-Khudhairi starred in the television film version of the biographical play Adam opposite the titular Adam Kashmiry as himself for the National Theatre of Scotland, and the BBC. Later that year, she landed her first main television role when she joined the cast of the Channel 4 school comedy-drama Ackley Bridge for its fourth series as Fizza Akhtar. She would reprise her role as Fizza for its fifth and final series in 2022.In 2023, Al-Khudhairi appeared in the romantic comedy film Rye Lane and had a recurring role as Princess Yadira in the third series of the Sky Max political thriller COBRA. She has a role in the BBC Three adaptation of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
Aidan Gallagher
ActingLos Angeles, California, USAAidan Gallagher is a talented actor who first captured the attention of audiences with his charm and charisma in the hit Nickelodeon series, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. Born in 2003, he began his acting career at a young age, showcasing his natural ability to connect with viewers through his performances.
Gallagher's journey into the entertainment world began with various acting roles, but it was his portrayal of Nicky Harper that truly catapulted him into the limelight. This role not only showcased his comedic timing but also allowed him to display a range of emotions, earning him a dedicated fanbase. His work on the series spanned four seasons, during which he became a recognizable face on children's television.
In addition to his work on Nickelodeon, Gallagher has made significant strides in his career with a standout role in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy. Playing the character Number Five, he demonstrated remarkable depth and versatility, transitioning from a light-hearted comedy to a darker, more complex narrative. This shift in genre revealed Gallagher's ability to adapt and thrive in various acting styles.
His performances have been marked by a unique blend of youthful energy and a mature understanding of the characters he portrays. Critics have noted that Gallagher's ability to convey both vulnerability and strength creates a compelling presence on screen. His dedication to his craft is evident, as he continuously seeks to challenge himself with diverse roles.
Over the years, Aidan Gallagher has received recognition for his work, including nominations for various awards in children's programming. His influence extends beyond acting; he is also an advocate for environmental issues, using his platform to raise awareness about climate change and encourage younger audiences to get involved.
As Gallagher continues to evolve as an actor, he remains a significant figure in the industry, inspiring young performers with his commitment and passion. His legacy is being built on a foundation of varied roles, strong performances, and a clear vision for his future in film and television.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Aidan Gallagher began acting professionally at the age of 9.
- He is a passionate advocate for environmental issues and often speaks on climate change.
- Gallagher is also a talented musician and has released original music.
- He has a strong presence on social media, where he engages with a dedicated fanbase.
- His role in The Umbrella Academy earned him critical acclaim and a broader audience.
Insomniacs Take
Aidan Gallagher stands out as a youthful force in the entertainment industry, effortlessly transitioning from his early days on Nickelodeon to a more serious role in The Umbrella Academy. His ability to navigate different genres highlights his versatility as an actor. As he continues to develop his career, Gallagher's commitment to both his craft and social issues sets him apart, establishing a promising legacy that many young actors will look up to.
Elliot Page
ActingHalifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaElliot Page, a talented Canadian actor and producer, first captured the attention of audiences in the late 1990s. He made his debut in the television series Pit Pony (1997–2000), a performance that earned him a Young Artist Award and set the stage for his burgeoning career. Page's early work also included memorable roles in popular series such as Trailer Park Boys (2002) and ReGenesis (2004), where he showcased his versatility and growing talent.
However, it was his performance in Hard Candy (2005) that marked a turning point in his career. This unsettling thriller not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned Page the Austin Film Critics Association's Award for Best Actress, establishing him as a formidable presence in the film industry. His breakthrough role came just two years later when he starred in Juno (2007), directed by Jason Reitman. This charming coming-of-age comedy catapulted Page into the spotlight, earning him nominations for multiple prestigious awards, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award.
Following Juno, Page continued to impress with his performances in a variety of films. He took on challenging roles in The Tracey Fragments (2007), Whip It (2009), and Super (2010). He also starred in Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller Inception (2010), where his ability to navigate complex characters further showcased his depth as an actor. His portrayal of Vanya Hargreeves in Netflix's The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024) marked another significant chapter in his career, blending elements of drama and fantasy while expanding his fanbase.
In addition to his acting prowess, Page has lent his voice to animated features like Window Horses (2016) and My Life as a Zucchini (2016), proving his versatility across mediums. His role as Kitty Pryde in the X-Men series (2006, 2014) further solidified his status in the superhero genre.
Page's commitment to his craft extends beyond acting; he produced the film Freeheld (2015), which addresses significant social issues, and made his directorial debut with the documentary There's Something in the Water (2019), highlighting his dedication to activism and storytelling.
In December 2020, Page made headlines when he came out as transgender, sharing his journey with the world and specifying his pronouns as he/him and they/them. This courageous act not only marked a pivotal moment in his personal life but also resonated with many, further establishing him as an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
In reflecting on Page's career, it's clear that he is more than just an actor. His dedication to impactful storytelling and activism has left an indelible mark on the film industry, inspiring a new generation of artists and advocates.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Page won a Young Artist Award for his role in Pit Pony at the age of just 10.
- He has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, including the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
- Page's work in The Umbrella Academy has been praised for its portrayal of complex, nuanced characters.
- He was nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for his role in Freeheld.
- Page's documentary There's Something in the Water addresses issues of environmental racism.
Insomniacs Take
Elliot Page's evolution as an actor and advocate is nothing short of inspiring. His journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the impact of storytelling. With each role, he continues to challenge societal norms while promoting inclusivity, making him a key figure in both the entertainment industry and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As audiences, we are fortunate to witness the unfolding of his remarkable career.