Calvin Demba

Calvin Arron A. Demba is an English actor, writer and director. He is known for his roles in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks (2011–2012), the E4 series Youngers (2013–2014), and the BBC One drama Life.

Early life Demba was born in Stepney, East London From the age of 17, Demba attended The Half Moon youth theatre in Limehouse, before signing with an acting agency in Hoxton.

Career Demba first came to prominence in 2011, when he was cast as Scott Sabeka in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Demba stayed in the role for a year, filming 82 episodes as Sabeka.

In 2013, Demba made his theatrical debut, in the play Routes, portraying Kola. The play was staged at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

From 2013 to 2014, Demba portrayed Jay in the E4 comedy-drama series Youngers. In an interview with The National Student, Demba shared, "I’m hoping shows like this will open up the doors for more young black actors and this will be good for that reason alone. It conveys young people in a positive way and as goal-orientated which is not always done. There are no drug references, no sex and not even any swearing. I feel like we’re going in the right direction with this because it shows we’re not all drug-taking people without hope. There are diamonds in the rough."

In 2015, Demba was nominated for the Evening Standard 'Emerging Talent' Award for his performance in Patrick Marber's The Red Lion at the National Theatre, London.

In 2020, Demba starred as Andy Okonkwo in the BBC drama Life, alongside Alison Steadman, Victoria Hamilton, and Adrian Lester.

In 2022, Demba wrote and directed a short film, Babydolls, his directing debut, and a project backed by the BFI. Demba was one of four writers honoured at the 2022 Film London Lodestars; the ceremony honours innovative creators and practitioners to watch.

Demba has a leading role in the Netflix superhero television drama series, Supacell, released in June 2024.

Personal life Demba is in a relationship with Irish actress Louisa Harland.

Credits Film Year Title Role Notes 2012 Twenty8k Inmate 1 2015 London Road Alec Shakespeare on Death The Speaker Short film 2016 Brotherhood Marshall Rue Boy Callum Short film; also writer 2017 Nico, 1988 Alex Kingsman: The Golden Circle Brandon The Vest Macman Short film 2018 Yardie Sticks Brixton Rock Brenton Brown Short film 2019 Mickey and the Bear Wyatt Hughes Last Christmas Nathan

Television Year Title Role Notes 2011 Fast Freddie, The Widow and Me Terry Television film 2011–2012 Hollyoaks Scott Sabeka Regular role; 82 episodes 2012 Casualty Danny Beresford Episode: The Blame Game 2013–2014 Youngers Jay 16 episodes 2014 Sherlock Isaac Whitney Episode: His Last Vow Babylon Jason Delgado Episode: Maze Hill 2018 Killed by My Debt Nat Rogers Television film 2019 Urban Myths Basquiat Episode: Madonna and Basquiat 2020 Life Andy Okonkwo 6 episodes 2021 Professor T. Freddie Samson Episode: The Dutiful Child 2022 Babydolls Short film; Writer and director; directing debut 2023 The Rig Baz 6 episodes; Prime Video 2024 Death in Paradise Kurt Henderson Episode: #13.8 2024 Supacell Rodney Regular role; 6 episodes Netflix