Malachi Kirby Quotes

Powerful Malachi Kirby for Daily Growth

About Malachi Kirby

Malachi Kirby, a dynamic and versatile British-Ghanaian actor, was born on February 16, 1993, in London, England. Raised in the borough of Croydon, Kirby's passion for acting emerged early, nurtured by his love for storytelling and the arts. His roots trace back to Ghana, a fact that would later influence his work and personal identity. Kirby's breakthrough came in 2016 when he played the title role in Steve McQueen's epic historical drama "Roots," a television miniseries based on Alex Haley's novel. This powerful portrayal of Kunta Kinte catapulted Kirby into international stardom. Preceding this milestone, Kirby had already made a mark with his roles in British series such as "The A-List: New York" and "Troy: Fall of a City." His acting skills were also recognized in film, including a role in the critically acclaimed "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens." Kirby's influences are diverse, drawing from both his personal experiences and the rich tapestry of stories he encounters. He often speaks about the impact of his Ghanaian heritage on his work, expressing a deep commitment to telling African stories and representing Black voices authentically. In 2019, Kirby starred in the BBC One drama "Year of the Rabbit," playing the role of Mimi, a gender-fluid character that further showcased his range as an actor. His commitment to diverse roles and stories reflects his belief in the power of representation in media. Malachi Kirby continues to challenge himself and push boundaries, using his platform to advocate for change and inspire future generations of actors and storytellers. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am not my circumstances."

This quote underscores the idea that a person's identity is not defined solely by their current circumstances or external factors, but rather by their inherent character, values, and resilience. It encourages personal growth, self-awareness, and the ability to rise above adverse situations, implying that while circumstances may be challenging, they do not dictate one's worth or potential.


"The past is a lesson, not a burden."

The quote by Malachi Kirby suggests that our past experiences should serve as teachable moments, guiding us towards wisdom and growth, rather than a weight that holds us back or causes distress. It encourages us to learn from our mistakes and successes, using those lessons to navigate our present and future more effectively, instead of being overwhelmed by the memories themselves. In essence, it's a call to embrace our past as an invaluable resource for personal development.


"Success is not the absence of failure, it's continuing to get back up after you fall."

This quote emphasizes that success isn't defined by never experiencing failures or setbacks, but rather by demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It encourages persistence, reminding us that it's normal to experience falls and failures along our journey towards achieving our goals. Instead, we should see these instances as opportunities for growth and learning, and keep pushing forward.


"Believe in yourself, even when no one else does."

This quote by Malachi Kirby emphasizes the importance of self-belief and personal confidence, regardless of external validation or recognition from others. It underscores the power of maintaining faith in oneself and one's abilities, even during challenging times when support may seem scarce. By focusing on internal validation and persistence, individuals can foster resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.


"Don't let fear dictate your life."

This quote by Malachi Kirby encourages people to not allow fear to control or restrict their lives. Instead, it suggests that one should face their fears courageously, seize opportunities, and live a life defined by one's aspirations rather than by the constraints imposed by fear. In essence, the quote aims at inspiring individuals to be bold, take risks, and live life fully, without letting fear hinder personal growth and self-realization.


There was a period when I had apple pie as a treat every day of the week. I mean, like, a family apple pie.

- Malachi Kirby

Treat, Week, Period, Apple Pie

Kids under, I'd say, 14 are still maturing; they are still growing. They are still understanding themselves. To hit them with something like 'Roots,' to hit them with this particular period of time, it's important to discuss the matters beyond the program itself.

- Malachi Kirby

Growing, Beyond, Program, Maturing

I think about Shakespeare. Because there have been hundreds of variations of Shakespeare's plays since they've been written, and I believe it's because they're important. They're still relevant today. 'Roots' is still relevant today. The idea that we shouldn't tell this story again is very strange to me.

- Malachi Kirby

Been, I Think, Very, Variations

I believe it's important to have equal opportunities as a black actor. My way of fighting for it is through my art, by not accepting that there are roles that aren't for me.

- Malachi Kirby

Art, Through, Roles, Accepting

Even around my family, I hardly spoke. I was very reserved.

- Malachi Kirby

Spoke, Very, Even, Hardly

Kunta Kinte is the closest thing I've ever seen... to a superhero. He's amazing. He's inspirational.

- Malachi Kirby

Amazing, Ever, Closest Thing, Closest

I was taught about slavery, but it was the ancient Egyptians. That's the closest I got to African history.

- Malachi Kirby

Taught, Egyptians, African, Closest

When I heard that 'Roots' was being remade, my first response was, 'Seriously?' I was a bit skeptical. Then I had an audition in early 2015. I didn't know how to feel about it. I was a little scared of the responsibility of telling the story again with the weight of the first one behind me - I was scared of comparisons.

- Malachi Kirby

Behind, Telling, Remade, Skeptical

I was 22 when my mother gave me the original box set of 'Roots' and she said, 'I want you to watch this.' I watched the whole thing back to back in the span of 24 hours. It had a profound effect on me. It felt like my story.

- Malachi Kirby

Box, Back, Whole, Span

Kunta Kinte's strength derives from the knowledge of where he comes from, but it struck me that I don't know where I come from. I understand that my last name is Kirby, that I was born in London, third-generation Jamaican, and at some point along the line, that name was changed. I didn't know my history past my grandparents.

- Malachi Kirby

Strength, London, Some, Struck

There are stories I wanted to tell, and they are not defined by what I look like.

- Malachi Kirby

Like, Stories, Wanted, Defined

I never got picked for the athletics team for about three years. I was in my third year, and I really wanted to join, and I kept basically knocking on the door of the PE coach. 'Can I join? Can I join?' He's like, 'No... No.' And then one day, he's like, 'Okay, you want to race? Cool. We have a free spot for you. You're gonna be doing the 400.'

- Malachi Kirby

Door, Doing, Year, Athletics

I was the shiest person you could think of. I didn't really speak. I was an only child, so most of my life I spent in my bedroom playing with toys by myself, speaking through them.

- Malachi Kirby

Life, My Life, Through, Bedroom

'Roots' focuses on a particular group of people who defy the odds and win, eventually, even if it isn't in their lifetimes. This is, for me, a very positive story and a very empowering one, if only we have that perspective on it.

- Malachi Kirby

Very, Lifetimes, Particular, Odds

I haven't experienced a lot of prejudice in my life, but I'm not naive to what goes on in the world.

- Malachi Kirby

My Life, World, Lot, Naive

One of the biggest things that I took from playing Kunta Kinte was where his strength came from in knowing where he was from.

- Malachi Kirby

Strength, Took, His, Biggest Things

If you're good enough to play a role with emotion and universal human elements, then you'll get others coming to you.

- Malachi Kirby

Play, Enough, Role, Universal

Schoolkids - black and white - would call me Kunta Kinte as a cuss. If ever my hair was particularly messy, if ever I looked scruffy at school, I would be called Kunta Kinte. My first impression was that it was bad to be African and bad to be associated with him.

- Malachi Kirby

Hair, Him, Bad, Cuss

It's really cheesy, but basically, 'Roots' got me to find out my own roots.

- Malachi Kirby

Own, Find, My Own, Cheesy

My dad passed when I was 6. I found out when I was about 21 that my dad always said acting would be the making of me. Where he got that from, I have no idea.

- Malachi Kirby

Always, Making, Dad, No Idea

I don't think I've ever spoken to anyone who's told me that the story of 'Roots' isn't important.

- Malachi Kirby

Roots, Think, Important, Spoken

There are many people still ashamed of their roots because of the negative connotations that come with being an 'African.' That sentiment exists many places around the world - in England, in the U.S., everywhere.

- Malachi Kirby

England, Ashamed, Sentiment, Exists

Mum used to say that when I went out of the house, I represented her. I took that seriously. So I didn't get involved with a lot of things. I held myself in a particular way.

- Malachi Kirby

Took, Mum, Held, Particular Way

Charlie Brooker is crazy.

- Malachi Kirby

Crazy, Charlie

I wasn't raised Christian. I certainly had to seek Him out and find Him, and it's changed my life. I'm so glad I did.

- Malachi Kirby

My Life, Raised, Certainly, Glad

My roots go back to West Africa, but my last name is Kirby, which is not an African name.

- Malachi Kirby

Africa, Last, Which, African

When my dad passed, I felt like I had to grow up very quickly.

- Malachi Kirby

Grow, Like, Very, Passed

When I was in school, my first acknowledgement of 'Roots' was Kunta Kinte.

- Malachi Kirby

School, Roots, First, Acknowledgement

I was acting before I had given my life to Christ. But the effect that God has had on my actual career itself is now completely different.

- Malachi Kirby

My Life, Given, Actual, Effect

I found that there were things that God could reveal to me that I could never get myself physically.

- Malachi Kirby

Never, Reveal, Found, Physically

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