This month, in honor of Black History month, I will be offering up a weekly bio of a prominent black author, actor or scientist whose life or career has touched science fiction in some way. This week I've chosen the lovely and talented Freema Agyeman, known also as Martha Jones, companion to the 10th regeneration of The Doctor on the popular series Doctor Who.
Freema with David Tennant, the 10th Doctor
Born in London in 1979 to Ghanian and Iranian parents, Freema Agyeman has appeared on the BBC in such diverse programs as Almost Famous, Torchwood, Little Dorrit, and most recently, Doctor Who.
Her acting credentials are extensive for such a young woman. Freema graduated in 2000 with Honours in Performing Arts and Drama from Middlesex University and also took theatre courses at Radford University in Virginia, USA in 1998. She is also skilled in martial arts, gymnastics, and horseback riding.
In March of 2008 Freema was voted #16 of the Sexiest Women on TV by Wizard Magazine.
In 2006 she appeared in the Doctor Who episode Army of Ghosts, in which her character became assimilated by the Cybermen and later died. The producers were so impressed by her performance that she was later invited to play the role of Dr. Martha Jones. She became Martha alongside David Tennant, the tenth doctor, from 2006 to 2008, becoming the first black woman to appear in the role of the Doctor's companion. Martha is also an actual physician, giving the Doctor an actual doctor to accompany him on his journeys through time and space.
Freema Ageyman, the new face of British science fiction. Beautiful, elegant, and talented beyond belief.
Octavia E. Butler, 1947-2006
