Biografia
At just five years old, Naledi told her parents she wanted to be an actor, as well as a Flamenco dancer, scientist, martial artist, and healer. They thought it was a fleeting fancy. Already a passionate reader, Naledi moved on to chapter books, screenplays, and "table reads." After a year of steadfastly pursuing her acting dreams, her parents finally supported her. She quickly secured representation and began booking roles, fully embracing the experience!
Naledi’s most thrilling role so far is a key part in the beloved Netflix Original Series "Sweet Tooth," now in its third season. This post-apocalyptic fairytale, inspired by Jeff Lemire’s acclaimed DC Comic, follows Gus, a half-human, half-deer boy, on a dangerous quest for a new life alongside other hybrids. Naledi plays 'Wendy' (also known as 'Pigtail'), a hybrid girl/piglet who debuted as a recurring character in Season One. She has since become a series regular. In the upcoming Season Three, Gus, Wendy, and their friends journey to Alaska to find Gus’s mother. Executive producers Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. helm the show, which debuted as one of Netflix’s Top 10 Most Watched English-language originals in 2021. It has earned 20 nominations for Children’s and Family Emmy Awards and won four.
Naledi’s previous TV roles include a recurring part as 'Luna,' the granddaughter of Edie Falco’s character in CBS’s crime drama "Tommy," and 'Shelby,' a patient with end-stage leukemia opposite Hugh Grant in HBO’s limited series "The Undoing," created by David E. Kelley.
Now 13, Naledi was introduced to the performing arts early by her parents—her father, Malcolm, is an actor, stuntman, and independent filmmaker, and her mother, Micole, a former dancer. She practiced lines with her dad for auditions and attended dance and fitness classes with her mom, fueling her passion for show business. Naledi trained in Alvin Ailey’s Junior Division Dance Program, performing at a Lincoln Center benefit gala, and studied martial arts at Unlimited Martial Arts Brooklyn until the pandemic hit in 2020, around the time she landed her role in "Sweet Tooth," which filmed in New Zealand. She eagerly anticipates starting high school in New York in September 2024.
Outside of acting and school, Naledi loves fantasy novels, fashion and makeup, crochet, dogs, game nights, and TikTok. She received coveted roller skates for her last birthday and aims to become a roller disco star! Her name means “Shining Star,” a fitting description indeed.
Follow Naledi’s journey on Instagram @naledimurray.
