Robert Aramayo, a 33-year-old actor from Hull, made history at the Bafta awards in London by winning both the best actor and rising star awards for his role as a man with Tourette syndrome in the film I Swear. He is the first actor to achieve this double on the same night.
His former drama teacher, Andy Feetom, said he was not surprised by the win. Feetom, who taught Aramayo at Wyke College in Hull, described his performance in a sixth-form exam as 'mesmerising' and noted that the only feedback he gave was to trim it to fit the time limit, calling it 'like shaving off gold'.
Aramayo later attended the Juilliard School in New York after Googling the best drama school in the world. Richard Feldman, one of his teachers there, praised him as 'one of the hardest workers' and a 'fine person', adding that his pride in being from Hull was a big part of his character.
Mark Babych, artistic director at Hull Truck theatre where Aramayo performed as a teen, said the victory was the result of years of hard work and hoped it would inspire young performers from Hull. He noted that Aramayo's family, who were seen on TV supporting him, are incredibly proud.
