Hugh Antony Kobna Quarshie (born December 22, 1954) is a British actor.
Quarshie was born in Accra, Ghana, and emigrated with his family to the United Kingdom when he was aged three. He was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, where he was Head of School, and then read PPE at Christ Church, University of Oxford. Following his education, Quarshie considered becoming a journalist, but took up acting instead. He is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has appeared in many stage productions and television programs, including Behaving Badly with Judi Dench.
Quarshie is probably best known for playing the roles of Sunda Kastagir in Highlander and Captain Panaka, head of the Royal Naboo Security Force in the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. In 1991 he guested in Press Gang. He is currently starring in the hospital drama series Holby City as Ric Griffin. He leads the cast of Michele Soavi's The Church as Father Gus and plays Aaron the Moor in the BBC Television Shakespeare Titus Andronicus.
Quarshie appeared in the Doctor Who two part episode "Daleks in Manhattan" and "Evolution of the Daleks" as Solomon, leader of the shantytown Hooverville in April 2007. He also appeared at the Star Wars fan event Star Wars Celebration in 1999.
Member of The Royal Shakespeare Company
He has openly refused to play Othello, because he finds the role demeaning for a black person to play.
Two children with Annika Sundström: Maya (b. 1990) and Freya (b. 1995)
He was awarded the 1986 London Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Great White Hope.
