# Ruth Ndulu Maingi

Ruth Ndulu Maingi (born May 22, 1983) is a Kenyan actress. She is best known for her roles in the films 18 Hours, The Distant Boat, and Midlife Crisis.

## Personal life & Education

Ruth Maingi, a Kenyan actress, was born on May 22, 1983, in Machakos, Kenya, as the fourth child in a family of six siblings. She received her primary education at Township Muslim Primary School in Machakos and later attended Kathiani High School for her secondary education. Following her high school graduation, Maingi pursued further studies and obtained a diploma in insurance.
With a passion for the performing arts, Ruth Maingi embarked on formal training in acting at the esteemed London Academy for Film and Television. Additionally, she honed her skills in dance and movement at the Kenya Performing Arts School, further enriching her artistic repertoire.

## Career

Ruth began her career as a dancer, then later shifted to performing arts to pursue a career and joined Kenya National Theatre Performing Arts School for two years. In 2007, she joined Kigezi Ndoto Musical Theatre Performances. Then, in 2008, she moved to India and cast for Sauti Kimya and Githaa.
In 2011, she made her film debut with the film The Marshal of Finland, and in the same year, she was selected for a lead role in the television series Lies that Bind, which made her television debut. In the series, she played the role of 'Salome', the third wife and Richard Juma's true love, and the third wife. Then, in 2013, she starred in the popular Swahili drama Mama Duka in the titular role. For her role, she was later honoured at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
She played a major role as a coach in the television serial The Team, with a media focus on Africa, produced by Dreamcatcher. In 2014, she starred in two films: The Next East African Film Maker and Orphan. In 2018, she made her Nollywood debut with the film Family First, directed by Lancelot Imasuen.

## Awards

| Year | Award | Movie/Film | Category | Results |
| 2022 | Kenya Film Commission | Women In Film Awards (WIFA) | Best Costume Designer | Won |
| 2020 | People's Film Festival | POKER | Best Actress | Won |
| 2020 | Kalasha Awards | Midlife Crisis | Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2018 | The Africa Film Festival (TAFF) | Awards | Humanitarian Awards | Won |
| 2017 | African Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEA) | N/A | Icon-African Movie Industry | Won |
| 2014 | Kalasha Awards | TV Drama | Best Lead Actress | Nominated |
| 2014 | AMVCA | Lies That Bind Episode 2 Season 2 | Best Costume Designer | Nominated |

## Recognition

Ruth Maingi has received several recognitions for her contributions to the film industry and her advocacy work:
* In March 2024, she was appointed as the Kenyan representative at the upcoming African Leadership Conference held in Ghana.
* In 2023, she was appointed as an ambassador of the African Cultural Film Festival (AFRICUFF) in Houston.
* She was appointed as an advocate at the Kings Hearts Advocacy for Women and Children Foundation.
* She was also appointed as an advocate for the Feed the Poor Foundation, a non-profit organization operating in America and Africa.
* In March 2022, she was recognized among the 100 women honored during Women's History Month by Women in Film.

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Role | Genre |
| 2012 | The Marshal of Finland | Maria | Film |
| 2013 | Mama Duka | Mama Duka | TV series short |
| 2013 | The Distant Boat | Ruth Malombe | Film |
| 2015 | Fundi-Mentals | | Film |
| 2017 | 18 Hours | | Film |
| 2018 | Family First | Matelo | Film |
| 2019 | The System | Rachel | TV series |
| 2020 | Lies that Bind | Salome | TV series |
| 2020 | Midlife Crisis | Gigi, Stylist | Film |
| 2023 | Playbook | Catherine | Film |
| 2023 | Finding Joy | Sister | Film |
| 2023 | Daddy's Call | Mum | Film |