Kenyan actor Lenana Kariba has marked a major career milestone after being featured in the fourth season of Netflix’s globally acclaimed period drama Bridgerton.
Kariba confirmed his appearance through a social media post, revealing that he took part in Bridgerton Season 4 after keeping the role under wraps for nearly a year. He described the opportunity as his first role in the United Kingdom, calling it a significant step in his international acting journey.
“So happy to finally be able to say those words after a year of having to stay quiet. The first role I took in the UK was an epic one and I’ve had the amazing opportunity to be surrounded by some of the best,” he stated
In the movie, the actor appears in the background during Part One of Season 4, which premiered in January 2026, and has hinted at a more noticeable appearance in the upcoming second part.
While his role is not a lead, the feature places him among a global cast in one of Netflix’s most-watched and culturally influential series.
Bridgerton, produced by Shondaland, is known for its diverse casting and global reach, making Kariba’s inclusion a notable moment for Kenyan representation on international television.
The series is watched by millions worldwide and has become a key platform for actors transitioning to global audiences.
Globally, Bridgerton ranks among the most successful and highly rated streaming series of all time, with its performance strongest on Netflix, where it is exclusively available.
As of late January 2026, the show ranks number 1 worldwide on Netflix in more than 70 countries after the release of Season 4 Part 1, and several seasons appear in Netflix’s all-time Global Top 10 for English-language series, with Season 1 at number 7 and Season 3 at number 9.
Lenana Kariba has been a familiar face on Kenyan screens for over a decade. He is widely known for his role as Nick in Single Kiasi, one of the most popular local drama series, and for portraying Reagan in the long-running telenovela Selina. His film credits include Plan B, Family Vacation, and earlier appearances in international productions such as Sense8.
Recently, Kariba moved to the United Kingdom with his wife, placing him nearer to global audition and casting prospects. He has shared that he is working to juggle family responsibilities with his acting ambitions as he seeks opportunities outside Kenya.
His feature in Bridgerton adds to a growing list of Kenyan creatives making inroads into global film and television. Leading the way is Lupita Nyong’o, whose Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave propelled her to global stardom, followed by major roles in Black Panther, Queen of Katwe, and Us.
Edi Gathegi has also built a strong international profile with appearances in Twilight, X-Men: First Class, The Harder They Fall, and several high-profile streaming series
Veteran actors such as Raymond Ofula and Benjamin Onyango have featured in major Hollywood and Netflix films, while Mary Oyaya gained worldwide fame through Star Wars.
The second part of Bridgerton Season 4, where Kariba is expected to appear again, is scheduled for release later in February 2026.