Life can be tough at times, but only the strong ones survive. Talented Machachari actor Tyler Kamau Mbaya aka Baha is among those who have not had it smooth growing up.

His life has been a bumpy road and the darkest moment was when he lost his mother in May 2013.

Beth Nyambura Mbaya, popularly known by her screen name Wanade, who acted in Mother-in-law died after a long struggle with cancer leaving behind a widower, and two sons; Baha and Mungai Mbaya (commonly known from Junction Juniors).

After Wanade's death, her family was affected and Baha had to switch from Nairobi School to Chania boy's in Thika where his brother was so that they could comfort each other and sail through life.

In a recent interview with People Daily, Baha confessed that life became hard for the two. Baha was forced to take up the parental responsibilities at a tender age. The award-winning actor and his brother, who is 2 years older than him, had no option but work hard in the acting industry at least to make a living and take care of their ageing grandmother who he revealed is their guardian.

"When mum passed on, I was a Form One student at Nairobi School. I immediately transferred to Chania Boys High School where my brother was for moral support so that we could grieve and overcome our mum’s death together. However, in my fourth year, I joined Ufanisi Senior School where I sat for my KSCE."

Despite their mother's death, Baha did not give up on life and went on to more acting gigs where he has now managed to create a niche for himself in the local acting industry. He is without a doubt the best teen actor in the country.

But surprisingly, Baha's father was not in Kenya when his wife and sons used to grace the screen. He was away in the US until 2011 when he was deported in his fifties. Baha revealed that their father could not get a job in Kenya and so it was upon him and his elder brother to take care of the family.

"I finished high school aged 16 last year. This is because I demanded to be taken to school when my brother, who is two years older than me, started schooling. I did not want to be let alone. I was able to act and at the same time continue with my education because I was always allowed to have one weekend off to attend the shoots."

Baha's fans have been moved by his story as many didn't know what he hides beneath that broad smile. The 17-year-old has great hopes for the future and he says he wants to pursue journalism and cinematography.

The youngster is besotted with his grandmother and for the first has introduced him to the online community.

Baha shared the above photo and captioned with the sweet words below.

"I love this woman very much. Always been there for me. Cheers to our bond Shosh."

Below are photos of Baha and his elder brother Mungai Mbaya, go through

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