David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo rose to international prominence after his 2014 portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in the film Selma. Born in Oxford in 1976 to Nigerian parents, the actor holds citizenship in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before establishing a versatile career across stage, film, and television.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Tooting Bec, London, until age six, Oyelowo spent his formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, where his parents worked for the national airline and a railway company. He attended Lagos State Model College Meiran before returning to London at age 14. He pursued theatre studies at City and Islington College and completed a three-year acting foundation course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 1998.
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Oyelowo began his professional stage career in 1999 with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in Volpone and Antony and Cleopatra. In 2001, he made history as the first Black actor to play an English king in a major Shakespearean production when he performed the title role in King Henry VI. This performance earned him the 2001 Ian Charleson Award. Later stage credits include the 2016 production of Othello at the New York Theatre Workshop and a 2024 appearance in Coriolanus at the Royal National Theatre.
Film and Television Work
He is recognized for roles in films including The Butler, Queen of Katwe, and A United Kingdom. His television work spans the British drama series Spooks, where he played Danny Hunter, to the role of Javert in the 2018 BBC miniseries Les Misérables. In 2023, he began starring in and co-producing the Paramount+ western series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Additionally, he has provided voice work for the Star Wars Rebels animated series and various audiobooks.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 April 1976, Oxford
- Citizenship: UK, US, Nigeria
- Education: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- Notable TV Role: Danny Hunter in Spooks
- Notable Film Role: Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma
- Honours: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Religion: Christianity
- Spouse: Jessica Oyelowo
Questions readers ask
Is David Oyelowo a real prince?
He is an omoba of the Yoruba people, which he has described as being common in the Nigerian chieftaincy system.
What is his connection to the Royal Shakespeare Company?
He joined the company in 1999 and became the first Black actor to play an English king in a major production of Shakespeare in 2001.
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