Donald Glover began his professional trajectory at age 23 when Tina Fey recruited him to write for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. Born at Edwards Air Force Base in 1983, he has since built a dual career as an actor, comedian, screenwriter, and musician, earning widespread recognition for his creative output across television, film, and studio recording.
Television and Screenwriting
Glover gained prominence for his portrayal of Troy Barnes on the NBC sitcom Community from 2009 to 2014. Following his departure from the series, he created, starred in, and directed the FX series Atlanta, which ran from 2016 to 2022. This project earned him multiple accolades, including the 2017 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and the 2017 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. He subsequently co-created the comedy thriller Swarm in 2023 and the 2024 series Mr. & Mrs. Smith for Prime Video.
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His film work includes appearances in Magic Mike XXL, The Martian, and the 2017 superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming. He voiced adult Simba in the 2019 version of The Lion King and played Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Glover is acknowledged as a principal inspiration for the Marvel Comics character Miles Morales, a role he later voiced in the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man. His portfolio also includes roles in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and The Lazarus Effect.
Musical Career
Recording under the name Childish Gambino, Glover released his debut studio album, Camp, in 2011 after signing with Glassnote Records. His 2016 single, Redbone, earned a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. In 2018, his track This Is America debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and secured several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Music Video. His discography also features the albums Because the Internet, 3.15.20, Atavista, and Bando Stone & the New World.
Early Education
Glover attended various institutions, including Stephenson High School, Lakeside High School, and the DeKalb School of the Arts. He completed his formal education at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with a degree in dramatic writing in 2006. During his time at university, he became active in the comedy group Derrick Comedy and began producing music under the name mcDJ.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983, Edwards Air Force Base
- Education: New York University Tisch School of the Arts
- 2017 Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- 2018 Grammy Award: Song of the Year
- Notable TV Work: Atlanta
- Notable Film Work: Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Citizenship: United States
- Member of: Writers Guild of America, East
Questions readers ask
Did Donald Glover play Spider-Man?
He did not play the lead role in the films, but he voiced Miles Morales in the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man and appeared as Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
What is his stage name for music?
He releases his music under the name Childish Gambino.
Achievements
- Grammy Award for Best R&B Song — 2015
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy — 2017
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series — 2017
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series — 2017
- Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance — 2015
- Notable work: The Lion King
- Notable work: Atlanta
- Notable work: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
- Notable work: Magic Mike XXL
- Educated at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Avondale High School
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