David Oyelowo

A powerful adversary who operates from the shadows of authority.

David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo (born 1 April 1976) is a British actor, director, and producer. His accolades include a Critics' Choice Award and two NAACP Image Awards as well as nominations for three Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award. In 2016, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama. Oyelowo rose to prominence for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in the biographical drama film Selma (2014) and Peter Snowden in the HBO film Nightingale (2014), both of which garnered him critical acclaim. He also played supporting roles in the films Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), The Help (2011), Lincoln (2012), Red Tails (2012), and Jack Reacher (2012).

Quick Facts

Birth name

David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo

Born

1 April 1976

Birthplace

Oxford, Oxfordshire, England

Citizenship

British
Nigerian
American

Other names

David O.

Education

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

Occupation

Actor
director
producer

Years active

1998–present

Did You Know?

Oyelowo was born on 1 April 1976 in Oxford, Oxfordshire, to Nigerian parents.
He grew up idolising Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington.
Oyelowo is an omoba (or prince) of the Yoruba people; his grandfather was king of 'a part of Oyo State called Awe'.
He was the first black actor to play an English king in a major Shakespeare production, winning the 2001 Ian Charleson Award for his performance as King Henry VI.
Oyelowo played MI5 officer Danny Hunter in the British drama series Spooks from 2002 to 2004.