David Oyelowo

Date of Birth: April 1, 1976

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

David Oyelowo, born David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo, is a British-Nigerian actor and producer known for his work in film, television, and theater. He was born in Oxford, England, and moved to Nigeria when he was six, only to return to the UK seven years later. Oyelowo studied drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he honed his craft before launching his career in the entertainment industry. Oyelowo’s breakthrough role came in 2014 when he starred as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the critically acclaimed film “Selma,” directed by Ava DuVernay. His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination and widespread recognition. He has also been featured in notable films such as “The Butler,” “Nightingale,” “Queen of Katwe,” and “A United Kingdom.” In addition to his film work, Oyelowo has made significant contributions to television. He starred in the BBC series “Spooks” and HBO’s “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” His stage work is equally impressive, having performed in productions like “Othello” and “A Season in the Congo.” David Oyelowo is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. He has been vocal about the need for more representation of people of color both in front of and behind the camera.

5 Interesting Facts about David Oyelowo

1. David Oyelowo is the first black actor to play an English king in a major Shakespearean production, taking on the role of Henry VI for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2001.

2. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for his services to drama.

3. Oyelowo voiced the character of Agent Kallus in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels.”

4. He made his directorial debut with the film “The Water Man,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2020.

5. David Oyelowo is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Oyelowo

1. “As an actor, you can be limited to so many different things. But as a producer, you get to create the world in which you want to see your stories come to life.”

2. “I don’t believe in building walls; I believe in building bridges.”

3. “When you play a real person, you have the added responsibility of knowing that this was a human being who lived, and you want to do them justice.”

4. “If you don’t see yourself represented, you don’t imagine what’s possible.”

5. “The power of art is that it can take you somewhere else, and it can make you see the world differently.”