David Oyelowo

Born: 1976-04-01 (age 50)
Birthplace: Oxford, England
Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer
Spouse: Jessica Oyelowo
Alma Mater: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
AKA: David O.

Biography

EARLY LIFE

Born in Oxford to Nigerian parents from Oyo State and Igbo ethnicity. Raised in Tooting Bec, south London until age six, then moved to Lagos, Nigeria. Returned to London at age 14, settling in Islington. Attended City and Islington College and trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), graduating in 1998.

CAREER

Began stage career with Royal Shakespeare Company in 1999. Breakthrough as Henry VI in 2001. Television debut in Spooks (2002-2004). Film roles include Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), The Help (2011), Lincoln (2012), The Butler (2013), Selma (2014) as Martin Luther King Jr., Nightingale (2014), Queen of Katwe (2016), and Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023). Founded Yoruba Saxon Productions.