David Oyelowo
David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo OBE (/oʊˈjɛloʊwoʊ/ oh-YEL-oh-woh; ⓘ; born 1 April 1976) is a British-American 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.
David Oyelowo OBE | |
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Oyelowo in 2015 | |
| Born | David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo 1 April 1976 Oxford, England |
| Other names | David O. |
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| Alma mater | London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
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| Children | 4 |
Oyelowo rose to prominence for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in the biographical drama film Selma (2014) and Peter Snowdin in the HBO film Nightingale (2014), both of which garnered him critical acclaim. He also achieved praise for his roles as Louis Gaines in The Butler (2013), Seretse Khama in A United Kingdom (2016) and Robert Katende in Queen of Katwe (2016). He has 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).
On television, Oyelowo has played MI5 officer Danny Hunter in the British drama series Spooks (2002–2004) and Javert in the BBC miniseries Les Misérables (2018). He also provided the voice for Agent Alexsandr Kallus in the Lucasfilm Animation series Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018). He stars in and co-produces the 2023 Paramount+ western series Lawmen: Bass Reeves.