David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo

Biography

David Oyelowo is a British-Nigerian actor, director and producer known for his thoughtful performances and commitment to diverse storytelling. Born in Oxford, England, on April 1, 1976, to Nigerian parents, he trained in drama and began his career on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company, becoming the first Black actor to play an English king in a major production. He rose to international prominence for portraying civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma (2014), earning several award nominations and critical praise. Oyelowo’s screen credits include The Butler, Lincoln, Queen of Katwe and roles on television in series like Spooks and Les Misérables. He has received NAACP Image Awards and Critics’ Choice recognition, and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to drama. Beyond acting, he produces through Yoruba Saxon and supports initiatives that expand opportunities for underrepresented voices in film.