ACTOR · BORN 1976
David Oyelowo
- Born
- 1 April 1976, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK
- Known for
- The Cloverfield Paradox (2018), The Midnight Sky (2020), Chaos Walking (2021), The Paperboy (2012)
16 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
David Oyelowo (born 1 April 1976) is an actor best known for The Cloverfield Paradox, The Midnight Sky and Chaos Walking.
All facts (16)
- #001
David Oyelowo was born in Oxford, in the English county of Oxfordshire, to a Nigerian family belonging to the Yoruba people. In an interview on the program 'Fresh Air,' he told host Terry Gross that his father is a member of the Nigerian royal family and that his surname literally means 'a king deserves respect.' He did not shy away from treating his noble origins with humor, however: 'Don't get me wrong, royal families are ten a penny in Nigeria. It's more like being the king of Sherman Oaks. But it does carry some weight.'.
- #002
In 2000, David Oyelowo made theater history by taking the title role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of 'Henry VI, Part I, II and III.' With this performance he became the first Black actor to play an English monarch. The step was a turning point that broke the traditional molds of classical English theater and opened the way for diversity and representation in the acting world.
- #003
As of 2015, David Oyelowo had appeared in three films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: 'The Help' (2011), 'Lincoln' (2012) and 'Selma' (2014). These films won critical acclaim and drew attention for their powerful stories that shed light on social issues. Oyelowo's performances in these productions proved him to be a serious and selective actor.
- #004
David Oyelowo trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), with the costs of his education covered by the renowned theater and film director Nicholas Hytner. Hytner's support was interpreted as a sign of his belief in Oyelowo's talent. It allowed Oyelowo to build his career on a solid theatrical foundation and to become an actor who made a name for himself both on stage and on screen in the years that followed.
- #005
David Oyelowo and his wife Jessica became dual citizens by taking US citizenship on July 20, 2016. Announcing the decision, he referred to his role in 'Selma' and the struggle for voting rights: 'I made a film about voting rights and told people to vote. But if I've lived here for almost 10 years and can't vote myself, that would be a bit hypocritical. So I decided to become a citizen, and there couldn't be a better time for it.'.
- #006
In 2001, David Oyelowo was awarded the Ian Charleson Award for his leading performance in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 'Henry VI, Part I, II and III.' The award honors outstanding performances by young actors in classical theater roles. Winning it confirmed Oyelowo as an actor capable of handling demanding texts such as Shakespeare's, and the achievement is regarded as an important milestone early in his career.
- #007
David Oyelowo appeared alongside actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw in three different films: the 2018 science fiction thriller 'The Cloverfield Paradox,' the 2018 fantasy adventure 'A Wrinkle in Time' and the 2020 film 'Come Away.' The pair's chemistry drew attention in all three. Spanning different genres, these films showcased Oyelowo's versatility and his ability to adapt to different stories.
- #008
In 2016, David Oyelowo was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's New Year Honours for services to drama. The honor was seen as official recognition of his contributions to theater and film. Oyelowo, who lives and works in London, further cemented his respected standing in the British arts community with the award.
- #009
On the path to his acting career, David Oyelowo continued his education at City and Islington College (CANDI) in the London borough of Islington. The institution was an important step in his artistic development. The training he received there laid the groundwork for his later professional acting education at LAMDA.
- #010
David Oyelowo's surname is phonetically pronounced 'oh-yell-oh-oh.' In the Yoruba language the name means 'a title deserves respect.' Given the important roles he has taken on and the esteem he has earned throughout his career, that meaning seems fitting. Oyelowo carries the name with an awareness of its significance and does it justice.
- #011
There is an interesting connection between David Oyelowo and actor Jeffrey Wright: both have played two of the same historical figures. Wright played Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2001 film 'Boycott,' while Oyelowo took on the same role in the 2014 film 'Selma'; in both films, King's wife Coretta Scott King was played by Carmen Ejogo. Oyelowo also played blues legend Muddy Waters in the 2008 film 'Who Do You Love,' while Wright played the character in 'Cadillac Records,' released the same year.
- #012
During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, David Oyelowo showed solidarity with the Palestinian people. As part of a group of activists called Artists4Ceasefire, he signed a letter calling on US President Joe Biden for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The move revealed Oyelowo as not only an artist but also an activist sensitive to human rights issues.
- #013
David Oyelowo currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Residing in the heart of Hollywood keeps him close to his film career. Los Angeles has become the center of a new beginning for him both professionally and personally, and the city has played an important role in his rise to international fame.
- #014
David Oyelowo is close friends with the famous television host and producer Oprah Winfrey. This friendship holds an important place in Oyelowo's career. As one of the producers of 'Selma,' Winfrey was instrumental in his involvement in the project. The strong bond between the two helped Oyelowo expand his network in Hollywood and take part in major projects.
- #015
David Oyelowo began his acting career at a young age at the National Youth Theatre. The institution is one of Britain's leading youth theaters and has helped nurture many famous actors. Oyelowo's experience there reinforced his passion for the performing arts and gave him a solid start to his professional career.
- #016
To step away from his intense work schedule and relax, David Oyelowo prefers watching mixed martial arts (MMA) fights. His interest in the sport shows that he enjoys watching something exciting and dynamic. It allows him both to be entertained and to relieve stress.
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