ACTOR · BORN 1976
David Oyelowo
- Born
- 1 April 1976, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK
- Known for
- Interstellar (2014), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), The Help (2011), Jack Reacher (2012)
16 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
9 Facts From David Oyelowo's Career
- #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.
- #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.
- #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.
- #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.
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