In this post, we will be talking about the biography of David Oyelowo. David Oyelowo is a Nigerian English American actor and producer. He began his career in 1998, and has gone on to become a star in Hollywood. He got international recognition after acting Martin Luther King Jr in the film, Selma. Consequently, the on-screen and stage actor was named by BBC as Hollywood’s diversity champion.
Biography, Net Worth, Background And Career Journey Of David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo Background
David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo was born on April 1, 1976 in Oxford, England to Nigerian parents. His father hails from Oyo, and his mother, Edo State. They once worked for the national airline and the railway company respectively. David spent his early years in London before moving to Lagos where he attended a military-style boarding school.
At age 14, he moved back to Islington, and enrolled into City and Islington College for Theatre studies. Later on, he enrolled for an acting foundation course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). And in 1998, he completed his three-year course and went on to train at the National Youth Theatre.
David Oyelowo Personal Life
David Oyelowo is a prince from the Awe Kingdom in Nigeria, and a devout Christian as evident in his quotes and interviews.
He is married to Jessica Oyelowo (nee Watson) in 1998. Jessica is an English-American actress. They are blessed with four children, and the family lives in Los Angles, California. On July 20 2016, David and his wife Jessica became naturalized US citizens.
David Oyelowo Career
David Oyelowo began with the television series Maise Raine and Brothers and Sisters (1998). Also, in 1999, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) offered him a role in Volpone, a comedy written by Ben Jonson. About that same time, he also appeared in Oroonoko, Antony Cleopatra and others.
Subsequently, he appeared as King Henry VI, in 2001 in one of Shakespeare’s trilogy. Basically, it was a non-traditional casting where he acted as an English King. David, being the first actor to play that role for RSC, was criticized by some people in the media. Eventually, his performance was critically acclaimed, and he was awarded by Ian Charleson for the best performance by an actor under 30 in 2001.
Later on, he appeared in Spooks (2002 – 2004). In Spooks (a British Drama Series), David acted as MI5 officer Danny Hunter. Similarly, Spooks brought David to limelight and he gained recognition. Since then, he has continued to act on stage and screen.
In addition, David has featured in several television series, numerous voice acting and has featured and directed series of films. He made cameo appearances in Mayo (2006), Sweet Nothing in my ear (2008), and was the main characters in Five Days (2007), and The Passion (2008), e.t.c
In 2014, he gained massive international recognition after he played the role of Martin Luther King in the film Selma. According to David, the role was given to him by God.
Read Also – Olusegun Obasanjo – Biography And Net Worth
Movies
Dog Eat Dog, 2001
The Best Man, 2005
Derailed, 2005
A Sound Of Thunder, 2005
Born Equal, 2006
The Last King of Scotland, 2006
Shoot the Messenger, 2006
Rage, 2009
Who Do You Love? 2008
Big Guy, 2009
The Help, 2011
Rise of the Planet of the Apes, 2011
Lincoln, 2012
Red Tails, 2012
The Paperboy, 2012
Middle of Nowhere, 2012
Rise of the planet of the Aprils, 2012
The Butler, 2013
Girl Rising, 2013
Complicit, 2013
Default, 2014
Selma, 2014
A Most Violent Year, 2014
Captive, 2015
Five Nights in Main, 2015
Nina, 2016
A United Kingdome, 2016
Queen of Katwe, 2016
Gringo, 2018
A wrinkle in Time, 2018
The Cloverfield Paradox, 2018
Don’t Let Go, 2019
Yoruba Saxon Production
David Oyelowo established his production company: Yoruba Saxon Production in 2014. The company was behind the production of films such as Nightingale, Captive, Five Nights in Maine, A United Kingdom e.t.c In 2018, Yoruba Saxon Production sealed a deal with Madison Wells Media (MWM) Studios to develop film and television projects.
David Oyelowo Net Worth
According to En.mediamass.net, David’s net worth is estimated at $245 million. He has a portfolio of investment, properties, endorsement deals, e.t.c.
Awards And Recognition
David Oyelowo have gained local and international recognition for his contribution in the industry. For instance, he was appointed officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 New Year Honours for services to drama. Also, his other awards include;
Scholarship for Excellence, from Nicholas Hytner, 1998
Best Performance by an Actor under 30 in a Classical Play, Ian Charleson Award, 2001
Best Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television, Satellite Award, 2007
Best Actor, Royal Television Society, 2010
Spark Award, River Run International Film Festival, 2012
Spotlight Award, Hollywood Film Awards, 2013
Image Award, Outstanding Actor in A Motion Picture, 2013
Breakthrough Performance, ‘The Butler’, Hamptons International Film Festival, 2013
Best Actor, ‘Selma’, African-American Film Critics Association, 2014
Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries, Critics’ Choice Television Award, 2014
Best Actor, ‘Selma’ Black Reel Awards, 2015
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, NAACP Image Award, 2015
Selma Palm springs International Film Festival, 2015
Virtuoso Award, ‘Selma’ Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 2015
Breakthrough Award, Georgia Film Critics Association, (GAFCA), 2015
Best Actor in a Tv Movie or Limited Series, ‘Nightingale’, Black Reel Award of 2016
Anthena Leading Man, Anthena Film Industry, 2017
David Oyelowo Quotes
“If you feel like the beginning of your history is rooted in slavery, that really, I think, messes with your sense of self, self-esteem, and self-worth.”
“We can’t afford to deny our past in a bid to be empowered. But what we can do is contextualize the past.”
“You cannot perpetually stay in that place of blame. Otherwise it’s just a downward spiral.”
“I am a father; I am very aware of the things I’m putting out in the world knowing that one day my children will watch the work that I’ve done. I want to be able to stand by it.”
“Excellence is the best weapon against prejudice. …You’ve just got to keep on banging out good performance.”
“I do think opportunity breeds bravery. It’s such a competitive profession, no one owes you anything, talent in itself is not enough.”
“I will till the day I die be an advocate for the d-world: diversity.”
Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Life Of David Oyelowo
Embrace diversity and quality.
Oyelowo is one of the actors who never forgets where he came from. And his background does not affect the quality of work he delivers as he interprets every roles perfectly.
As entrepreneurs, we should never limit our horizon. Entrepreneurs should stand for quality alone; never be comfortable with average and fall into mediocrity.
