David Oyelowo (born April 1, 1976) is an English actor, director and producer. His family originates from Nigeria. David studied Theatre Studies for A level and his teacher suggested he should become an actor. After A levels David enrolled for a year on an Art foundation course. In December 2000 David became the first black actor to play an English monarch for the RSC taking the title role in Henry VI. His performance won him the 'Ian Charleson' Award 2001 for best newcomer in a classical play.
Known For
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
(2011)
Steven Jacobs
Interstellar
(2014)
School Principal
The Help
(2011)
Preacher Green
Chaos Walking
(2021)
Aaron
The Cloverfield Paradox
(2018)
Kiel
Role Play
(2023)
Dave
Jack Reacher
(2012)
Det. Emerson
A Wrinkle in Time
(2018)
The It (voice)
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
(2021)
Nigel Basil-Jones
Gringo
(2018)
Harold Soyinka
Captive
(2015)
Brian Nichols
Come Away
(2020)
Jack Littleton
The Book of Clarence
(2024)
John the Baptist
Red Tails
(2012)
Joe 'Lightning' Little
Lincoln
(2012)
Corporal Ira Clark
Selma
(2014)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Full Filmography
Acting
Dog Eat Dog
(2001)
CJ
Tomorrow La Scala!
(2002)
Charlie
A Sound of Thunder
(2005)
Marcus Payne
Derailed
(2005)
Patrol Officer
The Best Man
(2005)
Graham
Born Equal
(2006)
Yemi
The Last King of Scotland
(2006)
Dr. Thomas Junju
As You Like It
(2006)
Orlando De Boys
Shoot the Messenger
(2006)
Joseph Pascale
A Raisin in the Sun
(2008)
Joseph Asagai
Sweet Nothing in My Ear
(2008)
Leonard Grisham
Who Do You Love
(2008)
Muddy Waters
Rage
(2009)
Homer
96 Minutes
(2011)
Duane
The Help
(2011)
Preacher Green
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
(2011)
Steven Jacobs
Middle of Nowhere
(2012)
Brian
Red Tails
(2012)
Joe 'Lightning' Little
Jack Reacher
(2012)
Det. Emerson
Rahab
(2012)
Cen
The Paperboy
(2012)
Yardley Acheman
Lincoln
(2012)
Corporal Ira Clark
Complicit
(2013)
Edward Ekubo
Jack Reacher: When the Man Comes Around
(2013)
Self
The Butler
(2013)
Louis Gaines
9 Kisses
(2014)
Arm Wrestling Man #1
Interstellar
(2014)
School Principal
Nightingale
(2014)
Peter Snowden
Default
(2014)
Atlas
A Most Violent Year
(2014)
D.A. Lawrence
Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion
(2014)
Agent Kallus (voice)
Selma
(2014)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Captive
(2015)
Brian Nichols
Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal
(2015)
Agent Kallus (voice)
Queen of Katwe
(2016)
Robert Katende
A United Kingdom
(2016)
Seretse Khama
Nina
(2016)
Clifton Henderson
Five Nights in Maine
(2016)
Sherwin
Star Wars Rebels: Steps Into Shadow
(2016)
Agent Kallus (voice)
August 28: A Day in the Life of a People
(2017)
The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar
(2017)
Scar (voice)
The Cloverfield Paradox
(2018)
Kiel
Gringo
(2018)
Harold Soyinka
A Wrinkle in Time
(2018)
The It (voice)
Don't Let Go
(2019)
Detective Jack Radcliff
Come Away
(2020)
Jack Littleton
The Midnight Sky
(2020)
Adewole
The Bastard King
(2020)
The Bastard King / Narrator
The Water Man
(2020)
Amos Boone
Chaos Walking
(2021)
Aaron
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
(2021)
Nigel Basil-Jones
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
(2022)
The Tiger (voice)
See How They Run
(2022)
Mervyn Cocker-Norris
Role Play
(2023)
Dave
The Book of Clarence
(2024)
John the Baptist
The After
(2024)
Dayo
Becoming King
(2024)
Self
Directing
Production
Nightingale
(2014)
Executive Producer
Captive
(2015)
Producer
A United Kingdom
(2016)
Producer
Five Nights in Maine
(2016)
Producer
Don't Let Go
(2019)
Executive Producer and Producer
The Water Man
(2020)
Producer
Come Away
(2020)
Producer
Ferguson Rises
(2021)
Producer
Night of the Kings
(2021)
Executive Producer
5150
(2021)
Executive Producer
The After
(2024)
Producer
Becoming King
(2024)
Producer
Crew