# David Oyelowo > British actor **Wikidata**: [Q218800](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q218800) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Oyelowo) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-oyelowo ## Summary David Oyelowo is a British actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He is recognized for his powerful performances in both historical dramas and contemporary roles, including his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* (2014). ## Biography - Born: April 1, 1976 - Nationality: United Kingdom - Education: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) - Known for: Acting in *Selma*, *A United Kingdom*, *The Last King of Scotland*, and *Queen of Katwe* - Employer(s): [Not explicitly listed in source material] - Field(s): Film, television, stage acting; film producing; directing ## Contributions David Oyelowo has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through a diverse body of work spanning film, television, and theater. His portrayal of historical figures and complex characters has earned critical acclaim and international recognition. - **Film Career**: Oyelowo starred in *Selma* (2014), where he played Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivering a performance widely praised for its depth and authenticity. This role marked a pivotal moment in his career, bringing him global attention. - **Notable Films**: In *The Last King of Scotland* (2006), he played Dr. Merrit, showcasing his ability to embody morally ambiguous characters. His performance in *A United Kingdom* (2016) highlighted his skill in portraying real-life figures, playing Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana. - **Television Work**: Oyelowo appeared in the BBC series *Spooks* (2002–2004), a role that established him as a prominent figure in British television. - **Stage Performances**: He has performed in Shakespearean plays, including *Othello* and *Henry VI*, demonstrating his classical acting range. - **Producing and Directing**: Oyelowo has also worked behind the camera, producing films such as *The Water Man* (2020), which he also directed, marking his feature directorial debut. - **Awards and Recognition**: He received the Ian Charleson Award in 1999 for his stage performance in *Henry VI*. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 for services to drama. ## FAQs **What is David Oyelowo known for?** David Oyelowo is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* (2014), a performance that earned widespread critical acclaim. He is also recognized for his roles in *The Last King of Scotland* and *A United Kingdom*, as well as his work in television and theater. **Where has David Oyelowo worked?** Oyelowo has worked across film, television, and theater. He starred in *Selma*, *The Last King of Scotland*, and *A United Kingdom*. On television, he appeared in the BBC series *Spooks*. He has also performed in Shakespearean plays and directed *The Water Man*. **Has David Oyelowo won any awards?** Yes, he received the Ian Charleson Award in 1999 for his stage performance in *Henry VI*. In 2019, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama. **What are some of David Oyelowo’s notable film roles?** Notable film roles include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* (2014), Dr. Merrit in *The Last King of Scotland* (2006), and Seretse Khama in *A United Kingdom* (2016). He also starred in *Queen of Katwe* (2016), portraying Robert Katende. **What did David Oyelowo study?** He studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), a prestigious institution for drama and performance training. ## Why They Matter David Oyelowo has redefined representation in Hollywood by taking on roles that highlight underrepresented narratives, particularly those of African and African-American figures. His portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* brought renewed attention to the civil rights movement and demonstrated the power of cinema to educate and inspire. Oyelowo’s work behind the camera as a producer and director further expands his influence, encouraging more inclusive storytelling. His contributions have not only elevated his own career but also opened doors for other actors of color in the industry. ## Notable For - Playing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* (2014) - Starred in *The Last King of Scotland* (2006) and *A United Kingdom* (2016) - Appeared in the BBC series *Spooks* (2002–2004) - Performed in Shakespearean plays such as *Othello* and *Henry VI* - Produced and directed *The Water Man* (2020) - Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 - Received the Ian Charleson Award in 1999 - Trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) ## Body ### Early Life and Education David Oyelowo was born on April 1, 1976, in London, England. He is of Nigerian descent and holds dual British and American citizenship. He pursued formal training in acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), a renowned institution for drama and performance. ### Career Oyelowo’s career spans film, television, and theater. He began gaining recognition in the early 2000s with roles in British television, most notably as Danny Hunter in the BBC series *Spooks* (2002–2004). His performance in *The Last King of Scotland* (2006) marked a turning point, earning him international acclaim for his portrayal of Dr. Merrit. #### Film Career Oyelowo’s filmography includes a range of critically acclaimed films: - In *The Last King of Scotland* (2006), he played Dr. Merrit, a role that showcased his ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters. - His portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in *Selma* (2014) was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, becoming one of his most iconic roles. - He starred as Seretse Khama in *A United Kingdom* (2016), a biographical drama about the first president of Botswana. - In *Queen of Katwe* (2016), he played Robert Katende, a Ugandan chess teacher who mentors a young girl from the slums. #### Television Career Oyelowo gained early recognition for his role in the BBC series *Spooks* (2002–2004), where he played Danny Hunter, a junior intelligence officer. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of espionage and became a cultural phenomenon in the UK. #### Theater and Stage Oyelowo has also made significant contributions to theater, particularly in classical roles. He performed in Shakespearean plays such as *Othello* and *Henry VI*, earning the Ian Charleson Award in 1999 for his performance in the latter. His stage work demonstrates his versatility and commitment to classical acting. ### Behind the Camera In addition to acting, Oyelowo has worked as a producer and director: - He produced and directed *The Water Man* (2020), a family drama that marked his feature directorial debut. - His production company, DNA, focuses on creating content that reflects diverse voices and stories. ### Awards and Recognition Oyelowo has received numerous accolades for his work: - The Ian Charleson Award (1999) for his stage performance in *Henry VI*. - Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 for services to drama. ### Influence and Legacy David Oyelowo’s career has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His portrayal of historical figures has brought renewed attention to important narratives, particularly those of African and African-American leaders. His work behind the camera as a producer and director continues to influence the industry by promoting inclusive storytelling. Oyelowo’s contributions have not only elevated his own career but also opened doors for other actors of color, making him a pivotal figure in modern cinema. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. datos.bne.es 4. [Who trained at LAMDA?](https://www.lamda.org.uk/graduates/who-trained-at-lamda?page=1) 5. Czech National Authority Database 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. CiNii Research 9. MusicBrainz 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. IdRef 12. CONOR.SI 13. BBC Things 14. The Movie Database 15. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/david-oyetokunbo-oyelowo-107ZzpwW73/appearances) 16. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/david-oyelowo-107Zzr4udG/appearances)