David Oyelowo – Star Wars Rebels
| Stage Name: | David Oyelowo |
| Real Name: | David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 1st April 1976 (49 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Oyo State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married (Jessica Oyelowo – Wife) |
| Education: | London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art |
| Known for: | Star Wars Rebels |
Early Life
David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo was born on 1 April 1976 in Oxford, England, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba (father) and Igbo (mother) backgrounds. His father, Stephen, worked for Nigeria’s national airline, and his mother worked for railways. When David was six, his family moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where he attended Lagos State Model College, Meiran—a disciplined boarding school that helped shape his character.
He discovered during childhood that he is an omoba (prince) in the Yoruba chieftaincy system, because his grandfather had been king of a part of Oyo State called Awe. But David says Nigerian royalty differs from how royalty is seen in places like England.
At age 13 or 14, his family returned to London, where he faced bullying in school and felt caught between two cultures. He was nicknamed “coconut” (black on the outside, white inside) by peers because he worked hard at school and had many white friends .
Educational Background
In London, a high school teacher named Gill Foster noticed David’s talent for drama and encouraged him to audition for drama school. He went on to train at the National Youth Music Theatre, and later enrolled at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), graduating in 1998 with drama and acting training. After that, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, gaining classical theatre experience early in his career.
Career
Stage Work and Historic Role
David started his professional acting career in 1999 with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). In 2001, he became the first Black actor to play the English king Henry VI in a major Shakespeare production by the RSC. This historic achievement earned him the Ian Charleson Award for Best Young Classical Actor under 30.
He also performed in stage plays such as Antony and Cleopatra, Oroonoko, Prometheus Bound, and later starred as Othello in New York opposite Daniel Craig. In 2024, he starred in Coriolanus at the Royal National Theatre, returning to a stage very important to him .
Film and Television
David’s early acting work included appearances in British TV shows like Spooks (MI-5) (2002–2004) where he played Danny Hunter. He began appearing in films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Help, Lincoln, Red Tails, Jack Reacher, and The Last King of Scotland in the early 2010s.
His breakthrough role came in 2014, when he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the film Selma. This role earned him major attention worldwide and earned him Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and other major award nominations, along with winning NAACP Image Awards.
He also starred as Peter Snowden in the HBO film Nightingale (2014), winning a Critics’ Choice Television Award .
Other leading roles include:
- Louis Gaines in The Butler (2013)
- Seretse Khama in A United Kingdom (2016)
- Robert Katende in Queen of Katwe (2016)—a film praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.
He also voiced Agent Kallus in the animated series Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018), and appeared as Javert in the BBC miniseries Les Misérables in 2018 . More recently, he stars in the Apple TV+ series Silo (2023) and Paramount+ western series Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023) playing the real-life deputy marshal Bass Reeves. In 2025 he began starring as Hampton Chambers in Government Cheese, for which he is also executive producer .
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Production and Directing
David co-founded Yoruba Saxon Productions with his wife, Jessica Oyelowo. The company produces films such as Nightingale, A United Kingdom, and The Water Man (his directorial debut), highlighting stories about African experiences and values-based content).
He supports inclusion and diverse storytelling in Hollywood and beyond, promoting stories often not told in mainstream media
Personal Life
David married Jessica Oyelowo in 1998, whom he met in youth theatre in London. They have four children together: Asher, Caleb, Penuel, and Zoë. They live together in Los Angeles and follow a rule of never being apart for more than two weeks due to their busy schedules.
David is a devout Christian, a pescetarian, and credits his faith as central to many of his career choices—especially portraying Martin Luther King Jr.
He became a dual citizen of the UK and the U.S. in July 2016, so he could participate fully in civic life, including voting, after making home in the United States.
Controversies
David Oyelowo is deeply respected for his professionalism and personal integrity. No public major controversies are known about him. He has avoided scandals and is known for thoughtful speech, values-based work, and inclusive storytelling.
Social Media Presence
David does not publicly promote much through social media, focusing instead on his acting, projects, and family. However, his philanthropic programs, especially the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship, support girls in Nigeria affected by terrorism and social challenges. The scholarship offers full education, psychological support, and leadership training for young women in schools across Nigeria.
Net Worth
David Oyelowo’s estimated net worth is between US $20 million and $30 million, according to multiple sources. His income comes from acting in leading films and TV, writing and directing work, and running his production company. He also receives brand partnerships and endorsements for his acting and public profile
