David Oyelowo has just returned to London to prepare for rehearsals.
The eldest of three boys, Oyelowo moved to the United Kingdom with his parents - who were both academics as immigrants.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, which spans over two decades, he pauses over a Zoom call with FORBES AFRICA to consider what inspired him to become a storyteller. During his school days, he had been interested in theater and performing but had never thought of it as a means to earn a living. It was one teacher, in particular, who noticed the young talent and encouraged him to pursue acting.
"I think my mother just thought this would be a weird thing that I would grow out of," chuckles Oyelowo, recalling the memory.
"A large part of why I didn't think this would or should be a passion was because my parents had not seen me or anyone like them reflected on the screen." The closest Oyelowo's mother got to seeing this was with the late Sidney Poitier, a Bahamian-American actor, producer and film director, famous for the 1967 British drama film, To Sir, With Love.
This story is from the August - September 2024 edition of Forbes Africa.
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This story is from the August - September 2024 edition of Forbes Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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