David Harewood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Harewood OBE
David Harewood in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024
Born	David Michael Harewood (1965-12-08) 8 December 1965 (age 59) Small Heath, Birmingham, England
Occupation	Actor, presenter
Years active	1990–present
Spouse(s)	Kirsty Handy ​ ​ (m. 2014)​
Children	2

David Michael Harewood is a well-known British actor and presenter. He was born on December 8, 1965. He is famous for playing David Estes in the TV show Homeland. He also played J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter in Supergirl. David Harewood is currently the president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He has received an award called the OBE for his work in drama.

Early Life and Education

David Harewood was born in Small Heath, Birmingham, England. His parents came to England from Barbados in the 1950s and 1960s. His father was a lorry driver, and his mother worked in catering. David has a sister, Sandra, and two brothers, Rodger and Paul.

He went to St Benedict's Junior School and Washwood Heath Academy. He was part of the National Youth Theatre, which helps young people learn about acting. When he was 18, he got a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. This is a very famous drama school.

Acting Career Highlights

David Harewood started acting in 1990. He has been in many films and TV shows. Some of his early films include Blood Diamond and The Merchant of Venice. On TV, he appeared in shows like Ballykissangel and Fat Friends.

In 1997, David made history. He was the first black actor to play Othello at the Royal National Theatre in London. This was a very important moment in his career.

Notable TV Roles

In 2009, David played Nelson Mandela in a BBC film called Mrs Mandela. He also appeared in the popular show Doctor Who in the story "The End of Time". He played Martin Luther King Jr. in a play called The Mountaintop.

From 2011 to 2012, David starred in the American TV series Homeland. He played David Estes, who was in charge of counter-terrorism for the CIA. His character was in 24 episodes.

In 2015, he joined the cast of Supergirl. He first played Hank Henshaw. Later, his character was revealed to be J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter. He played this superhero until 2021.

Recent Work and Recognition

In 2018, David won the Best Actor award at the British Urban Film Festival. He was also named one of the 100 most influential Black Britons in the 2019 Powerlist.

In 2019, David hosted and produced a documentary called Psychosis and Me. This film was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award. In October 2021, it was announced that David would direct his first movie. It's a boxing film called For Whom The Bell Tolls.

In 2023, David Harewood was given the OBE award. This was for his great work in drama and for his charity efforts. In February 2024, he became the new President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. This is a big honor in the acting world. Also in 2024, he appeared in the Star Wars series The Acolyte. He played Senator Rayencourt.

Other Interests and Activities

Speaking Out on History

David Harewood is passionate about history and justice. His family's ancestors were enslaved on a plantation in Barbados. This plantation was owned by a man whose title was Earl of Harewood. Because of this, David's ancestors were given the surname Harewood.

David believes the British government should apologize for its part in the Atlantic slave trade. He has even met with the current Earl of Harewood, who agrees with him. In 2007 and 2021, David visited Harewood House. This house was built with money from slavery. He talked about this history in TV documentaries.

In 2023, a portrait of David Harewood was put on display at Harewood House. This was a way to recognize the shared history of their families. David said he hoped visitors would learn about the "unpaid work" and "brutality" his ancestors faced. He hopes it helps people understand how his ancestors helped build the house.

Charity Work and Sports

David is a big supporter of Birmingham City Football Club. He has played as a celebrity goalkeeper for England in Soccer Aid matches. These matches raise money for UNICEF, a charity that helps children around the world. In 2018, he saved two penalties, helping England win and raise over £5 million.

In 2007, David donated his bone marrow. This kind act helped save a patient's life. He also supported a campaign for the British Lung Foundation in 2013.

Personal Life

David Harewood is married to Kirsty Handy. They got married in 2013 in Saint James, Barbados. They have two daughters and live in Streatham, London.

David is also an ambassador for mental health. He has openly shared his own experiences with mental health struggles. In 2019, he hosted a BBC documentary called David Harewood: My Psychosis and Me. In this film, he talked about his journey and how he got help.

Filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Radio

David Harewood has also worked in radio. He voiced a character in the BBC radio series Chambers in 1996. He played Patroclus in the 1998 BBC radio trilogy Troy. He also played Henry Tilney in the Northanger Abbey radio adaptation in 2005. In 2012, he hosted a special BBC Radio 2 show about the life of Ray Charles.

In 2013, Harewood played the Marquis de Carabas in the BBC Radio 4 play of Neverwhere. In 2022, he voiced Destruction of the Endless in an Audible audiobook. It was an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's comic, The Sandman.

Awards and Nominations

• Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Nominated (2012)
• Nashville Film Festival-Best Actor: Winner (2016)
• Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead: Nominated (2017)
• Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actor on a Television Series: Nominated (2019)
• Edinburgh TV Festival-Variety Outstanding Achievement Award: Winner (2020)
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to drama (2023)
• Long Key International Film Awards 2023 - Best Actor in a Short Film (Man to Man, 2023). Winner.

Books

David Harewood has written a memoir about his life.

See also

In Spanish: David Harewood para niños