10 Things You Need To Know About New, Black James Bond

David Oyelowo is the first black man to play the role of James Bond on the big screen. David is one of the few Nigerian actors plying their trade abroad.

He has won many awards and accolades since he embraced the make believe world.

Here are 10 things you need to know about David Oyelowo

1. He was born on April fool’s day, April 1, 1978.

2. David had a humble beginning as his parents worked in the British transportation sector. His mum worked with British rail while his father, Stephen worked with the British Airways.

3. Though born in London, David was sent back to Nigeria by his parents to learn about the Yoruba culture. He was in Nigeria for seven years before he relocated back to London. 

4. It was his teacher that advised him to take up acting.

5. Oyelowo graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His course was paid for by the director Nicholas Hytner.

6. His first stage play was when he starred in The Suppliants at the Gate Theatre playing King Palasgus. The play earned him the Ian Charleson award commendation.

7. Oyelowo was the first black actor to act as an English king for the Royal Shakespeare Company when he played the title role in a production of Henry VI Parts I, II and III.

8. He is married to Jessica Watson now Jessica Oyelowo whom he met during his time as a teen with the National Youth Music and together they have four children.

9. David agreed he had to be closer to God as a Christian for him to be able to interpret the role of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr in the film Selma

10. The first time David voiced an audiobook was in 2007 when he was the reader for John le Carre’s The Mission song and now James Bond in Trigger Mortis, written by Anthony Horowitz.

Some of his movies include The Butler (2013), 2012’s Paperboy, Middle of Nowhere, Nightingale, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2009), The Help (2011), Jack Reacher (2012), and Lincoln (2012); stage plays are As You Like It (2007), Graham and Alice (2006), The Last King of Scotland (2006), Sound of Thunder (2005).