David Harewood

Having commenced his career in 1990 with various film and television appearances, David Harewood achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in London in 1997. His early television work included roles in series like ‘Ballykissangel,’ ‘The Vice,’ and ‘Fat Friends,’ and he notably portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2010 BBC drama ‘Mrs Mandela’ and Brother Tuck in ‘Robin Hood.’ On screen, he featured in films including ‘The Merchant of Venice’ (2004) and ‘Blood Diamond’ (2006). Harewood garnered international recognition with his starring role as David Estes, Director of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, in the Showtime series ‘Homeland,’ appearing in 24 episodes from 2011 to 2012. Following this success, he joined the main cast of the CBS series ‘Supergirl’ in 2015, portraying J’onn J’onzz / Martian Manhunter until 2021.

In 2019, he hosted the powerful documentary ‘David Harewood: My Psychosis and Me,’ significantly contributing to mental health awareness. His contributions to the arts and charity have been formally recognized, receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2012, and later appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2023. Harewood also received the Variety Outstanding Achievement Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival in 2020 and authored his memoir, ‘Maybe I Don’t Belong Here,’ released in 2021. Continuing his influence, he was appointed President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in February 2024, cementing his impact both on and off screen.