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United Kingdom David Harewood is an acclaimed actor, director, and producer, known for his impactful roles in television, film, and theatre.
David Harewood, alongside his producing partner Sabina Emrit Harper, launched the production company Section 52 Films, focusing on content related to race, identity, and mental health.
David Harewood fronted a TV advert for Prostate Cancer Research, campaigning for a national prostate cancer screening program.
David Harewood participated in an outdoor campaign for Operation Black Vote, where he was one of four Black celebrities to 'turn white' to raise awareness.
David Harewood, among other UK actors, supported a proposal by Equity for a 'Green Rider,' advocating for environmental sustainability in film and TV productions.
David Harewood was born on December 8, 1965, in Small Heath, Birmingham, England, to Barbadian parents. He attended the National Youth Theatre and later gained admission to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at the age of 18. His career began in 1990 with appearances in various films and television series. A significant milestone in his early career was becoming the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in London in 1997. He appeared in films such as “Blood Diamond” (2006) and “The Merchant of Venice” (2004), and television shows including “Ballykissangel,” “The Vice,” and “Fat Friends.” He also played Nelson Mandela in the 2010 BBC drama “Mrs Mandela” and Brother Tuck in “Robin Hood.”
Harewood achieved international recognition with his role as David Estes, Director of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, in the Showtime series “Homeland” from 2011 to 2012, appearing in 24 episodes. Following this, he joined the main cast of the CBS series “Supergirl” in 2015, where he portrayed J’onn J’onzz / Martian Manhunter, a role he continued until 2021 and also directed four episodes of the series. His acting credits also include “The Night Manager” (2016) and “The Acolyte” (2024). Beyond acting, Harewood has taken on directing and producing roles, and released a memoir titled “Maybe I Don’t Belong Here” in 2021. He received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2012 and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2023 for services to drama and charity.
His career also includes significant work in theatre, playing prominent roles such as Lord Asriel in “His Dark Materials” (2004-2005) at the National Theatre and Martin Luther King Jr. in the premiere of “The Mountaintop” (2009). He has also voiced characters in video games like “Battlefield 3” (2011) and “Alan Wake II” (2023). In February 2024, Harewood was appointed the new President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, highlighting his continued influence and contribution to the performing arts. He is also a mental health campaigner and has hosted documentaries such as “David Harewood: My Psychosis and Me” (2019).
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