Actor David Oyelowo discouraged by his father

The Hollywood star recently stated that his father had dissuaded him from making a career in cinema…

David Oyelowo, a Nigerian-born British actor, said that his father, Stephen, did not want to hear about a career in film making. He had reacted as a typical Nigerian parent when he made him aware of his intention. But, the young man persevered in his choice, strongly motivated by one of his teachers from the City and Islington College, where he was taking drama classes.

A few years later, Stephen confessed to have been mistaken. Especially since his son was nominated for the Golden Globes in the best actor category in 2015. And David Oyelowo is only at the beginning of his ascent, he who has been playing in the cinema since 2001. He has played in blockbuster films such as “Jack Reacher”, “Planet of the Apes”, “The color of Feelings” or “Selma”.

Despite his success, David Oyelowo does not forget his origins. “I am trying to find ways to bridge the gap between Hollywood and Nollywood, and to show an international audience that Nigerian characters, Nigerian content is something that the public wants to see,” he said recently. The actor also announced that he would finance the education of five Nigerian girls who survived the assaults of Boko Haram in north eastern Nigeria. The initiative, he said, will be carried out by the David Oyelowo Leadership Awards program.