Meet David Oyelowo, the Award-Nominated Actor of 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves'
Who here tuned into Lawmen: Bass Reeves this season? ✋
If you raised your hand, then you were likely left in awe by the man who played Bass Reeves himself, David Oyelowo. He took on the role of the historic lawman whose true story is the stuff of Western legends. The chemistry he shared with the rest of the cast, such as Moses Brings Plenty and Dennis Quaid, was just ad compelling. It's no wonder he was nominated for an award at the 81st Golden Globes this year!
As you watched the gripping events unfold and what it was like being one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals of his time, you may have found that David looks vaguely familiar. To some, maybe even more than vaguely! Though he surely captivated viewers in this latest Western series, he has many acting roles from different movies and TV shows under his belt. So, without further ado, here's everything you should know about David's career and personal life.
Where is David Oyelowo from?
Though you may be used to him playing American roles, you may be surprised to know that David was actually born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. While he currently lives in Los Angelos, California, he grew up overseas in the United Kingdom, where he graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 1998.
What other movies and TV shows has David Oyelowo been in?
Once you watch him in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, it might be hard to picture David as any other character. But one look at his acting resumé, and you're sure to be impressed! Most notably, David has starred as Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 2014 biopic, Selma (nominated for two Academy Awards, also starring Oprah Winfrey). Before this stellar performance, David was in plenty of other films, but his breakthrough came when he got his role in the 2013 film The Butler. His other works include A United Kingdom, Silo, and Nightingale.
Is David Oyelowo married?
Yes! David is married to his wife Jessica Oyelowo, and has been since 1998—celebrating their 25th anniversary earlier this year. Jessica is a British actress, and the two met while in drama school back in the United Kingdom! Jessica acted alongside her husband in A United Kingdom, and also has acting roles in two Tim Burton films, Sleepy Hollow and Alice In Wonderland.
Does David Oyelowo have kids?
He sure does! He shares four kids—three sons and one daughter—with his wife. Their names are Asher, Caleb, Penuel, and Zoe—and you can tell they are one adorable family! The actor has to travel regularly for work, but that doesn't stop him from spending time with family when he can.
In a sweet post made on his birthday, David shared with his followers a video of an emotional reunion he had with his wife and kids while he was away from work.
"The hardest thing about being a working actor for me is being away from my family so on this day, this is the best birthday gift and surprise imaginable," he captioned the post. "What a way to wake up. I love my babies. ❤️"
Will there be a Lawmen: Bass Reeves season 2?
No official statement has been made regarding the future of the series. However, we do know that it was meant to be an anthology series. So if the show were to continue, it would follow a new lawman instead of Bass Reeves.
Director Damian Marcano spoke with Digital Spy back in November of 2023, giving fans a little more insight into the future: "You know, I think in this business, if it becomes a problem, if enough people want to watch this, then guess what? There will be more."
We love it when the masterminds behind our favorite projects give us something to hold onto!
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