David Oyelowo made a special appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently, and he shared an intriguing story about how his father reacted to seeing him play the King of England in a production of “Henry VI.” The talk show segment was filled with interesting anecdotes and lively conversations.
During the interview, Oyelowo mentioned his admiration for two legendary actors, Sydney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. He had the opportunity to meet them at the Governor’s Awards in Los Angeles, just before the Oscars. Oyelowo, feeling like he was witnessing history, recalled how Sydney Poitier had seen his work in the film “The Butler,” despite his character disparaging Poitier in the film. The talented actor was thrilled when Portier praised his performance and was even included in a photograph with the two Hollywood icons.
Stephen Colbert also highlighted a significant milestone in Oyelowo’s career. In 2001, Oyelowo became the first black actor to play an English king in a major production of Shakespeare. He portrayed Henry VI at the Royal Shakespeare Company. This achievement held particular significance for Oyelowo as his father had been against his acting career, believing that there was no success for black actors in the UK at the time. However, Oyelowo’s father attended the play and was genuinely impressed by his son’s groundbreaking performance. The emotional impact of seeing a black man playing the King of England touched both Oyelowo and his father deeply.
Moving on to Oyelowo’s present projects, he discussed his role in the executive-produced series on Apple TV Plus called “Government Cheese.” Oyelowo plays the character of Hampton Chambers, who has recently been released from incarceration and is trying to reintegrate into his family while facing several challenges. The show explores themes of faith, redemption, and family dynamics.
Before concluding the interview, the host showcased a clip from “Government Cheese” featuring a fishing trip between Oyelowo’s character and his son. As always, Oyelowo’s performance was captivating and infused with his unique blend of humor and authenticity.
The talk show appearance with David Oyelowo was a delightful mix of personal anecdotes, historical significance, and exciting updates on his latest projects. With his incredible talent and captivating storytelling ability, Oyelowo continues to be a force in the entertainment industry. Catch his series “Government Cheese” streaming now on Apple TV Plus!
