Childish Gambino – This Is America

Donald Glover: A Multi-Talented Artist

Donald Glover, born September 25, 1983, in California, is a versatile artist known for his work in television, film, and music. He’s the creator, star, producer, director, and co-writer of the acclaimed TV comedy “Atlanta,” and a Grammy Award-winning rapper performing under the name Childish Gambino.

Early Life and Education

Raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Glover grew up in a diverse household with his postal worker father and day-care manager mother. As one of the few African American families in a predominantly white suburb, Glover’s upbringing was unique. His parents, both Jehovah’s Witnesses, fostered children, adding to the sometimes chaotic but enriching home environment.

Glover’s passion for entertainment began in high school, where he participated in musicals and plays. He later graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2006 with a degree in dramatic writing.

Career Highlights

Television and Film:

• Began as a writer for “30 Rock” at age 23, hired by Tina Fey
• Starred as Troy Barnes in NBC’s “Community”
• Created and starred in FX’s “Atlanta,” winning Emmy Awards for acting and directing
• Appeared in films like “Magic Mike XXL,” “The Martian,” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming”
• Played Lando Calrissian in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and voiced Simba in “The Lion King” remake

Music as Childish Gambino:

• Released albums “Camp” (2011), “Because the Internet” (2013), and “Awaken My Love!” (2016)
• Won Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance with “Redbone”
• Made history with “This Is America,” winning Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the Grammys
• Surprised fans with “3.15.20” album in 2020

Glover’s work often blends entertainment with social commentary, as seen in “Atlanta” and “This Is America.” His ability to succeed across multiple industries has earned him praise, with FX President John Landgraf calling him “remarkably multi-faceted” and “almost boundaryless.”

Personal Life

Glover shares three sons with his partner Michelle White: Legend, Drake, and Donald.

Donald Glover continues to push boundaries in entertainment, consistently demonstrating his versatility as an actor, writer, director, and musician. His unique perspective and talent have made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary popular culture.