Childish Gambino, whose real name is Donald McKinley Glover Jr. was born on September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He is an American actor, writer, rapper, singer, comedian, director, and producer. Glover’s multifaceted career spans various artistic domains. Growing up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where his father worked as a postal worker and his mother managed a daycare, Glover was raised alongside his siblings and numerous foster children under the care of his parents. His upbringing in a Jehovah’s Witness household deeply influenced his early life, although he no longer adheres to the religion.
Glover’s journey into the entertainment world began at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he graduated with a degree in dramatic writing in 2006. While at NYU, he became a founding member of the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy. His talent caught the attention of Tina Fey and David Miner, leading to his first major role as a writer for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock from 2006 to 2009, where he also made occasional on-screen appearances. During this period, Glover honed his comedic skills and received a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Series.
Glover’s breakthrough as an actor came with his role as Troy Barnes on the NBC sitcom Community from 2009 to 2014. His portrayal of the former high school jock turned lovable college student garnered widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. However, seeking greater creative independence, Glover left the show after its fifth season to focus on personal projects and his burgeoning music career.
Under the moniker Childish Gambino, derived from a Wu-Tang Clan name generator, Glover embarked on a successful music career. His debut studio album, Camp (2011), received critical acclaim, followed by the highly regarded Because the Internet (2013), featuring the hit single “3005.” Glover’s music evolved with his third album, “Awaken, My Love!” (2016), which showcased a psychedelic funk influence and included the Grammy-winning single “Redbone.” His 2018 single, “This Is America,” a poignant commentary on gun violence and racism, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
In addition to his music and television success, Glover’s film career flourished with roles in The Lazarus Effect (2015), Magic Mike XXL (2015), and The Martian (2015). He portrayed Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Glover also lent his voice to Simba in the 2019 remake of The Lion King and starred in the short film Guava Island (2019), which he also produced.
Glover created and starred in the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta (2016–2022), for which he won two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. His work on Atlanta showcased his versatility as a creator, writer, and director, cementing his status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. In 2024, he co-created and starred in the Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith and continued to make significant contributions to television with the comedy thriller series Swarm.
Despite his success across multiple fields, Glover has announced that he will retire the Childish Gambino persona after one final project titled Bando Storm and the New World, encompassing both a film and a soundtrack album. His fifth album, 3.15.20 (2020), was reissued as Atavista in 2024, featuring new collaborations and a reimagined tracklist. Glover’s influence and accomplishments across acting, music, and comedy highlight his remarkable versatility and enduring impact on contemporary culture.
