1. Overview
Donald McKinley Glover Jr. (born September 25, 1983), widely known by his musical moniker Childish Gambino, is an American actor, comedian, musician, writer, producer, and director. His career is marked by a diverse range of creative endeavors across television, film, and music, establishing him as a significant cultural figure. Glover first gained recognition as a writer for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock at the age of 23, before achieving broader fame for his role as Troy Barnes in the NBC sitcom Community. He later garnered widespread critical acclaim for creating, writing, directing, and starring in the FX series Atlanta, which explores themes of identity, race, and social commentary through a surreal lens. His musical work as Childish Gambino has also achieved significant success, producing Grammy-winning hits like "Redbone" and "This Is America", the latter of which became a powerful commentary on gun violence and being Black in America. Glover's artistic output frequently delves into complex social issues, reflecting a nuanced and critical perspective on contemporary society.
2. Early Life and Background
Donald Glover's formative years were shaped by his family, upbringing, and early educational experiences, which laid the groundwork for his multifaceted artistic career.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Donald McKinley Glover Jr. was born on September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California. He was raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where his father was stationed. His mother, Beverly (née Smith), was a retired daycare provider, and his father, Donald Glover Sr., worked as a postal worker for the United States Postal Service. His parents also served as foster parents for 14 years, providing care for many children. Glover was raised as a Jehovah's Witness but has since stated he is no longer religious. He has a younger brother, Stephen Glover, who later became a writer and producer and frequently collaborates with him, and a sister named Brianne. In December 2018, Glover announced that his father had passed away.
For his education, Glover attended Avondale High School and DeKalb School of the Arts. In his high school yearbook, he was voted "Most Likely to Write for The Simpsons", a premonition of his future writing career. In 2006, he graduated from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in dramatic writing. While at Tisch, he independently produced a mixtape titled The Younger I Get, which he later disowned, describing it as the "too-raw ramblings" of a "decrepit Drake". During this period, he also began DJing and producing electronic music under the moniker mcDJ, notably remixing Sufjan Stevens' 2005 album Illinois.
3. Career
Donald Glover's career is characterized by his remarkable versatility and consistent success across various creative disciplines, including writing, acting, music, and filmmaking.
3.1. Writing and Acting
Glover's journey in the entertainment industry began with his talents in comedy and writing, which quickly led to significant roles in television and film.
3.1.1. Early Writing and Comedy
In 2006, Donald Glover's writing samples, including a spec script for The Simpsons, caught the attention of producer David Miner. Impressed by his work, Miner and Tina Fey hired Glover as a writer for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. Glover, who was only 23 at the time, was reportedly surprised by the offer, feeling he was out of place among seasoned executives. He wrote for 30 Rock from 2006 to 2009, making occasional cameo appearances on the show. In 2008, he and his co-writers were honored with the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Series for their work on the show's third season.
While attending NYU, Glover was an active member of the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy. He appeared in their YouTube sketches starting in 2006, alongside Dominic Dierkes, Meggie McFadden, DC Pierson, and Dan Eckman. The group wrote and starred in the feature-length film Mystery Team, a comedy about amateur teenage detectives, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. The film, despite a limited release, gained a fan following, leading to requests for screenings in local theaters. In 2008, Glover unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Barack Obama on the sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live, a role that ultimately went to cast member Fred Armisen. In July 2010, Glover received the Rising Comedy Star award at the Just for Laughs festival and was featured in Gap's 2010 holiday advertising campaign.
3.1.2. Television Career
Donald Glover has had a prominent television career, marked by several key roles and significant creative contributions.
3.1.3. Film Career
Donald Glover has built a diverse filmography, encompassing both live-action and voice acting roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies.
3.2. Music Career (as Childish Gambino)
Donald Glover's musical career, primarily under the pseudonym Childish Gambino, has seen him evolve from an independent rapper to a Grammy-winning artist known for his genre-bending sound and profound lyrical themes.
3.2.1. Early Career and Mixtapes
Donald Glover adopted the stage name Childish Gambino, which he derived from an online Wu-Tang Clan name generator. He began his musical journey by independently releasing several mixtapes. His debut mixtape, Sick Boi, was released in June 2008, followed by Poindexter in September 2009. In 2010, he released two more mixtapes in quick succession, I Am Just a Rapper and I Am Just A Rapper 2, along with Culdesac in July of that year.
In March 2011, Glover released his first extended play, EP, as a free digital download. The music video for his song "Freaks and Geeks" was released the same month. He also hosted the MTVU Woodie Awards at South By Southwest. In April, Glover embarked on his nationwide IAMDONALD Tour, a unique one-man live show that combined rap, comedy, and video segments. He performed as both Childish Gambino and a comedian at the 2011 Bonnaroo Music Festival, including a set with Bill Bailey. His one-hour stand-up special, Weirdo, aired on Comedy Central in November 2011.
3.2.2. Studio Albums
Glover signed with Glassnote Records in 2011 and released his debut studio album, Camp, on November 15, 2011. For the album, he collaborated with Community score composer Ludwig Göransson, who became his most frequent musical collaborator. Camp was supported by the singles "Bonfire" and "Heartbeat", with "Heartbeat" peaking at number eighteen on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. The album debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200 and sold 52,000 copies in its first week. It was generally well-received by critics, with PopMatters calling it "undoubtedly one of the best records of any genre to come out in 2011." "Heartbeat" later achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in June 2014, marking Glover's first Gold certification.
His second studio album, Because the Internet, was released in December 2013 after recording concluded in October. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned the singles "3005", "Crawl", and "Sweatpants". "3005" reached number sixty-four on the Billboard Hot 100. To promote the album, Glover released a short film, Clapping for the Wrong Reasons, directed by Hiro Murai, which served as a prelude to the album. A 72-page screenplay designed to sync with the album was also released. Because the Internet also achieved Gold certification. At the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Glover received his first Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album for Because the Internet and Best Rap Performance for "3005".
In September 2016, Glover held three musical performances called the "Pharos Experience" in Joshua Tree, California, where he debuted songs from his third studio album, "Awaken, My Love!". The album was officially released on December 2, 2016, reaching number five on the Billboard 200 and later achieving platinum status with 1,000,000 certified units. Awaken, My Love! marked a significant departure from his previous hip hop style, primarily featuring Glover's singing and drawing influences from psychedelic soul, funk, and R&B music, particularly from the band Funkadelic. The album produced the singles "Me and Your Mama", "Redbone" (which peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100), and "Terrified". Its vinyl release included a virtual reality headset and an accompanying app, allowing owners to access virtual reality live performances from the Pharos Experience. The album received positive reviews from music critics and was nominated for both Album of the Year and Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. "Redbone" won Best Traditional R&B Performance and was nominated for Record of the Year and Best R&B Song. Glover performed "Terrified" at the 60th ceremony.
On March 15, 2020, Glover surprise-streamed his fourth album on his website, Donald Glover Presents, where it played on a loop for twelve hours before being taken down. The album, featuring collaborations with 21 Savage and Ariana Grande, was officially released on digital services the following week under the title 3.15.20. It was well received by music critics and debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200. In November 2020, Glover hinted on Twitter that his next musical project would be his "biggest by far."
In April 2024, during a radio stream by Glover's production company GILGA, Glover announced plans to re-release 3.15.20 as a "finished" album titled Atavista, and also revealed the existence of a new album. He stated that this new album would be the final Childish Gambino album and would serve as the soundtrack to an upcoming film titled Bando Stone & the New World. Later that month, Glover previewed a track featuring a Kanye West verse on his Gilga Radio show. On May 13, 2024, Glover released Atavista. He released the soundtrack to Bando Stone & the New World later in July 2024. In an interview with The New York Times during the release of Bando Stone & the New World, Glover explained that the decision to retire the Childish Gambino moniker was due to the logistical challenges of balancing album creation with his film, television, and family commitments, as well as his work on the creative incubator, Gilga.
3.2.3. Notable Singles and Projects
Childish Gambino's singles have often made significant cultural impacts. In May 2018, he released the single "This Is America" while serving as both host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live. The song debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Glover's first number one and top ten single in the United States. The lyrics addressed various topics, including gun violence and the complexities of being Black in the United States. Its controversial music video, directed by frequent collaborator Hiro Murai, depicted Glover engaging in shocking acts, including shooting a choir, which sparked widespread discussion and critical analysis of its social commentary. "This Is America" won four Grammy Awards at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance, and Best Music Video, making it the first hip hop song to win in the former two categories.
In July 2018, Glover released the Summer Pack extended play, which included the songs "Summertime Magic" and "Feels Like Summer". "Summertime Magic" debuted at number forty-four on the Billboard Hot 100. In April 2019, after headlining Coachella, Glover premiered a new song, "Algorythm", through the mobile app Pharos AR, an augmented reality application that allowed users to enter a virtual Pharos world.
Glover also contributed to the soundtrack of Creed (2015), a film in the Rocky series, by providing vocals for "Waiting For My Moment" and co-writing "Breathe". He provided guest vocals to the track "Monster" on 21 Savage's 2018 album I Am > I Was, where he reflected on his negative feelings toward the music industry and his desire to retire from music.
3.2.4. Tours
Donald Glover has undertaken several concert tours throughout his music career as Childish Gambino.
- IAMDONALD Tour (2011) - A one-man live show combining rap, comedy, and video segments.
- The Sign-Up Tour (2011) - Preceded the release of his debut album Camp.
- Camp Gambino Tour (2012) - Postponed from March to April due to Glover fracturing his foot.
- The Deep Web Tour (2014) - Supported his second studio album, Because the Internet.
- This Is America Tour (2018-2019) - Glover announced during its opening show in Atlanta that it would be his last tour under the Childish Gambino moniker. Two previously unreleased songs, "Algorhythm" and "All Night", were made available to ticket purchasers.
- The New World Tour (2024-2025) - Announced in support of his albums Atavista and Bando Stone & the New World. However, on October 4, 2024, Glover announced the cancellation of the remaining shows for The New World Tour due to surgery and recovery for an undisclosed ailment.
3.3. Other Ventures
Beyond his primary creative pursuits in acting and music, Donald Glover has expanded his influence through various other ventures, including extensive work behind the scenes and strategic business collaborations.
3.3.1. Writing, Directing, and Producing
Donald Glover has significantly contributed as a creator and producer for several television series. He is the creator, director, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta. He also co-created, directed, and executive produced the 2023 comedy thriller series Swarm for Amazon Studios, which was the first project from his overall deal with the studio. In 2024, he created, starred in, wrote, directed, and executive produced the Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
His behind-the-scenes work extends to film as well. He was credited for the story of the short film Guava Island (2019) and served as a producer. In July 2023, it was announced that Glover and his brother Stephen would replace Justin Simien as the head writers for the upcoming Star Wars series Lando, which was later confirmed to be a movie. He is also set to star in and produce a feature film set in Sony Pictures' Spider-Man universe, reportedly centered on the villain Hypno-Hustler.
3.3.2. Business and Other Projects
Glover has engaged in notable business and creative collaborations. In April 2019, he partnered with Adidas Originals to reimagine three pairs of classic Adidas sneakers, launching them under the "Donald Glover Presents" line. This collaboration was promoted through a series of advertisements starring comedian Mo'Nique. He is also involved with Gilga, a creative incubator, which he mentioned as a factor in his decision to retire the Childish Gambino moniker. In December 2019, Glover endorsed 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and joined his campaign as a creative consultant, showcasing his engagement with political and social issues.
4. Artistic Style and Themes
Donald Glover's artistic style is characterized by its genre-bending nature, surrealism, and deep engagement with social commentary, particularly concerning identity and race. Across his diverse body of work in comedy, television, film, and music, recurring themes include the complexities of African-American culture, the challenges of racism and race relations, and broader societal issues such as gun violence.
In his stand-up comedy and early writing, Glover often employed observational comedy, surreal humor, and black comedy, using satire to critique everyday life and popular culture. This satirical approach is evident in his television series Atlanta, which he created, wrote, directed, and starred in. Atlanta is renowned for its unique blend of humor and drama, often incorporating dreamlike sequences and unexpected narrative turns to explore the realities of being Black in America, the music industry, and socio-economic struggles. The show's surrealist grace allows for a nuanced exploration of existentialism and the human condition within a distinctly Black cultural context.
As Childish Gambino, Glover's musical evolution showcases his willingness to experiment and defy genre expectations. While his early mixtapes and debut album Camp were rooted in hip hop, his later works, particularly "Awaken, My Love!", marked a bold departure into psychedelic soul, funk, and R&B. This shift allowed him to explore themes of love, fear, and self-discovery through a more vocal and melodic approach. His music often addresses contemporary events and the internet's influence, as seen in his album Because the Internet.
The single "This Is America" stands as a powerful example of Glover's artistic style and thematic concerns. The song and its accompanying music video, directed by Hiro Murai, starkly confront issues of gun violence and the distractions within American society, particularly from an African-American perspective. The video's jarring juxtaposition of joyful music with sudden acts of violence and social neglect highlights the pervasive nature of these issues. Glover's work consistently challenges audiences to critically examine societal norms and power structures, reflecting a social liberal viewpoint that champions human rights and social progress. His art often pushes boundaries, using his platform to provoke thought and conversation on important cultural and political topics.
5. Personal Life
Donald Glover is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, especially given his high public profile. He began dating Michelle White in 2015, and they married in January 2024, during the production of his series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, with Glover reportedly returning to set immediately after the ceremony. The couple has three sons, born in early 2016, January 2018, and 2020.
Glover was raised as a Jehovah's Witness but has stated that he is no longer religious, implying a more spiritual outlook. He rarely posts on social media or gives interviews unless for promotional purposes. In an interview with The New Yorker, he expressed that social media made him feel "less human" and that he prefers to visit anonymous online discussion pages where he can communicate with people who genuinely understand his perspectives. In December 2019, Glover publicly endorsed 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and subsequently joined Yang's campaign as a creative consultant, demonstrating his engagement with political discourse. In December 2018, Glover disclosed that his father had died, a personal event that deeply impacted him and influenced his artistic work, such as his decision to re-record lines for The Lion King to reflect his grief.
6. Influences
Donald Glover's creative development and artistic expression have been significantly shaped by a diverse range of artists, musical genres, and cultural movements. He has cited influences from various corners of the music world, demonstrating his eclectic taste and genre-bending approach.
In an interview with The Guardian, Glover stated, "I'm influenced by LCD Soundsystem as much as Ghostface Killah." He also noted that many rap shows he attended as a child were "boring," in contrast to the high-energy performances of bands like Rage Against the Machine or Justice, which he felt made audiences "lose their minds." He observed that artists like Odd Future understood this desire for a physical and immersive experience.
Glover also frequently cites prominent hip-hop acts such as the duo Outkast and the trio Migos as influences, acknowledging their impact on his musical style and the broader hip-hop landscape. Furthermore, he has highlighted the funk band Funkadelic as a key inspiration, particularly for the psychedelic funk and R&B sound explored in his album "Awaken, My Love!".
His influence is not limited to his own work; other artists, such as rapper Vince Staples, have praised Glover's artistic versatility and his consistent ability to "[do] something different every time."
7. Legacy and Reception
Donald Glover has established a significant legacy and garnered widespread critical acclaim across his multifaceted career in entertainment. His work is frequently lauded for its innovation, depth, and ability to push creative boundaries. In April 2017, Time named Glover in its annual "100 Most Influential People in the World" list. Tina Fey, who hired him as a writer for 30 Rock, penned his entry, remarking that he "embodies his generation's belief that people can be whatever they want and change what it is they want, at any time." This sentiment encapsulates his fluid transitions between acting, comedy, writing, and music.
His television series Atlanta is widely regarded as a groundbreaking show that masterfully blends surreal humor with poignant social commentary on race, class, and identity in America. The show's critical success, combined with Glover's diverse performances and musical achievements, has cemented his status as a unique and influential voice in contemporary culture. Rapper Vince Staples has praised Glover's artistic versatility, noting his consistent ability to "[do] something different every time."
7.1. Awards and Nominations
Donald Glover has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, recognizing his excellence in acting, music, and television.
For his work on Atlanta, he has won:
- Two Golden Globe Awards: Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy.
- Two Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. His win for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series made him the first Black person to achieve this honor.
As Childish Gambino, his music has also earned significant recognition:
- His 2016 single "Redbone" won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance. It also received nominations for Record of the Year and Best R&B Song.
- His 2018 single "This Is America" was a major award winner, sweeping all four categories for which it was nominated at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance, and Best Music Video. It holds a Guinness World Record as the first hip hop song to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
- His album Because the Internet was nominated for Best Rap Album, and "3005" was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
- His album "Awaken, My Love!" was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Glover also received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Series in 2008 for his writing work on 30 Rock.
8. Filmography
8.1. Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Mystery Team | Jason Rogers | Also writer and executive producer |
| 2011 | The Muppets | Junior CDE Executive | Cameo |
| 2013 | The To Do List | Derrick | |
| 2013 | Clapping for the Wrong Reasons | The Boy | Short film; also writer and executive producer |
| 2014 | Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day | Greg | |
| 2015 | The Lazarus Effect | Niko | |
| 2015 | Magic Mike XXL | Andre | |
| 2015 | The Martian | Rich Purnell | |
| 2017 | Spider-Man: Homecoming | Aaron Davis | |
| 2018 | Solo: A Star Wars Story | Lando Calrissian | |
| 2019 | Guava Island | Deni Maroon | Also story and producer |
| 2019 | The Lion King | Simba | Voice role |
| 2023 | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | Aaron Davis / Prowler | Live-action cameo |
| 2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King | Simba | Voice role |
| TBA | Bando Stone & the New World | Bando Stone | Also director and soundtrack |
| TBA | Lando | Lando Calrissian | Also writer |
8.2. Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Various | 2 episodes |
| 2006-2012 | 30 Rock | Various | 4 episodes as actor; also writer and executive story editor |
| 2007 | Human Giant | College Webcam Guy | Episode: "24 Hour Marathon" |
| 2009 | Live at Gotham | Himself | Episode: "4.6" |
| 2009-2014 | Community | Troy Barnes | 89 episodes |
| 2010 | Robot Chicken | Mace Windu | Voice; Episode: "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III" |
| 2010 | Comedy Central Presents | Himself | Stand-up special |
| 2011 | Regular Show | Alpha Dog | Voice; Episode: "Rap It Up" |
| 2012 | Donald Glover: Weirdo | Himself | Stand-up special; also writer and executive producer |
| 2013 | Sesame Street | LMNOP | Episode: "Figure It Out, Baby Figure It Out" |
| 2013 | Girls | Sandy | 2 episodes |
| 2013-2016 | Adventure Time | Marshall Lee | Voice; 2 episodes |
| 2015 | Ultimate Spider-Man | Miles Morales / Spider-Man | Voice; 2 episodes |
| 2015 | China, IL | William "Transfer Billy" | Voice; 4 episodes |
| 2016-2022 | Atlanta | Earnest "Earn" Marks | |
| 2018 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host/musical guest) | Episode: "Donald Glover/Childish Gambino" |
| 2023 | Swarm | - | 7 episodes; Also creator, writer, director, and executive producer |
| 2023 | The Eric Andre Show | Himself | |
| 2023-present | Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake | Marshall Lee | Voice |
| 2024-present | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | John Smith | Also creator, writer, director, and executive producer |
8.3. Music Videos
| Year | Title | Album | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | "Giants" (Josh Osho featuring Childish Gambino) | L.I.F.E. | Jordan Bahat |
| 2013 | "Bed Peace" (Jhené Aiko featuring Childish Gambino) | Sail Out | Danny Williams |
| 2013 | "Relations (Remix)" (Kenna featuring Childish Gambino) | Land 2 Air Chronicles II: Imitation Is Suicide Chapter 1 | Jason Chen |
| 2014 | "The Pressure" (Jhené Aiko) | Souled Out | Childish Gambino |
| 2015 | "Gahdamn" (Kari Faux) | Laugh Now, Die Later | Calmatic |
| 2018 | "Garden (Say It Like Dat)" (SZA) | Ctrl | Karena Evans |
8.4. Web Videos
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | Derrick Comedy videos | Various characters | Also writer, composer and executive producer |
| 2009 | I Am Tiger Woods | Tiger Woods | Funny or Die short |
| 2012 | Community: Abed's Master Key | Troy Barnes (voice) | Webisode |
| 2020 | Donald Glover Presents | Himself | Also writer |
| 2024 | Hot Ones (guest appearance) | Himself |
9. Discography
9.1. Studio Albums
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Camp |
| 2013 | Because the Internet |
| 2016 | "Awaken, My Love!" |
| 2020 | 3.15.20 |
| 2024 | Atavista |
| 2024 | Bando Stone & the New World |
10. Related Articles
- Childish Gambino discography
- List of awards and nominations received by Donald Glover
- Ludwig Göransson
- Stephen Glover