Donald Glover Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 13, 2024
Donald Glover Then
Donald Glover was born on September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
He was raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where his father worked as a postal worker and his mother managed a day-care center.
Glover grew up in a nurturing environment, with his parents also serving as foster parents, which exposed him to a diverse array of experiences and perspectives.
He had two siblings and attended the DeKalb School of the Arts, from which he graduated in 2002.
Following his high school graduation, Glover moved to New York City to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a B.A. in 2006.
During his time at NYU, he co-founded the sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy, which laid the foundation for his future in entertainment.
In addition to his comedic pursuits, Glover also embarked on a rap career, planting the seeds for what would later become his alter ego, Childish Gambino.
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Donald Glover’s Career History
Donald Glover’s career took off in 2006 when he was hired as a writer for Tina Fey’s acclaimed sitcom “30 Rock,” where he contributed for three seasons and occasionally appeared on screen.
His breakthrough as an actor came in 2009 when he was cast as Troy Barnes in the comedy series “Community.”
His performance as the former high-school jock-turned-community-college student earned him widespread recognition and praise.
That same year, Derrick Comedy, after years of producing popular YouTube sketches, released their feature film “Mystery Team.”
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Glover’s comedic talents were further showcased in his 2010 performance on “Comedy Central Presents.”
After leaving “Community” in 2014, Glover expanded his acting repertoire with roles in films like “The Lazarus Effect,” “Magic Mike XXL,” and “The Martian,” all in 2015.
His most significant achievement came with the creation of the critically acclaimed series “Atlanta” (2016–2022), where he served as creator, producer, writer, director, and star.
The show, which explored the complexities of life and the music industry in Atlanta, won numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards for Glover’s acting and directing.
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Glover continued to build his filmography with notable roles in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018), and “The Lion King” (2019).
In 2023, he reprised his role as Aaron Davis in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and created the crime TV series “Swarm,” which earned him an Emmy nomination for writing.
He continued his creative streak with the 2024 TV series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” which he co-created and produced.
Looking ahead, Glover has several high-profile projects lined up, including a “Star Wars” spinoff centered on Lando Calrissian and a prequel to “The Lion King.”
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Parallel to his acting career, Glover achieved considerable success in music under the stage name Childish Gambino.
His early mixtapes, starting with “Sick Boi” (2008) and “Poindexter” (2009), displayed his witty and often humorous lyrical style.
His major-label debut album, “Camp” (2011), was well-received, and his second album, “Because the Internet” (2013), garnered a Grammy nomination.
Glover’s musical evolution was evident in his subsequent releases, with “Awaken, My Love!” (2016) blending funk, psychedelia, and soul, earning multiple Grammy nominations and a win for the single “Redbone.”
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His 2018 single “This Is America,” which addressed issues of gun violence and racism, won four Grammy Awards, making history as the first hip-hop artist to win both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Glover continued to innovate with his fourth studio album, “3.15.20” (2020), and its reissue as “Atavista” in 2024.
He announced that he would retire the Childish Gambino persona after one final project, “Bando Storm and the New World,” which would include both a film and a soundtrack album.
This decision marked the end of an era for Glover, who cited a lack of fulfillment as the reason for retiring the moniker.
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Donald Glover Movies
- The Martian (2015)
- Magic Mike XXL (2015)
- The Lazarus Effect (2015)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- The Lion King (2019)
- Guava Island (2019)
- Common Ground (2023)
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
- Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
Donald Glover’s Wife and Children
Donald Glover and his longtime partner Michelle White share a family life that is as dynamic as their professional achievements. The couple welcomed their first son, Legend, in 2016.
Legend’s arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for Glover, who was balancing his burgeoning career with the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.
In 2018, they expanded their family with the birth of their second son, Drake.
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As Glover’s career continued to flourish with notable projects like “Atlanta” and “This Is America,” his role as a father remained a central and cherished aspect of his life.
The couple’s third son, Donald, was born in 2020, adding to the family’s growing joy and marking a period of significant personal and professional growth for Glover.
Despite his busy career, Glover has consistently expressed his dedication to his family, balancing his roles as a partner, father, and creative professional.
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Donald Glover Now
As of now, Donald Glover, who is 40 years old, continues to be a multifaceted and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Known both for his work under his own name and his stage persona Childish Gambino, Glover has established himself as a prominent actor, rapper, singer, writer, comedian, director, and producer.
His versatility across these roles has garnered widespread acclaim and solidified his reputation as a creative powerhouse.
In 2024, Glover is notably featured in the film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel to the beloved Disney classic “The Lion King.”
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This project highlights his ongoing involvement in high-profile film ventures and underscores his ability to contribute to major franchises.
Glover’s participation in “Mufasa: The Lion King” not only showcases his acting talents but also reflects his continued prominence in the industry.
Alongside his film work, Glover remains a significant force in music through his Childish Gambino persona.
His recent announcement of a world concert tour, set to begin later this year, further demonstrates his enduring impact and popularity in the music world.
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Glover’s commitment to his craft is evident in his planned retirement of the Childish Gambino persona after one final project, “Bando Storm and the New World,” which will include both a film and a soundtrack album.
This decision marks a significant transition in his career, reflecting his desire for creative evolution and fulfillment.
Donald Glover’s current endeavors illustrate his continued influence and innovation in both film and music, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in contemporary entertainment.
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Donald Glover’s Net Worth
Donald Glover, an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, musician, and DJ, boasts a net worth of $40 million, a testament to his diverse talents and substantial impact across multiple entertainment fields.
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FAQs
Donald Glover decided to retire the Childish Gambino persona after finding it no longer fulfilling. He chose to focus on new creative endeavors and personal growth.
Glover chose the name Childish Gambino based on a Wu-Tang Clan name generator, which he found amusing and fitting for his musical alter ego.
Donald Glover is renowned for his multifaceted career as an actor, writer, comedian, musician, and producer, with notable achievements including the TV series “Atlanta” and the hit single “This Is America.”
Donald Glover publicly came out as bisexual in a 2018 interview, discussing his sexuality and personal experiences more openly.
Currently, Donald Glover is involved in various projects including acting, directing, producing, and music. He is working on new films and television series, such as “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”
Donald Glover is not actively releasing new music under the Childish Gambino name, as he announced his retirement from the persona after his final project. However, he remains involved in creative projects.
Childish Gambino, Glover’s musical alter ego, was retired after his final project, reflecting Glover’s decision to move on to new artistic directions.
Donald Glover holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.