Donald Glover, an Emmy-winning actor and Grammy-winning musician, is one of the most versatile talents in entertainment today. 

Known for his groundbreaking work on the TV series Atlanta and his music under the stage name Childish Gambino, Glover has consistently broken barriers and redefined expectations in both Hollywood and the music industry.

Born Donald McKinley Glover Jr. on September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Glover grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia. As one of the few Black families in the predominantly white suburb, the Glover household was often chaotic, with foster children adding to the mix. His father worked in the postal service, while his mother managed a daycare.

Glover discovered his passion for performing in high school musicals and went on to study dramatic writing at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006. He honed his comedic skills with the Derrick Comedy troupe, a collective that gained recognition through YouTube videos.

Glover’s first major break came in 2006 when Tina Fey hired him as a writer for NBC’s 30 Rock. At just 23, Glover contributed to the show's signature wit, with Fey describing him as a resource for authentic youth culture references.

In 2009, Glover transitioned to acting, landing a role as Troy Barnes in NBC's sitcom Community. His portrayal of a lovable ex-jock became iconic, earning him internet fame through viral memes.

In 2016, Glover created Atlanta, a genre-defying comedy-drama about a college dropout managing his cousin’s rap career. The series earned critical acclaim, with Glover winning two Emmy Awards in its debut season, including Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. He made history as the first African American to win the directing award in the comedy category.

Over its four seasons, Atlanta received numerous accolades, including Golden Globes and a Peabody Award, cementing Glover’s reputation as a visionary storyteller.

Glover’s film career includes notable roles in The Martian (2015), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), where he portrayed a young Lando Calrissian. He also voiced Simba in Disney’s 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King, sharing the screen with Beyoncé and James Earl Jones.

In 2024, Glover starred in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, an Amazon Prime series inspired by the 2005 action film. He also served as the show’s co-creator, writer, and executive producer. The series earned 16 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and individual acting nods for Glover and co-star Maya Erskine.

As Childish Gambino, Glover began his music career in 2011 with the album Camp. His breakout album, Because the Internet (2013), featured the Grammy-nominated hit “3005.”

The 2016 album “Awaken, My Love!” earned Glover widespread acclaim, with the single “Redbone” winning a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance. 

In 2018, Glover released “This Is America,” a politically charged track that won four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year—the first hip-hop track to achieve this feat.

Glover announced his retirement of the Childish Gambino persona in 2024, releasing his final albums, Atavista and Bando Stone and the New World.

Personal Life

Donald Glover married Michelle White in 2023 after years of partnership. The couple shares three sons—Legend, Drake, and Donald III—and maintain a private family life. Glover performed a duet with his eldest son on his 2024 album, showcasing his deeply personal approach to music.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Glover’s net worth is estimated at $40 million. His career reflects a commitment to breaking boundaries, whether through innovative television, music that sparks cultural dialogue, or performances that captivate audiences.