Devon Terrell

Devon Terrell (born 23 October 1992) is an Australian actor,[1][2] best known for playing a young Barack Obama in the 2016 biographical film Barry[3] and Arthur in the Netflix original series Cursed.

For the singer, see Devvon Terrell.

Devon Terrell
Born (1992-10-23) 23 October 1992
Long Beach, California, US
Nationality
  • Australian
  • American
Alma materEdith Cowan University
National Institute of Dramatic Art
OccupationActor
Notable workBarry

Early life and education

Terrell was born in Long Beach, California, US, to an African-American father and an Anglo-Indian mother. At age five, he moved to Perth, Western Australia, growing up in the Forest Lakes estate in Thornlie. After finishing his secondary education at Lynwood Senior High School,[4] he attended Edith Cowan University, specialising in drama education. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2013.[3][5][6]

Career

Terrell's first role was in Steve McQueen's HBO miniseries Codes of Conduct, which was cancelled after the pilot was filmed. He then auditioned for Barry, a biopic about Barack Obama's college years. Terrell said that he felt an affinity for Obama and that the president had been his dream role since the age of 19.[7][8]

To prepare for the role, Terrell worked with a dialect coach and watched Obama's speeches to master his accent and manner of speaking. He was offered the part after one audition. He also trained himself to portray the left-handed Obama, including learning how to write and play basketball with his left hand.[6][7] He read Obama's book Dreams from My Father three times to get into his mindset, and he received praise for his portrayal when the film was released.[9][10][11]

Later, he portrayed Arthur in the Netflix original series Cursed. The first season was released on 17 July 2020.

Terrell currently plays the role of Cliff in Issa Rae's Rap Sh!t, which premiered 21 July 2022 on HBO Max.

Filmography
Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
2016BarryBarack Obama
2018 Ophelia Horatio
2018The ProfessorDanny Albright
Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
2015Codes of ConductBeverly SnowUnaired pilot
2020CursedArthurMain cast
2022Rap Sh!tCliffMain cast
2023Totally Completely FineDaneMain cast

References
  1. Byrnes, Holly (16 July 2020). "Perth star Devon Terrell stars as first black actor to be cast as King Arthur in Netflix drama, Cursed". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 19 May 2023. It is upsetting, especially as an Australian actor. I know there's so many actors of colour in Australia that don't feel like they're represented on the screen there.
  2. Harmon, Steph (16 December 2016). "Playing Barack Obama: how a 24-year-old Australian actor landed his dream role". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  3. Zeitchik, Steven (10 September 2016). "Toronto: Young and dislocated, Devon Terrell on playing a young and dislocated Barack Obama". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  4. "Perth actor Devon Terrell's dream role playing young Barack Obama". 5 December 2016.
  5. "Newcomer Devon Terrell Nabs Lead Role In Steve McQueen's HBO Drama Pilot". blackfilm.com. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  6. Thomas, Sarah (22 November 2016). "Perth actor Devon Terrell on playing Barack Obama in the Netflix film Barry". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  7. Tobias, Scott (12 September 2016). "How Do You Prepare to Play Barack Obama in a Movie?". GQ. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  8. McRae, Ross (14 November 2016). "WA actor shines as Barack Obama in film debut". The West Australian. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  9. Kosin, Julie (5 December 2016). "Devon Terrell on Becoming Barack Obama". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  10. Mohan, Keerthi (22 November 2016). "Barry: Netflix releases trailer; Aussie actor Devon Terrell impresses as young Barack Obama". International Business Times. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  11. Garcia, Patrick (16 December 2016). "Devon Terrell on How He Landed the Part of a Young Barack Obama on His First Audition". Vogue. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
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