David Harewood

David Harewood OBE is most well-known for gracing our screens as an actor for the past 30-plus years, with roles in movies and TV programmes such as Blood Diamond, The Merchant of Venice and Homeland. He became the first black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre and has recently been using his platform to raise more awareness of the discrimination present in the entertainment industry. The well-respected actor now travels around the country speaking on the topics of racism and mental health, using his innate ability to capture the attention of his audience to deliver incredibly moving and insightful speeches.

At just 23 years old, David suffered a psychotic episode which saw him hospitalised, and explains how this was a traumatic event not only for him, but for friends and family members around him too. He co-produced a BBC Two documentary with The Open University Faculty of Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies ‘David Harewood: Psychosis and Me’  where he meets other people living with psychosis. He attributes much of this breakdown to the reality of the real world and the racism he was having to deal with daily. In his efforts to help educate others on racism, David also featured in a Channel 4 documentary titled ‘Troy Deeney: Where’s My History’ where he captures the obstacles faced trying to make the teaching of black, Asian and other ethnic minorities’ history in school mandatory. In his book ‘Maybe I Don’t Belong Here: A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery’ David also shares the horrific racist abuse he and his family faced.

David has been praised for encouraging other people to seek guidance for the mental health issues they have been facing, and subsequently won Mind’s Speaking Out Award in 2019. Most recently, David became the first black presenter at the world famous The Richard Dimbleby Lecture where he discusses the Windrush generation, and the obstacles his parents' generation had to overcome. David has faced the fears of his past so that others do not have to suffer from burying their experiences as he did.

In recognition of his services to drama, David was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2023. David uses his incredible acting ability in his speeches, making them both funny and incredibly moving, engaging audiences of all ages. David now devotes much of his time to helping kick start the conversation around mental health and wellbeing to try and overcome this stigma, and then support and understand each other’s needs. During his speeches he also raises awareness of the shocking statistics surrounding ethnic minorities in the NHS. When looking to hire an inspirational speaker who will be sure to move the audience with his stories of mental health and racism, look no further than David Harewood OBE to hire at your next event.