Devon Terrell

Devon Terrell is an American-Australian actor best known for playing a young Barack Obama in the 2016 biographical film Barry.[1]

For the singer, see Devvon Terrell.

Devon Terrell
Born
Devon Terrell

Long Beach, California, United States
NationalityAustralian, American
Alma materEdith Cowan University
National Institute of Dramatic Art
OccupationActor
Notable work
Barry

Early life and education

Terrell was born in Long Beach, California to an African-American father and Anglo-Indian mother. At age 5, he moved to Perth, Western Australia, growing up in Forest Lakes. After finishing his secondary education at Lynwood Senior High School[2], he attended Edith Cowan University, specialising in drama education. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2013.[1][3][4]

Career

Terrell's first role was in the Steve McQueen series for HBO, Codes of Conduct, which was canceled after the pilot was filmed. He then sought an audition for Barry, feeling an affinity for Obama as both are of mixed race. He said that, when once asked at age 19 what his "dream role" was, it was to portray Obama.[5][6]

To prepare for the role, Terrell worked with a dialect coach and watched Obama's speeches to master his accent and manner of speaking, and 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.[4][5] 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.[7][8][9]

Filmography
Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
2016BarryBarack Obama
2018 Ophelia Horatio
2018The ProfessorDanny
Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
2015Codes of ConductBeverly SnowUnaired pilot
2020CursedKing ArthurMain cast

References
  1. 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.
  2. https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/tv/yes-he-can-ng-ya-123228
  3. "Newcomer Devon Terrell Nabs Lead Role In Steve McQueen's HBO Drama Pilot". blackfilm.com. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  4. 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.
  5. Tobias, Scott (12 September 2016). "How Do You Prepare to Play Barack Obama in a Movie?". GQ. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  6. McRae, Ross (14 November 2016). "WA actor shines as Barack Obama in film debut". The West Australian. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  7. Kosin, Julie (5 December 2016). "Devon Terrell on Becoming Barack Obama". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  8. 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.
  9. 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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