David Harewood (MBE, OBE) is an actor who attained international stardom with TV roles in Homeland and The Night Manager. 

He was the first black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in London, and has delivered acclaimed performances as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. His latest role is a white Conservative commentator William F Buckley pitched against the liberal Gore Vidal in the hit play Best of Enemies which has received rave reviews in the West End.

But David’s early life was marred by racist attacks, and mental illness, culminating in him experiencing a psychotic breakdown. Despite being awarded both an MBE and an OBE he still sees himself as an outsider. “There’s a sense of displacement, “he says, “That’s been constant throughout my life.”

 

WARNING: contains some strong language and discussion of sensitive topics including: racist attacks, homophobia, drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, suicide.

 

Links for additional support (also on Past Imperfect podcast pages)

 

Anti-racism

https://www.stophateuk.org/about-hate-crime/racism-in-the-uk

Alcoholism and Addiction

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services

https://www.actiononaddiction.org.uk

 

Mental health and suicide awareness

https://www.mind.org.uk/

 

The Samaritans Tel: 116 123

www.samaritans.org.uk

 

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