Big Time Golden Globes Winner Donald Glover Has Been Killing It for Years
Reacquaint yourself with the Atlanta star's greatest hits.
If you didn't get a proud lump in your throat while watching Donald Glover accept two Golden Globe Awards for creating, executive producing, and starring in the television series Atlanta, it might be because his name doesn't yet ring all the bells that it should for his multi-faceted awesomeness (his talents include acting, writing, rapping, and dancing). Luckily, it's easy to get up to speed on the highlights of his career while getting ready for season two of his groundbreaking show.
1. His Rap Game Is On Point
The accomplished writer and actor, who grew up near Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia, has also made significant waves as a recording artist by the name of Childish Gambino. He received two Grammy nominations for his second album Because the Internet and single "3005" and recently released his third album, Awaken, My Love! While he was previously pegged as a rapper, the new album expands his sound exploration into even broader territories. He remains a huge cheerleader for Southern rap: During his solo acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, he shouted out ATL rappers Migos for their song "Bad and Boujee," causing the YouTube views for the song to jump over 10 million views overnight.
2. He's Got the Write Stuff
His pen game has been tight for a long time. The same year he graduated from New York University with a degree in dramatic writing, Donald Glover was hired to be a writer on the hilarious NBC comedy 30 Rock, a job he held for three years and for which he earned a Writer's Guild of America Award. He hit it off with star Tina Fey, who even brought out her rap alias of Lemonem to appear with him on a 2012 Childish Gambino mixtape.
3. He's a Community Player
Following his three years as a 30 Rock writer, Donald landed an acting role in the sitcom Community. He played Troy Barnes, a former high school quarterback who sabotaged a potential sports career and lost a college scholarship. A fan favorite, he departed after five seasons (before the show finished its final season on Yahoo!).
4. He's a Girls Guy
Donald took on a brief role as Lena Dunham's love interest, Sandy, on Season 2 of HBO's Girls, Lena's response to criticisms that the first season lacked enough diversity. Sandy's right wing views made him not long for Lena's character, Hannah, but Donald left a long-lasting impression on the show.
5. He's a Superhero in the Making
Donald is no stranger to movies and has made big impressions in recent years as an astrodynamicist in The Martian and a stripper with a songwriting streak in Magic Mike XXL. But two upcoming roles on the big screen could bring Donald to the brink of superhero status. Though we don't quite know who he'll be playing yet, you'll spot him in this year's Spider-Man: Homecoming. Meanwhile, he'll reprise Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian role in 2018's untitled Han Solo prequel for the Star Wars franchise. May the Force be with him to continue on his mighty path.
