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20 Surprising Facts About Donald Glover That You Didn’t Know

As a huge Donald Glover fan, I’m always interested in learning new things about his life and career. While we may be familiar with his popular works like Atlanta and Childish Gambino’s This Is America, there’s more to this actor than meets the eye. Did you know Donald Glover got his start posting funny videos on YouTube? Since then, he’s done everything from starring on Community to creating the critically acclaimed show Atlanta.

Furthermore, Donald Glover won four Grammy Awards as Childish Gambino in 2018. Some of the other fascinating facts featured in this article include Donald Glover’s early comedy influences and the hidden gems featured in some of his songs.

Besides, Donald Glover continuously impresses with talent in comedy, acting, and music. Join us as we delve into these surprising facts about Donald Glover that might just leave you astonished. Take a look.

Here are 20 Surprising Facts About Donald Glover That You Didn’t Know.

1. Donald Glover was born in California and raised in Georgia

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Though many may associate Donald Glover with Atlanta, where his hit show is set, he wasn’t born in Georgia’s capital city. Donald McKinley Glover Jr. was born on September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Moreover, while Glover was born on the West Coast, his family moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia when he was still very young. It was in Stone Mountain that Glover spent his childhood and adolescent years.

Despite his California roots, the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia served as major influences in Glover’s upbringing and early life experiences. This background paved the way for Glover’s eventual creative success in Atlanta and beyond.

2. Donald Glover’s nickname “Childish Gambino” has Chinese roots

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One of the most surprising facts about Donald Glover’s rapper ego Childish Gambino is that the name has Chinese origins. When Glover was first trying to come up with a stage name for his music career, he turned to an online Wu-Tang Clan name generator for inspiration.

Subsequently, the name produced by the online generator was Childish Gambino, which comes from the Mandarin Chinese words that mean “baby boy.” Even though Glover just intended it as a temporary moniker, the name Childish Gambino stuck and has become iconic.

This unusual background gives his rap persona a unique worldly flair. Childish Gambino stands out in hip hop, much like its distinctive Chinese-influenced name.

3. He pursued a degree in dramatic writing

Donald Glover’s artistic talents have deep academic roots. He pursued higher education at New York University’s (NYU) prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. There, Glover focused his studies on dramatic writing and storytelling. He graduated from the program with a degree in dramatic writing.

Furthermore, this educational background provided Glover with critical training in narrative development and dramatic technique. The writing skills he honed at NYU equipped him for creative success across television, film, comedy, and music. Glover’s time studying dramatic writing at NYU helped lay the foundation for his multi-faceted entertainment career.

4. Donald Glover’s breakthrough came with the TV series Community

Glover’s big break in Hollywood arrived when he landed the role of former high school football star Troy Barnes on the TV comedy series Community. As one member of the tight-knit study group at the heart of the show, Glover stood out thanks to his natural charisma, comedic timing, and authentic on-screen presence.

Additionally, by connecting with audiences through his empathetic portrayal of Troy, Glover leveraged his success in the TV show, Community launching his diverse career in the entertainment sphere.

5. He voiced Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

In the acclaimed animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Donald Glover provided the voice of Miles Morales – an Afro-Latino teenager who assumes the mantle of Spider-Man.

Thus, this role held special significance for Glover, who had actively campaigned years earlier to play the web-slinging superhero in a live-action movie. Though he didn’t get that part, Glover’s vocal performance as Morales delighted fans, bringing heart and humor to the groundbreaking blockbuster.

6. The series Atlanta is one of Glover’s most significant achievements

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As the creator, writer, executive producer, and star of the hit FX series Atlanta, Donald Glover has achieved remarkable success with this touching, groundbreaking TV show. Playing a Princeton dropout managing his rapper cousin as they navigate the Atlanta hip-hop scene, Glover’s portrayal of Earn has earned widespread praise.

To boot, he is appreciated for showcasing expertise in balancing humor and drama through the show’s authentic characters and storylines. Hence Atlanta represents Glover’s creative vision realized on the small screen. The series cemented his status as a generational talent across various entertainment mediums.

7. Glover has had remarkable success in the world of music

Besides his acting and writing accomplishments, Donald Glover has made his mark as a talented hip-hop artist under the stage name Childish Gambino. He’s released several successful studio albums that showcase his musical versatility and lyrical skills.

For example, the Grammy-nominated Camp to the funk influences of Awaken, My Love! Glover has crafted an impressive discography as Childish Gambino. His rap career has brought him both critical and commercial success in the competitive music industry.

8. He made history by winning four Grammy Awards in 2019

Donald Glover made Grammy history in 2019 by winning four awards for his provocative hit This Is America. The song and its striking music video confronted issues like gun violence and racism in America head-on.

On top of that, he took home Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance, and Best Music Video. With all these wins, Glover demonstrated his artistic vision through this culturally resonant work. The four wins were an unprecedented achievement cementing Glover as a creative force across genres.

9. Glover’s music releases are often layered with hidden gems

Throughout his albums as Childish Gambino, Donald Glover frequently includes hidden gems that reward engaged listening. For example, his conceptual album Because the Internet contained a full screenplay embedded in the lyrics. This narrative invited fans to immerse themselves in an interconnected web of music and storytelling.

Moreover, by burying these creative Easter eggs, Glover encourages deeper exploration of his dense, multi-layered releases. His inventive approach to structuring albums attests to his commitment to making music an immersive, yet wide-dimensional art form.

10. Glover wrote the TV series 30 Rock in his early 20s

Early in his entertainment career about 23 years old, Donald Glover worked as a writer behind the scenes on NBC’s hit sitcom 30 Rock. Though he contributed to the show’s signature witty writing style, Glover opted to use a pseudonym for his writing credits. This was because of the concern that his dual status as a writer and occasional actor on 30 Rock would cause bias.

Over and above that, this principled choice demonstrated Glover’s dedication to succeeding on the merits of his work alone. His talent shone through either way, helping to hone the skills that propelled his later success.

11. The comedian created influential comedy sketches for Derrick Comedy

Before rising to fame, Donald Glover was a member of the sketch comedy troupe Derrick Comedy, producing funny videos for online audiences. Their provocative yet lighthearted sketches became popular on YouTube, showcasing Glover’s natural comedic abilities.

Furthermore, Derrick Comedy developed a massive following, and their work creating original digital content helped establish Glover as an up-and-coming voice in comedy. Those influential early sketches were instrumental in paving the way for his versatile entertainment career.

12. Donald Glover has influenced major franchises like Star Wars

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Besides his creative works, Donald Glover has influenced major franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Reports indicate he significantly shaped the characterization of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) by advocating for the character’s style and swag.

Additionally, Glover’s ideas helped inform the futuristic world of Black Panther, pushing the representation of black identities in blockbuster storytelling. His impact as a creative consultant reflects his commitment to expanding diversity on screen.

13. Glover was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness

This actor cum comedian was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, which significantly influenced his upbringing and perspective. In an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2018, he mentioned that being a Jehovah’s Witness amplified his sense of alienation and made him see the world differently.

Moreover, the religion’s teaching that the world is an evil place and the constraints it imposed pushed him to be more creative and artistic, shaping his unique outlook and creative outlet. Although he was raised in this faith, he is no longer religious, reflecting a significant evolution in his personal beliefs and identity.

14. Donald Glover has a brother who is also a musician

This renowned actor, musician, and producer, has a talented brother named Stephen Glover who has also made a name for himself in the entertainment business. The two brothers were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, which likely influenced their shared sense of humor and creative approach.

Additionally, Stephen Glover has worked as a screenwriter and collaborated with Donald on various projects, including the TV series Community and Atlanta. Their brotherly bond and shared experiences have allowed them to create unique and memorable works together, showcasing their combined talents and creativity.

15. He has mentored creators like Issa Rae

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Throughout his career, Donald Glover has mentored and collaborated with emerging talents, demonstrating his dedication to elevating diverse voices in entertainment. Most notably, he has been credited with playing a pivotal early role in launching the careers of creators like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe.

What’s more, Glover provided crucial advice and networking opportunities, guiding them on the path to success. His willingness to lift other artists reflects Glover’s broader commitment to expanding representation in Hollywood. Through mentorship and collaborations, he continues to foster the next generation of groundbreaking storytellers.

16. Glover is involved in political and social activism

Beyond his artistic career, Donald Glover uses his powerful platform for political activism and social commentary. His music frequently wrestles with issues of racial injustice, police brutality, and inequality. Performances like his 2018 Grammys act take an unflinching look at gun violence against black Americans. And Glover pulls no punches when addressing politics and race in interviews.

Furthermore, his boldness in tackling sociopolitical issues head-on demonstrates his resolve to spark difficult conversations through art. For Glover, activism and entertainment are intertwined.

17. He has a mysterious social media presence

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Despite his success in the spotlight, Donald Glover maintains a relatively mysterious presence on social media. He often goes weeks or months without posting and reveals little about his private life online. This careful curation of his online persona adds an air of intrigue and mystique.

To add on, by intentionally limiting his digital footprint, Glover exerts greater control over the narrative surrounding him. His calculated social media presence reflects a savvy understanding of crafting a public image in the digital age.

18. Glover auditioned to play Barack Obama on Saturday Night Live

Early in his career, Donald Glover set his sights on playing Barack Obama on Saturday Night Live. When SNL held auditions to cast the presidential role back in 2008, a young Glover threw his hat in the ring.

Though he didn’t land the part, the ambitious audition demonstrated Glover’s drive to take on challenging roles. It also showcased his comedic range and ability to morph into larger-than-life characters.

19. Glover’s unconventional red carpet styles set him apart

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Never one to shy away from bold fashion choices, Donald Glover often wears unique unconventional outfits on the red carpet. Ditching traditional black tuxedos, he instead opts for statement-making suits in vibrant colors and patterns. Glover also experiments with skirt- and dress-inspired silhouettes, seamlessly blending masculine and feminine aesthetics.

To boot, his envelope-pushing personal style exemplifies his innate creativity and willingness to challenge norms. On the red carpet, as in his art, Glover defies expectations and brings out singular personal flair.

20. The actor observes private family life in the public limelight

Donald Glover intensely guards the privacy of his family life with longtime partner Michelle White. The couple has two sons together, keeping details like their names and ages carefully under wraps.

Moreover, by avoiding the spotlight when it comes to his home life, Glover makes a deliberate choice to shield his loved ones from public scrutiny. His fierce protection of family reflects a core commitment to preserving normalcy despite his fame.

Donald Glover’s journey from a talented student at NYU to a multi-faceted artist with global acclaim is nothing short of remarkable. His impact on the worlds of acting, music, and beyond is undeniable, and these 20 surprising facts offer a glimpse into the complex and fascinating persona that is Donald Glover. As he continues to evolve and surprise us, one thing remains certain: Glover’s influence on the entertainment industry is destined to endure for years to come.