David Harewood changes the game
In the pursuit of justice and the rhythm of life, some stories resonate far louder than the scripted dramas we watch. For actor David Harewood, this harmony is found not just in the narrative of his latest project, but in the soundtrack of his journey. Scrolling through his phone, he stumbled upon French DJ St Germain’s jazz-house fusion track, Rose Rouge. As the infectious beat filled the quiet space of a South London Soho House, a smile broke across his face. “So late ’70s, jazzy, New York,” he mused, a perfect reflection of the mood settling over him.
This percussive rhythm, Harewood found, perfectly mirrored the story of his new Channel 4 legal drama, Pierre. The track’s syncopated energy fit the life of the protagonist, a dignified yet flawed British duty solicitor constantly chasing justice. It was a rhythm that resonated deeply with the character’s relentless, on-the-go existence.
The journey of Pierre itself offers profound commentary, tackling the brutal realities of racism within the police force. Harewood, who has witnessed these systemic failures firsthand, brings an unflinching realism to the role, drawing parallels with historical injustices, such as the murder of Stephen Lawrence. He speaks to the fallout of such events, noting that watching the systemic failure and lack of evidence collection is a painful experience that must be confronted.
Harewood’s career is a testament to resilience and breaking barriers. He is a trailblazer for Black British actors, having navigated a world where opportunities were scarce. In 1997, he made history as the first Black actor to play Othello at London’s National Theatre, an achievement that required navigating significant racial scrutiny. He understood that while pride is powerful, breaking through entrenched biases demanded persistence.
Later, in high-profile roles such as Homeland and Supergirl, Harewood demonstrated a mastery of complex characters. Even his experience playing the Martian Manhunter in Homeland and directing episodes showcased his disciplined approach. He learned that true performance requires more than just talent; it demands the emotional armour of discipline. As he reflects, “The acting is the easy thing. Surviving is the tough bit.”
This philosophy guides his work, reminding us that success in the industry is often less about the performance and more about endurance. Reflecting on his path, Harewood champions a new generation of talent, actively supporting the next wave of Black actors like Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, and John Boyega. He sees the rising global careers of these actors as a powerful vindication for those who came before, noting that this shift has made things possible for Black actors in film and television.
Beyond the screen, Harewood has dedicated himself to advocacy, serving as the president of the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (RADA) and championing mental health awareness. His journey is one of turning personal struggle into public strength, demonstrating that the ability to survive and thrive, both on and off screen, is the ultimate triumph. He continues to work, embracing the unpredictable nature of the creative world, proving that the story of an artist is never truly over.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
