Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with David Oyelowo

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: David Oyelowo Talks 'Government Cheese,' British Vs. American Acting & Opportunities, Oprah + More
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren LaRosa, Jess Hilarious
Guest: David Oyelowo

1. Introduction of David Oyelowo

The episode begins with host Charlamagne Tha God warmly welcoming acclaimed actor and producer David Oyelowo to "The Breakfast Club." Oyelowo is introduced as a special guest to discuss his latest project, 'Government Cheese,' as well as his perspectives on acting, representation in media, and his collaborations with influential figures like Oprah Winfrey.

2. Intentional Role Selection and Representation in Media

Charlamagne Tha God opens the conversation by acknowledging the powerful roles Oyelowo is known for and asks about his intentionality in selecting such roles.

David Oyelowo emphasizes the intentionality behind his choices:

“...I’ve definitely gravitated towards roles and projects that mean that I am trying to change what I saw growing up. I'm trying to widen the aperture and contextualize who and what we are as black people.”
(Timestamp: 02:00)

He discusses his upbringing in the UK and Nigeria, highlighting how his experiences informed his understanding of Black representation in film and television. Oyelowo reflects on the importance of creating meaningful narratives that accurately portray Black communities, moving away from stereotypes and marginalized roles.

3. Challenges in Filmmaking and Black Narratives

The conversation delves into the evolution of Black representation in Hollywood, particularly contrasting the 1990s golden era with the present.

Oyelowo explains:

“What has happened a lot is that our stories, we craft them, we develop them, but at some point, you've got to take it to people who have green light power who are not from our demographic.”
(Timestamp: 05:20)

He critiques how the transition of storytelling control to non-Black figures often leads to diluted narratives, moving away from authentic and empowering stories about Black lives.

Charlamagne Tha God adds his observations on the shift from shows like "The Cosby Show" and "Different World" to more reality-based programming, questioning the deliberate move away from socially redeeming narratives.

4. Transition to Producing and 'Selma'

Lauren LaRosa inquires about the emotional weight Oyelowo carries in his roles, particularly referencing his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma.'

Oyelowo shares his journey of becoming a producer:

“I couldn’t have anticipated was producing. And so I thought, oh, okay, well, I can do that again for the things that I believe in and I'm passionate about.”
(Timestamp: 10:53)

He recounts the challenges in getting 'Selma' made, facing multiple rejections before finally securing support from influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay. This experience ignited his passion for producing films that authentically represent Black stories.

5. Impact of Streaming Services on Opportunities

The discussion shifts to how streaming platforms have revolutionized opportunities for Black-led projects.

Oyelowo highlights:

“Streaming from... there is data. We see the lawman Bass Reeves. It got rejected by Hollywood three times. Went on to be the most successful, widely viewed show on Apple TV plus globally in 2023.”
(Timestamp: 14:56)

He credits streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple for providing platforms where previously marginalized stories can thrive based on actual viewership data, bypassing traditional gatekeepers' biases.

6. 'Government Cheese' and Its Symbolism

Introducing his latest project, 'Government Cheese,' Oyelowo explains the series' significance and symbolism.

Oyelowo describes:

“Government cheese for us was symbolic of what we tend to do as black people. Necessity being the mother of invention, we will take nothing and make it into something.”
(Timestamp: 22:44)

The series portrays a Black family in the 1960s, navigating economic and personal challenges with resilience and creativity. Oyelowo emphasizes the aspirational aspect of the narrative, showcasing characters striving to overcome adversity through ingenuity and determination.

7. Balancing Career and Family Life

Lauren LaRosa brings up an article Oyelowo did with Men's Health, discussing his efforts to balance his demanding career with his role as a father.

Oyelowo reflects on the importance of being present for his family:

“A life well lived is not really about what you did. It's how you made people feel... I want the people closest to me to feel like I was present.”
(Timestamp: 29:03)

He shares personal anecdotes about family trips and how these experiences rejuvenate him, allowing him to return to his professional roles with renewed energy and perspective.

8. Relationship with Oprah and Mentorship

The conversation explores Oyelowo's close relationship with Oprah Winfrey, whom he credits with pivotal support in his career.

Oyelowo recounts:

“Oprah... I sat down next to a guy on a plane who was watching a TV show I had done in the UK... I called her, asked her if I could be in her movie.”
(Timestamp: 49:10)

He describes Oprah's mentorship and unwavering support, highlighting how her guidance has been instrumental in his successes, including his directorial debut.

9. Typecasting and British Actors in American Roles

Addressing the common trend of British actors portraying American characters, Oyelowo offers his perspective.

Oyelowo challenges the notion of scarcity in acting opportunities:

“I think it's to do with scarcity here as it pertains to the work we have. If there's scarcity, there are less opportunities.”
(Timestamp: 34:48)

He argues that the focus should be on creating more opportunities rather than questioning why British actors are chosen over their American counterparts. Oyelowo emphasizes the importance of expanding the "pie" to accommodate diverse talents and authentic storytelling.

10. Future of African Storytelling in Hollywood

Concluding the discussion, Oyelowo advocates for more authentic African narratives in global media.

Oyelowo states:

“We need more African stories. We just need more stories. And I think a huge untapped source of amazing global storytelling is Africa.”
(Timestamp: 39:23)

He underscores the universal appeal found in specific cultural narratives and calls for stories to be made by those deeply integrated within the respective cultures to ensure authenticity and resonance with global audiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. David Oyelowo on Role Selection:

   “I am trying to change what I saw growing up. I'm trying to widen the aperture and contextualize who and what we are as black people.”
   (02:00)

2. On Black Narratives in Media:

   “If I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem.”
   (02:00)

3. Regarding 'Selma' Production:

   “I’ve told myself I can’t afford to be safe.”
   (17:14)

4. On Streaming Platforms:

   “...we have raw data. And that’s the thing that streaming has done as well.”
   (14:56)

5. On 'Government Cheese' Symbolism:

   “Necessity being the mother of invention, we will take nothing and make it into something.”
   (22:44)

6. Balancing Family and Career:

   “A life well lived is not really about what you did. It’s how you made people feel.”
   (29:03)

7. On African Storytelling:

   “We need more African stories. We just need more stories.”
   (39:23)

Conclusion

David Oyelowo's interview on "The Breakfast Club" provides deep insights into his commitment to authentic Black storytelling, the challenges within the Hollywood system, and his dedication to balancing a thriving career with a fulfilling family life. Through his experiences, Oyelowo highlights the importance of representation, the power of streaming platforms in democratizing content, and the need for more diverse narratives in global media.

Availability:
'Government Cheese' is currently available on Apple TV, showcasing Oyelowo’s continued efforts to create meaningful and culturally resonant content.