Daniel Kaluuya, born in London, began his journey in the entertainment industry in a way that feels familiar to many young British actors who emerged in the mid-2000s. Daniel Kaluuya first stepped into the spotlight with a role in the BBC film Shoot the Messenger back in 2006. Not long after, he gained wider recognition through his recurring performance as Posh Kenneth on the popular teen drama Skins, which aired on E4 from 2007 to 2013. Interestingly, Daniel Kaluuya didn’t just act on the show—he also contributed behind the scenes by joining the writing team, showcasing his versatility early on.
Thanks to his standout presence on Skins, Daniel Kaluuya quickly became a familiar face on British television. He made guest appearances on several well-known series, including the long-running sci-fi staple Doctor Who, the crime procedural Silent Witness, and the sketch comedy That Mitchell and Webb Look. While his TV career was gaining momentum, Daniel Kaluuya was also building a strong reputation in theater, earning critical praise for various stage performances.
His transition into film started modestly with a small part in Johnny English Reborn (2011), but things really began to accelerate from there. A major turning point came when he portrayed the menacing Black Death in the comic book sequel Kick-Ass 2 (2013), a role that introduced him to a broader American audience. He continued building his cinematic profile with a compelling performance as an FBI agent in Denis Villeneuve’s intense crime thriller Sicario (2015).
Then came a defining moment in Daniel Kaluuya’s career. In late 2016, it was revealed that he would take on the role of W’Kabi in Marvel’s highly anticipated Black Panther, set for release in 2018. But even before that blockbuster arrived, Daniel Kaluuya delivered a powerhouse performance in Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out (2017). The horror-thriller, which follows an African-American man—played brilliantly by Daniel Kaluuya—as he visits his white girlfriend’s family in a seemingly idyllic suburban town, became both a critical sensation and a box office hit. His nuanced, gripping portrayal earned widespread acclaim and led to numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor—a significant milestone in Daniel Kaluuya’s already impressive career.
Shortly afterward, audiences saw Daniel Kaluuya once again on the big screen, this time as the loyal yet conflicted W’Kabi in Black Panther, cementing his status as a leading figure in modern cinema.
When it comes to Daniel Kaluuya’s film career, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—his highest rated movie is Get Out from 2017. That film really put Daniel Kaluuya on the map and earned him widespread acclaim. On the other hand, looking back at his earlier roles, Daniel Kaluuya’s lowest rated film appears to be Chatroom, which came out in 2010. While it didn’t receive the same level of praise, it’s still part of Daniel Kaluuya’s journey as an actor. Overall, Daniel Kaluuya has shown impressive growth over the years, moving from smaller projects to major successes like Get Out.