Donald Glover—yes, that name again—was a self-described “nerd” with an infectious passion for hip-hop and The Simpsons (Fox, 1999–), passions that would go on to shape his remarkable journey in entertainment. Donald Glover wasn’t just one thing—he was an actor, a comedian, a writer, and a musician, effortlessly moving between worlds in a way that felt both natural and groundbreaking. Early on, Donald Glover made waves as part of the cult-favorite comedy group Derrick Comedy, where his sharp wit and timing began turning heads. From there, he transitioned into writing, landing a spot on the acclaimed series 30 Rock (NBC, 2006–13), proving that Donald Glover could craft smart, layered humor from behind the scenes just as well as in front of the camera.
Then came Community (NBC, 2009–15; Yahoo!, 2015), where Donald Glover’s portrayal of the charismatic yet neurotic Troy Barnes earned him a loyal fanbase and solidified his status as a rising comedic talent. But Donald Glover didn’t stop there. Under the musical alias Childish Gambino, he released a string of rap tracks that resonated deeply within the indie music scene—lyrically rich, emotionally raw, and sonically adventurous. It was clear that Donald Glover used his art to explore themes of identity, isolation, and youth culture, blending a nostalgic love for pop culture with deeply personal reflections. Critics took notice, fans connected, and Donald Glover’s reputation grew—not just as a performer, but as a thoughtful creator with something meaningful to say.
Of course, being hilarious certainly helped Donald Glover’s ascent, but what truly set him apart was his relentless drive across every creative field he touched. At one point, he stepped back from acting to fully embrace his music career as Childish Gambino—a move that paid off in spades. Then, in true Donald Glover fashion, he returned stronger than ever by creating and starring in Atlanta (FX, 2016–), a surreal, poignant comedy-drama that defied genre conventions. The show’s first season earned Donald Glover two major Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series—an impressive feat that underscored his versatility.
Meanwhile, Donald Glover also made his mark on the blockbuster stage, appearing in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and stepping into the iconic role of a young Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). That same year, Donald Glover continued to dominate headlines—not only did Atlanta rack up more Emmy nominations and critical acclaim, but as Childish Gambino, he dropped the powerful single “This Is America,” along with a haunting, socially charged music video that sparked national conversation. Once again, Donald Glover proved that he wasn’t just keeping pace with culture—he was shaping it.
When it comes to Donald Glover’s film career, there’s quite a range in terms of critical reception. Donald Glover has been part of several movies over the years, and among them, one standout in terms of acclaim is The Muppets from 2011. This particular film tends to be regarded as Donald Glover’s highest-rated movie, earning positive feedback for its humor, heart, and nostalgic charm. On the other end of the spectrum, Donald Glover appeared in The Lazarus Effect in 2015, which unfortunately didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. As a result, that film is often cited as Donald Glover’s lowest-rated movie to date. While Donald Glover is perhaps best known for his work in television and music, these cinematic roles still offer an interesting look at his diverse career. Donald Glover continues to impress across multiple entertainment platforms, but when reviewing his filmography, it’s clear that not every project hits the same high notes. Still, Donald Glover remains a versatile talent worth watching.