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Actor, advocate & RADA President

David Harewood

Transform conversations on diversity and social justice with David Harewood OBE, speaker, acclaimed actor and mental health advocate. David works with organisations to address racial inequality and promote mental wellbeing, delivering powerful insights as RADA President and UNICEF UK Ambassador.

Trusted by RADA, UNICEF UK

David Harewood OBE, Speaker | Actor, Director, Advocate
David Harewood

David Harewood

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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David Harewood's biography

At a glance

  • Actor known for roles in Homeland and Supergirl
  • President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
  • Advocate for mental health and racial equality
David Harewood OBE is a British actor, director, and author, currently serving as the president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is widely recognised for his roles as David Estes in Homeland and as J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter in Supergirl. Harewood advocates for the British government to apologise for its role in the slave trade, a cause deeply personal to him due to his ancestry. His great-great-great-great grandparents were enslaved on a plantation in Barbados owned by Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood. He has engaged with David Lascelles, the current Earl, who shares his views on the need for an apology. In 2007, Harewood visited Harewood House, built with profits from slavery, to discuss this history with Lascelles. In September 2023, a portrait of Harewood was unveiled at Harewood House, acknowledging their families' shared past. In addition to his acting career, Harewood has been involved in various political and charitable efforts. He presented a Party Election Broadcast for the Labour Party in 2012 and supported Change UK in the 2019 European Parliament election. He has also donated bone marrow to save a life and campaigned for the British Lung Foundation to ban smoking in cars with children. Harewood is a passionate supporter of Birmingham City Football Club and participated in Soccer Aid 2018, helping England win a charity match for UNICEF, which raised over £5 million. His accolades include nominations and awards from the Screen Actors Guild, Nashville Film Festival, and the Edinburgh TV Festival, among others. In 2023, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to drama. With a career spanning nearly 35 years, Harewood has performed in prestigious theatres and on major television networks. He made his directorial debut during the final season of Supergirl. His documentaries, such as David Harewood: Psychosis and Me, explore mental health and racial injustices, making him a significant advocate for change. His memoir, Maybe I Don’t Belong Here, was published in September 2021. As a UNICEF UK Ambassador, Harewood has raised awareness for children's health and vaccination efforts, particularly in Sierra Leone. He has also been a vocal advocate for mental health, sharing his experiences to encourage open dialogue and support. His work extends to promoting representation in the arts and addressing issues affecting the black community, including organ donation and voting rights. Harewood continues to use his platform to challenge inequalities and inspire change, both in the UK and beyond.

David's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking David

Book David Harewood OBE as a speaker to inspire your team with his powerful insights on mental health, racial equality, and personal resilience. His compelling storytelling and advocacy for change will motivate your audience to embrace diversity and foster a culture of understanding and support within your organisation.

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Trusted by RADA, UNICEF UK

Testimonials

I have been receiving wonderful feedback internally from everyone that listened.

J.P. Morgan

Featured Projects

David Harewood - Maybe I Don't Belong Here: A Memoir Of Race, Identity, Breakdown And Recovery book cover
David Harewood - Robin Hood: Friendly Fire book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book David Harewood for my next event?
Email david.harewood@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm David's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is David Harewood's speaking style like?
David Harewood draws on personal documentary work — including his film David Harewood: Psychosis and Me — and memoir writing (Maybe I Don't Belong Here, 2021) to structure talks that move between lived experience and broader arguments about mental health and racial inequality.
What topics does David Harewood specialise in?
David Harewood OBE speaks on diversity and inclusion, mental health, and racial equality, drawing on his personal experiences with psychosis, his ancestry connected to the transatlantic slave trade, and his advocacy work as a UNICEF UK Ambassador. He is president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and is widely recognised for his acting roles in Homeland and Supergirl, alongside his memoir Maybe I Don't Belong Here, published in 2021.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.