Damson Idris

Biography

Damson Idris is a British actor best known for his breakout role as Franklin Saint in the critically acclaimed FX crime drama Snowfall. He was born on September 2, 1991, in Peckham, South-East London, England, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba descent. Raised in a single-parent household as the youngest of six siblings, Idris developed a strong work ethic early in life.

Initially passionate about sports, particularly soccer, Idris played at a competitive level before shifting his focus to acting. He attended Brunel University London, where he studied Theatre, Film, and Television Studies, and later honed his acting skills at the Identity School of Acting in London.

Career: Damson Idris began his acting journey on the British stage and in television, including a role in the BBC series Doctors (2015). His international breakthrough came in 2017 when he was cast by the late John Singleton as the lead in Snowfall, portraying a young drug dealer during the 1980s crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. His performance earned widespread praise for its intensity and emotional depth, helping solidify his reputation as a rising star.

In addition to Snowfall, Idris has appeared in several films and projects:

Farming (2018) is a semi-autobiographical film by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, in which he played a Nigerian boy raised by a white British family. His role earned him the Best Actor award at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

Outside the Wire (2021), a Netflix sci-fi action film, co-starring Anthony Mackie, in which he played a drone pilot in a futuristic war zone.

He also appeared in Black Mirror (Season 5, episode "Smithereens") in 2019.

Personal Life and Recognition: Idris is known for his humility, work ethic, and respect for his cultural heritage. He has received numerous accolades and is often celebrated as one of the most promising actors of his generation. He has also used his platform to advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.