Daniel Ezra (born 15 December 1991) is an English actor. On television, he is known for his roles in the Sky One series A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022) and the CW series All American (2018–2026). His films include The Running Man (2025).
Early life Ezra was born on 15 December 1991 in Birmingham. Both his paternal and maternal grandparents were from Jamaica. Growing up, he was a fan of Harry Potter, Philip Pullman books, and The Lord of the Rings. He grew up playing basketball, but stopped sports when he began acting. Ezra attended Great Barr School, now known as Fortis Academy in Great Barr, Birmingham. He went on to train at East 15 Acting School.
Career Ezra was not interested in acting until he turned 16 when a teacher at school convinced him to take a role in a school production. On stage, Ezra appeared as Sebastian in Twelfth Night and was nominated for an Ian Charleson Award. After making his screen debut in the 2014 television film Murdered by My Boyfriend, Ezra began appearing in BBC dramas, including Undercover and The Missing. In 2018, Ezra had a recurring role in the British fantasy drama A Discovery of Witches.
In March 2018, Ezra was cast in a leading role in the American sports drama series All American, which marked his U.S. acting debut and required him to use an American accent. Once he learned that he had received the role, he spent as much time as he could in South Central Los Angeles and carried a football with him everywhere so that he could practice his accent and learn about the local culture. His favorite rapper, Nipsey Hussle, was from Crenshaw, where the show takes place, so Ezra also studied every song and interview of Hussle as a way of practicing his American accent. He did not have an accent coach. In addition, Spencer Paysinger, the real-life football player on whom Ezra's character is based, drove Ezra and his costar Taye Diggs around his local neighborhood so that they could understand the neighborhood dynamics. To prepare for the show, Ezra also watched the NFL Network constantly to learn about the rules of American football. Ezra first realised the show was successful when he attempted to walk in Times Square and was recognised by fans who approached him.
In October 2024, it was announced that Ezra would be joining Glen Powell in the Edgar Wright And Paramount feature The Running Man.
Ezra will appear in the upcoming Netflix limited series adaptation All the Sinners Bleed, based on the S. A. Cosby novel of the same name.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2014 Hours Tim Blood Cells Thom 2017 National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night Sebastian 2025 The Running Man Bradley Throckmorton
Television Year Title Role Notes2014 Murdered by My Boyfriend Joseph Television film The Village Ghana Jones Episode: "2.1"2015 Vera Cameron Thorne Episode: "Shadows in the Sky" No Offence Ajamu Episode: "1.6"2016 Prey Alan Gill 2 episodes Undercover Dan Johnson 6 episodes The Missing Daniel Reed 5 episodes2017 Prime Suspect 1973 DC Ashton 6 episodes 2018–2022 A Discovery of Witches Nathaniel Wilson 10 episodes 2018–2026 All AmericanSpencer James Main cast (seasons 1–6, guest role in season 7 & 8)2022 All American: Homecoming Episode: "We Need a Resolution" The Smeds and the Smoos Bill Television film; voice roleMarquis CrownLimited series
Theatre Year Title Role Venue2017Twelfth NightPerformerWest End, Royal National Theatre2026ShiftersDreOff-Broadway, Cherry Lane Theatre
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