Damson Idris (September 2, 1991) is a famous British-Nigerian actor popular for his role as Franklin Saint on John Singleton’s Crime series, Snowfall. He has also been featured in popular movies, including Outside the wire, Megan Leavey, and Doctor and the Missing.
Early Life
Damson, whose roots are traced back to a Nigerian descent of the Yoruba tribe, was born and raised in Peckham, South-Eastern London. He is the youngest of six children, including three brothers and two sisters.
Growing up, Damson developed a deep passion for sports, particularly football and rugby, and as a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a successful football player like Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2002, he was privileged to shake hands with Queen Elizabeth when his team participated in the Golden Jubilee.
After completing his high school education, Damson pursued his interest in the performing arts. He studied Drama at Brunel University London, receiving a BA honours in Theatre, Film, and Television Studies. He furthered his education at the Identity School of Acting in London, where he studied alongside Letitia Wright, John Boyega, and Malachi Kirby.
Career
After completing his education at the Identity School of Acting in London, Damson Idris pursued his acting career with determination and enthusiasm. He began by taking on small roles in television shows such as “Doctors” and “Casualty”, where he gained valuable experience and developed his craft.
In 2013, Damson landed his first major role in the television series “Youngers”, a coming-of-age drama that focused on the lives of two aspiring musicians in South London. Critics widely praised his performance, opening doors for him in the industry.
In 2016, Damson appeared in the film “City of Tiny Lights”, a British crime thriller directed by Pete Travis. The film, which starred Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper, was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it further established Damson as a rising star.
In 2017, Damson starred in the independent film “Megan Leavey“, a biographical war drama about a young Marine corporal and her combat dog. The film was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and starred Kate Mara, Ramón Rodríguez, and Edie Falco. Once again, Damson delivered a powerful performance that garnered critical acclaim.
However, Damson‘s breakthrough role as Franklin Saint in the crime drama series “Snowfall” brought him international recognition. The series, which premiered in 2017, is set in Los Angeles in the early 1980s and follows the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic. Damson’s portrayal of Franklin Saint, a young drug dealer, was widely praised, earning him several award nominations, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
In addition to his acting work, Damson has also appeared in music videos for artists such as Rizzle Kicks and Skepta. He is a brand ambassador for the menswear brand BOSS, and he continues to work on his craft and pursue challenging and exciting roles.
Filmography
- Megan Leavey (2017)
- The Commuter (2018)
- Farming (2018)
- A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
- Outside the Wire (2021)
Personal Life
Damson is currently in a relationship with Lori Harvey, an American model, entrepreneur, and socialite. He is yet to be married and is without kids.
Lori confirmed her relationship with Damson in January 2023.
Net Worth
Damson Idris is believed to have an estimated net worth of approximately US$10 million.