The Many Faces of Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a modern renaissance man with talents in acting, writing, music, and stand-up. But Donald's incredible skillset comes at a price -- one of which being an inability to stay still. Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, without creativity in the household, Glover's inspiring rise to stardom is a story full of unrelenting passion, sacrifice, and many difficult choices.
As the creator of Atlanta, This is America, Because the Internet and Awaken My Love, as well as the beloved character of Community's Troy Barnes, there's something for everyone to appreciate. But what does it take to reach the heights of Childish Gambino himself?
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Where I get my music: share.epidemicsound.com/wjmjw6
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0:00 - Who is Donald Glover?
0:43 - Teenage Donald
1:47 - Forming Derrick Comedy
2:35 - Writing for 30 Rock
3:45 - Community
5:09 - Multi-tasking
6:50 - Leaving Community
8:13 - Because the Internet
9:26 - Awaken, My Love!
10:31 - This is America
12:41 - Atlanta
15:09 - The Many Faces of Donald Glover
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Twitter: / dannymcmahon
TikTok: / dodford
IG: / dodford
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danielmcmahon.co.uk
linktr.ee/dodford

[@slamzam]

I love how he didn’t restrict himself to one path. He’s proof that humans are limitless in the potential they can create.

[@leaguillermo4454]

well said

[@Hoopsallday24]

When I found out he was childish gambino 🤯🤯

[@zinnia5659]

@@Hoopsallday24I thought the internet was jokingly because I couldn’t believe someone could do so many thing, SO WELL

[@randomdude189]

He’s not talented

[@basic6735]

@@randomdude189 Bad bait

[@scout4363]

It’s crazy you can make a 16 minute video feel like a fully fledged documentary

[@PhilosophicalUMAR]

Fr 🪄

[@starswirI]

i knew you werent going to mention adventure time because its such a small part in donalds story, but adventure time is where i found out about him. he played marshall lee a couple times, and even sung a song in an episode, and was SO DAMN GOOD AT IT. this man can really do ANYTHING from acting, comedy, screenplay, AND voice acting. hes such a cool human being.

[@j.f.1982]

That was Donald? No f way

[@Kirsten4260]

OMG that’s how I discovered him too lol I remember having a crush on Marshall Lee as a kid half of the reason was because of his voice 😂 the song lowkey slapped tho

[@KaGeeSandamukal]

Man's a genius!!!

[@lucar9873]

I had no idea that was Donald Glover!

[@RoyBeerZ]

Oh my god. This is such an awesome additional information

[@lgolem09l]

He is the antithesis to popculture, where fans always just want "more of the same" from a creator. He is showing that having something wildly new every time is the best thing ever. Can't wait for what he does next that I don't expect.

[@JudithAffran]

"No one is going to outdo you at being you". -Donald Glover . Loved this so much!

[@rydz656]

He lost a lot of cred when he fucked with Lando.

[@robertolopez1537]

​@rydz656 To be fair, that's miniscule to everything he's achieved. Also, it's a modern Star Wars movie under the mouse, it was bond to be underwhelming.

[@Leafcane]

This man's list of talents is incredible: - Writer - Actor - Director - Stand-up comedian - Rapper - Freestyler - Singer - Voice actor - Producer Most people dream of doing one of these things but Gambino is absolutely in a league of his own..

[@Santiago_RS]

Yeah Donald Glover is the definition of genius. He can do it all

[@theawemazingcrew9702]

And he excels in all of those too. He's the best in his craft, and his craft is kind of everything. That's insane

[@kewdow105]

Singer as well

[@foljs5858]

Let's not forget: Nepo baby, industry plant, kid with connections and money to spend on productions and ghostwriters for a creative career, critic's pet - so many talents!

[@matty_daddy]

@@foljs5858 agreed. His music career? Just paid people to make it for him. Born in California with connections and a wealthy family. I don’t think that takes much effort to be successful

[@begaydocrime9953]

The way he took his career in many directions and succeeded in basically everything is so inspiring to me as an artist that have many different things I wanna do in art

[@pastelpinksparrow9436]

Exactly!

[@silas1173]

I did a research paper on Donald Glover, and it was one of the hardest thing I have ever had to do in school. The fact that you not only made a 16 minute video about him, but also put in some absolutely amazing editing is just incredible. You are one of the best youtubers on the platform right now.

[@ewan897]

Donald is easily one of the greatest and most versatile artists of our generation. A true genius mind that still fails to get as much appreciation as he should.

[@Zjustageeker]

Agreed

[@ytyoungrichnhigh]

one of the greatest/smartest hip-hop artists of all time.

[@joela8979]

and this man isn't ganna stop anytime so

[@joostverra9130]

Camp was pretty cringe though, did not feel authentic at all. From then on he got better.

[@NobodiesFan]

This is America!

[@dijek]

The quality of your work is UNBELIEVABLE. You are CRIMINALLY underrated. Excited to see you grow. We were here before he became famous!

[@DodfordYT]

That means a ton! Lots of time and effort goes into these, happy it's appreciated :)

[@dijek]

@@DodfordYT Of course man. Keep up the incredible work!

[@edgeyace4779]

i Undoubtably agreee with this. This video is so inspiring and come together super nicely.

[@Ludovicus1769]

I have looked it up, and being underrated is in fact not illegal.

[@aaronwebb9379]

Sameee

[@NadirBoxer]

i always just thought childish gambino as childish gambino nothing more, till my friend introduced me to community, and it just open doors to doors and proud to say im so proud to see how much hes grown as a person and as a writer, actor and director. im wishing nothing but the best for him hes an inspiration really.

[@RoyBeerZ]

To me it was the opposite. When he left Community I was heart-broken. When he popped up on my radar again with This is America, I initially disregarded him as "just another controversial rapper" lol Just to think how wrong I was

[@michaeladkins6]

@@RoyBeerZ I was always a fan of Community. Hated that it was cancelled. In 2017, they started playing Redbone, It sounded a lot like R&B I grew up with in the early 70. I immediately didnt like it .Dont know why. Every time I heard the song, I liked it better. The song wore me down. One day, it was on the radio and I finally looked up to see who Childish Gambino was. Donald Glover. He was on his second series, Atlanta, He had written for 30Rock. Anyway, I didnt like This Is America as much as Redbone which I love now.

[@JordanWelch]

Great vid Donald's a legend

[@LucasDW08]

yoooo big fan

[@NerdOut]

This was an incredibly well done video, you earned yourself a new subscriber!

[@Fyrestare]

No replies for nerdout?!

[@Bludlungg]

@@Fyrestare even after that it’s just us

[@Inferno.X]

YO NERD OUTTT

[@jaycesar94]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@UhhhGoblin]

I was just about to type this, ill just like yours

[@MaxFosh]

brilliant once again, Dodford

[@salxh]

Rise of Sillyism, doc soon?

[@DodfordYT]

big luv max

[@danielharries3240]

Omg it’s the richest man in the world

[@goobachev]

silly to the max

[@aandimgone]

On the first day, God created the silly and the sillier.

[@luisagf1385]

I remembered when I discovered Childish Gambino through this is America. As a recent immigrant to the U.S. at the time, the music video perfectly encapsulated the raw fear I had and pure delusion that all Americans seemed to live in. Watching the video was a sigh of relief: "I'm not crazy, people really ARE ignoring all of this chaos around us." I am now watching Community for the first time and discovering a face of Donald that I never had--a funny, great actor that puts his heart into the silliest and deepest scenes alike. I had no idea he barely had any tv experience prior to the show! As an aspiring writer, I think the most touching lesson I've taken from Donald is that last sentence: "no one is going to outdo you at being you." Be yourself, and, most importantly, believe in yourself.

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Donald Glover is without a doubt a human tsunami of creativity. I’d lose my mind if the Star Wars franchise actually made a stand alone Lando Calrissian film. Would love to see an episode on Will Poulter. He’s genuinely a fascinating actor whose career is going from strength to strength. The dude grinds away and he’s definitely one of the actors who will pave his own road ahead.

[@diya.joseph]

donald glover is a genius. i can’t believe that one person can be this talented at every kind of entertainment. genuinely so impressive

[@itsdavidmora]

This was a real gift to recieve. It's inspiring to see the story of someone who let their creativity evolve so boldly. The video feels beautifully crafted & dense with ideas & feeling. I feel like I'm walking away with a deeper understanding of Donald, but also something even deeper I can't quite articulate about what it means to be creative. Thank you.

[@HavocAlive]

Your editing is punchy but doesnt sacrifice flow. The scripting is solid, concise and it is constantly towing the line between building tension and delivering relief. You should be exceptionally proud of yourself! I learned a lot from this about DG and enjoyed every second of it.

[@littlemissliv100]

I’m always so inspired by Glover because he doesn’t fit nicely into a little box. He’s limitless. He shows that it’s possible to be and do anything.

[@niteghost04]

My guy your are a documentary genius! this video took me for such an awesome ride. The kind of research you do and ur editing style with ur soothing perfect voice over mixed with such fast paced yet not too fast story telling covering all the points in detail AND THAT TOO IN JUST UNDER 16 Minutes! its just so awesome man i love your work. Keep it up man and best of luck for your future. Hope your talent gets recognised by billions around the world

[@DodfordYT]

such a kind comment! this made my day. really, really appreciate the support, thank you 🫶

[@fauxdauteur]

This video summarizes why Donald Glover is my favorite artist of all time because he's mastered so many mediums and never settled on fitting into a "box". Plus, besides J. Cole, he's like the only black "rapper" of his generation that graduated from college, showing that you don't have to completely drop everything in your life to pursue a career in the arts/entertainment if you have the talent, work ethic, and at the right place at the right time. This was a fantastic video, Dodford!!

[@spl1nt3rz]

donald glover has always been one of those artists that you just always remember. he's honestly such an inspiration to me.

[@parthl]

there is nothing i love more than watching an unreasonably good youtube documentary. amazing job.

[@DannyCarrlol01]

as an aspiring filmmaker myself, this might just be the best production, writing and research for a youtube video i’ve ever seen. cultivating and inspiring from the first second. thank you youtube for recommending this to me!

[@mollywithak1697]

I had never heard of Donald Glover till my high school English teacher had us do a class discussion/analysis of “This is America”, but the man’s like an actual genius

[@losrin5447]

the world always tells us to stick to one thing or we'll fail and it creates so much anxiety. Donald's story is truly inspiring because sometimes you really gotta let go and do something you love, believe in yourself and take that risk. sticking to something you don't even enjoy doesn't get you very far.. and thank you for making this video. it is well put together, packed with information but not too long

[@s_333]

i will always be such a huge fan of Donald Glover. he's incredible. i listened to his music as a teen (i still do as an adult. it's nostalgic now honestly), really enjoyed Community, and i'm a HUGE fan of the show Atlanta. so sad it came to an end, but the ending was perfect. this video was so amazing! i'm definitely going to be looking into more of his work.

[@SeanOulashin]

I am literally beside myself at your ability to always level up. Team Dodford forever

[@DodfordYT]

Big love Seano. Out West 4 Life

[@powerplant.]

A genuinely inspirational story for anyone that has ever felt like they don't belong. He and Tyler the Creator really embody the same unrelenting creativity to me, I see a lot of parallels between them. I'd love to see them work together. No matter the field of the project, you just know it would be breathtaking. Something that has stayed with me ever since Camp released is the outro to That Power. "I told you something. It was just for you and you told everybody. So I learned to cut out the middle man, make it all for everybody, always. Everybody can't turn around and tell everybody. Everybody already knows - I told them."

[@ZyxthePest]

They guest stared together on an episode of Regular Show.

[@bena.mester6238]

blah &;)

[@spookuly]

Dude this video is absolutely insane; the editing and the background music - it all ties together really well like an awesome documentary! respect for that ‘cause this is such a good video

[@pamelaj3214]

First let me say this video is top tier! Pure perfection my eyes just absorbed lol. Also, that last quote “no one can outdo you at being you” struck a nerve with me cause it’s so simple but so true. We try so hard to be like others, but we should just focus on being ourselves to the max and that’s it. Damn… I’m feeling so inspired right now lol. Thanks for the vid! ❤

[@TraceJohnson]

i never knew he did this much until now. so much respect for him now after seeing this

[@CallumCurryYT]

Wow. Another insane entry of the Dodford Docuseries! Seriously loved how you used what would be traditionally seen as an intro as your outro there at the end. Keep it up 🙌

[@DodfordYT]

huge advocate for going full circle. thank you callum! this means a ton

[@TooTurntTony]

might need you to edit my videos 😂 your work is insane 🤝

[@Helloooo207]

Tony’s got good video taste 🤣

[@sanderuksti4559]

Donald is a creative mastermind and what I think will add to his legacy even more is the fact, that Atlanta introduced us to three actors who in 30 years we will look back at as legends in zazie, Bryan Thyree and Lakeith (even though he was more known at the time).

[@Caanths]

I love the effort and care you put into these videos. Another great instalment

[@DodfordYT]

Thank you very much!

[@Ryuu28_voidgames]

This video didn’t feel like it was 16 minutes long, it felt like almost an hour! But not in a bad way! Your video hooked me and was so entertaining it felt wayyy longer than it was. Also the editing and script were top notch!

[@Astigmaniac]

Watched this on my tv, thought this was a damn BBC documentary. The quality of this video is just awesome. You're criminally underrated man. Big ups

[@soumyachandrakar8697]

I didn't expect to get so inspired by his thought process. The idea that you can do anything you want to. It's so simple yet mind-blowing. Thanks for making this video. Great storytelling and editing 🤍

[@MADD-MANX]

For a video that has such a HIGH quality, I was expecting this channel to have at least 100k subs but I was surprised that it's just reaching 40k. What an well crafted video, with Donald being one of my favorites artist & all, it was obvious I was going to click on it because I'm inspired by his creativity. Keep up the good work. This will have 1million views soon enough!👍🏽

[@javierois8612]

bruh, you just keep leveling up your editing and storytelling abilities. much love.

[@faaizsiddiqui7906]

great video! the cuts of interviews and Donald glover being himself were chosen and placed really well. Thanks for making this!

[@absurdhero144]

This man is a jack of none, master of many. Truly inspirational and I love his mindset of not slowing down, not settling, going for whatever he wants, and putting in the effort and the love for the craft EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. A polymath of our generation. An artist in many forms. I love Donald, man. He came from under a very very low glass ceiling.....the pressure built to critical and he erupted with creativity. Bravo. Truly.

[@LewisGerschwitz]

Incredible that you just keep getting better and better with each release Dodford. Great video.

[@mmoogl3547]

This video is damn inspiring. Not just because of the person it's about, but because of how well it's made. Nice job man.

[@xx_ethereal_autumn_xx]

this is so well done! it was better than some of the things ive watched on tv and everything was just perfect. i was engaged the entire way through and props to you dude this is a masterpiece

[@flyinggorilla7108]

really great video, top notch editing and just the overall writing made it feel like a documentary well done dude

[@MrLucas35]

the editing and the way you present stuff always facinates me, i am just waiting for your channel to boom so hard so that people will now what crazy content catalogue you have. 🔥🚀also saw your after effects animation in mrbeast video super happy you got to work on that project.

[@cryism7798]

i’ve never seen such a well done comprehensive timeline on donald glover, then was shocked to see you were at 1m views at least! this is a work of art about another work of art and i just adore it

[@Raumplestomp]

I saw the short and realized that I missed this banger of a video. I absolutely adore Donald Glover. Atlanta Is one of the few perfect TV shows.

[@aminakamran6969]

I still love watching his stand up special. This guy is multitalented on a different level!

[@SteveNatto]

The quality on this video is insane! Can't imagine how long it took to make, but the intent doesn't go unnoticed! This should easily clear 1M+ views!

[@HikrisDopl]

You could say that he fits into every role he plays like a glove

[@extrazest966]

I kept getting this video in my recommended and finally decided to watch. I am amazed by the high production of your work and cant wait to see what you do next!

[@violetswirls]

i would watch a documentary about him he's incredibly talented and seems so genuine, there's no one else rly doing it like he is

[@n8urm852]

How is EVERY video you do so good. The edits the research and execution are all incredible

[@joannakluczynska3155]

The quality of this (as well as your other videos) is crazy good, incredibly well done! The editing, storytelling, pacing, music, just everything is perfect. Keep going man, I'm rooting for you and waiting to see your channel grow!

[@nati1514]

thanks for making this video on him

[@ryancarter2959]

Can’t remember the last time I hit the subscribe button this quickly. Incredibly well done video essay.

[@ItsYaBoyle]

Genuinely one of the best creators on the platform, no doubt at all

[@lalitpandey5246]

I have never seen more refined piece of writing & editing come together. It's like I didn't know Donald Grover before this video and now I know everything about him.

[@sourgang2110]

I found you through his Corridor Crew video essay and it's been so great seeing you grow in popularity in real time

[@tianab1195]

this is remarkable! all doc videos should take your style, it's so well made and so interesting. thank you for sharing this with the rest of us

[@goinggoinggone4208]

I’m in awe of how inspiring of an homage this is- really beautifully told. I can’t believe how few views this has

[@wealthwhispers]

Legit got chills watching this, great job Dodford

[@booowl5584]

your editing and style are SO GOOD, love it

[@CFootprints]

I know it's a cliché to say this, but how do you not have millions of subscribers?! This was amazing to watch. Extremely well documented, extremely good production quality.

[@SashaCole]

The skit reflecting in Tina's glasses at 2:46 is genius

[@TejPatel]

This is one of the most inspiring things I’ve watched in forever thank you for telling this story

[@WhosIshe]

Your writing style and editing kept me absolutely on my heels and captivated by the video, amazing work.

[@vishnubrahmandam8502]

The quality of this video is top-notch. The work that went into it is so evident. Immediately subbed!

[@THX0001]

As always this bloody good underrated KZbinr/ editor comes up with a very interesting video! As always top notch work, Dodford!!!

[@animeaugie]

Criminally underrated! Fantastic video I seriously strive for this type of quality later down the line! Well done!

[@nulla4711]

It's unbelievable the things he's done in his life. I'm still anticipating on what he will be releasing in the future. The video is beautifully done.

[@lisavanggg]

I keep coming back to watch this video. Again & again. It is brilliant & insanely well edited. Thank-you!

[@cptkman]

Atlanta turned into my favorite thing he’s ever made and it’s crazy because he’s done so much. Can’t wait to see what the future holds

[@LiamStevens]

That was exceptional! I am fascinated by Donalds story, but I think I may be more amazed by the level at which you executed the story! Great work haha

[@john-touma]

One of the best videos I've seen on the internet.

[@izzy_haines]

Wow the editing on this is incredible! Literally better than some of the Netflix documentaries I’ve seen!

[@TejasHullur]

UNREAL video. The ending gave me chills

[@OKEdits]

As a video editor myself, I must say your editing is amazing. Keep it up!

[@mistermemedroid661]

this is one of the best videos i've seen in a long time! the editing, script, voice, everything is excellent!

[@arianeflytrap4141]

A genius who definitely puts in all the work.🖤 I first learned about him because of the song TIA before I watched Community and seeing a younger version of him. He has a very special place in my heart. He deserves all the love and recognition. He had the power of a messiah.

[@DSARM]

What a video. Wow!!! As the self-proclaimed #1 fan of DG, this truly spoke to me. You absolutely crushed it. Well done!!!

[@thelevilopez]

another amazing video! appreciate the effort and pure hours of hard work you spend on creating this work, keep it up!

[@DUBUND3AD]

Out of aboug 600ish channel subs, you are one if 3 channels that I havd bell notifications for. Love your stuff man, keep it up

[@MrElfGamer1]

this video is seriously class my guy, edited impeccably. well done! and what an interesting man that deserves this level of detail.

[@OfficialTheoryY]

The editing, scripting, intro, outro, idea, everything is just absolutely amazing. Well done, man. You inspire me to try and create documentaries as good as this. Youve taught me something new about an outro: make it actually enticing bc ppl remember the beginning and end more than anything

[@mjchicken]

This is a great video not only were you able to cover so many different parts of his life, you did it very cohesively in such a short amount of time. Great video

[@tiffanyyau7771]

damn the editing and crafting of the telling of this story is phenomenal!!! this is such an inspiration💕💕

[@serchmaabaatarchuluun5761]

I came here with no expectations but you blew my mind. I feel like i just watched a Netflix documentary cause what you made is soooo good. You just gained a subscriber.

[@getjaxon]

Love this recap of his career as a long time Donald Glover fan. Your edit is top notch. Keep it up!

[@Tyoxy]

You did such a great job with this video man. I'm always looking forward to your content!

[@alexcornwell2586]

Good to see someone talking about Derrick commedy, one of my favourite youtube channels back in the day.

[@MalkiaPenelopeN]

This is unbelievable, I’d heard of childish gambino, never quite listened to his music, then I watched community didn’t really think much of it but this is amazing. This is so inspirational and i feel really proud of Daniel. So much respect for him

[@notdvb]

Had never heard of the guy but man this was incredibly interesting & well-made! You're an inspiration & a future YT 🐐

[@kile1058]

The best all around performer of our generation by far. Everything he touches is golden, excited to see what paths he forges for himself in the future

[@bella-mj3xq]

ok amazing video, i love donald glover but fr your editing made me emotional and love him even more.

[@cinematicsam206]

Your content is top quality! I’ve literally just binged almost everything on your channel