Daniel Ezra (born December 15, 1991) is a British actor best known for his breakout role as Spencer James in The CW and Netflix series All American (2018–present), a performance that marks his American television debut and has earned him widespread recognition.
Born in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican grandparents, Ezra initially had no plans to pursue acting. It wasn’t until he was 16 that a schoolteacher encouraged him to join a school play, sparking his interest in performance. He trained at East 15 Acting School and began his career in British television with roles in Murdered by My Boyfriend (2014), Undercover, and The Missing. On stage, he earned an Ian Charleson Award nomination for his portrayal of Sebastian in Twelfth Night.
Ezra’s preparation for All American was intense and immersive. Without an accent coach, he perfected his American accent by studying South Central L.A. culture, listening to interviews and music by rapper Nipsey Hussle, and carrying a football everywhere to adopt the mannerisms of a high school athlete. He also worked closely with Spencer Paysinger—the real-life inspiration for his character—who gave him and co-star Taye Diggs a personal tour of Crenshaw to help them better understand the setting.
Ezra’s transformation from a British newcomer to a convincing Los Angeles football star has made him a standout in American television.
