Dev Patel is a British actor and filmmaker renowned for his compelling performances and dedication to diverse storytelling. Born on April 23, 1990, in Harrow, London, to Gujarati Indian parents from Nairobi, Kenya, Patel was raised in the Hindu faith. His early interest in acting was nurtured through school plays, leading to his breakout role as Anwar Kharral in the teen drama series Skins (2007). He gained international acclaim with his portrayal of Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire (2008), earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor.
Patel’s career continued to flourish with notable roles in films such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), Chappie (2015), and Lion (2016), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win for Best Supporting Actor. In 2024, he made his directorial debut with Monkey Man, an action thriller inspired by Indian mythology, showcasing his versatility and dedication to bringing underrepresented stories to the forefront.
Personal Life
Attribute |
Details |
Full Name |
Dev Patel |
Nickname |
Dev |
Profession |
Actor, Filmmaker |
Birthplace |
Harrow, London, England |
Nationality |
British |
Age |
34 (as of 2025) |
Date of Birth |
April 23, 1990 |
Hometown |
Harrow, London |
Religion |
Hinduism |
Zodiac Sign |
Taurus |
Current Career Status |
Active |
Physical Appearance
Attribute |
Details |
Height |
187 cm (6’1″) |
Weight |
68 kg (149 lbs) |
Hair Color |
Black |
Eye Color |
Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
Relation |
Name |
Father |
Raj Patel |
Mother |
Anita Patel |
Siblings |
Not publicly disclosed |
Marital Status, Affairs, and Relationships
Attribute |
Details |
Marital Status |
Unmarried |
Partner |
Tilda Cobham-Hervey (2017–present) |
Children |
None |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
Attribute |
Details |
School |
Whitmore High School, Harrow |
Educational Qualification |
A Levels in PE, Biology, History, and Drama |
Controversies
In August 2022, Dev Patel intervened in a knife fight in Adelaide, Australia, attempting to de-escalate the situation.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
Category |
Favorite |
Favorite Food |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Movie |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Actor |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Actress |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Color |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Designer |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Destination |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Cafe |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Daily Wear Brand |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Book |
Not publicly disclosed |
Favorite Athlete |
Not publicly disclosed |
Money/Net Worth
Attribute |
Details |
Salary |
Not publicly disclosed |
Net Worth |
Estimated at $10 million |
Contact Information
Attribute |
Details |
Official Website |
Not publicly available |
E-Mail Address |
Not publicly available |
Phone Number |
Not publicly available |
House Address |
Not publicly available |
Social Media
Platform |
Handle |
Wikipedia |
Dev Patel |
Twitter |
Not publicly available |
Facebook |
Not publicly available |
Instagram |
Not publicly available |
Personal Quote
“I’m just this guy from Rayners Lane—how the hell did this happen?”
Early Life and Career
Dev Patel’s passion for acting was evident from a young age, with his first role as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in a school production of Twelfth Night. His performance in a self-written piece about the Beslan school siege earned him top marks in GCSE Drama. Patel’s mother played a pivotal role in his career by taking him to an audition for Skins, leading to his casting as Anwar Kharral. His portrayal of Jamal Malik in Slumdog Millionaire catapulted him to international fame, opening doors to diverse roles in both film and television.
Current Life/Events
In 2024, Patel released his directorial debut, Monkey Man, an action thriller inspired by Indian mythology. The film, which he also co-wrote and starred in, faced numerous challenges during production but was ultimately released with the support of Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal. The movie portrays Patel as an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt leaders, blending intense action with cultural themes.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Dev Patel
- Dev Patel had no formal acting training before landing his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire.
- His mother, Anita Patel, was the one who took him to the audition for Skins, which launched his career.
- Patel performed Taekwondo competitively and holds a black belt; he even competed internationally.
- He was born in Harrow, London, to Indian parents who were both born in Nairobi, Kenya.
- He is a devout Hindu and often speaks about how his heritage influences his work and values.
- Patel turned down stereotypical roles early in his career, determined to avoid being typecast.
- He is known for choosing projects that focus on underrepresented voices and cultures.
- His performance in Lion earned him nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA—he won the latter.
- Dev’s directorial debut Monkey Man was inspired by Hanuman, a Hindu deity, and the socio-political environment of modern India.
- He trained extensively in martial arts and physical conditioning for Monkey Man, doing many of his own stunts.
- He is extremely private and has minimal social media presence, preferring to keep his personal life away from the spotlight.
- Patel is known for his humility and often credits his family and upbringing for keeping him grounded despite his fame.