Dev Patel

Early Life & Education

Dev Patel was born on April 23, 1990, in Harrow, London, to Gujarati-Indian parents Anita (a caregiver) and Raj (an IT consultant) who immigrated from Kenya. Growing up in a Hindu household, Dev excelled in martial arts, earning a black belt in taekwondo and winning medals in competition. He attended Longfield Primary School and Whitmore High School, where his talent for drama first emerged, winning a best actor award at age 11 for a performance in Twelfth Night.

Career

Breakthrough & Rise

Patel’s professional acting debut was as Anwar Kharral in Channel 4’s cult TV drama Skins (2007–2008). His life changed when he was cast as Jamal Malik in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which grossed over $375 million and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Patel’s performance was lauded, earning him BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice, and other nominations.

Continued Success in Film & TV

He has since starred in critically acclaimed films and television series:

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and its sequel, as Sonny Kapoor
• The Newsroom (2012–2014) (HBO series)
• Chappie (2015)
• The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015) as mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan
• Lion (2016): His portrayal of Saroo Brierley won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor and earned an Oscar nomination
• Hotel Mumbai (2018), The Wedding Guest (2018)
• The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019): Golden Globe nominee
• Modern Love (2019–2021, Amazon Prime), earning an Emmy nomination

Directorial Debut & Recent Work

• The Green Knight (2021): Title role as Sir Gawain, praised for its performance and visuals
• Monkey Man (2024): Directorial debut, action thriller inspired by Hanuman mythology; Patel starred, wrote, directed, and produced. Premiered to standing ovations at SXSW and noted for social commentary and action innovation.

Filmography (Highlights)

Net Worth & Endorsements

As of 2025, Dev Patel’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, earned through film, television, directing, and producing. His international profile and industry influence were further boosted by his appearance in Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024.

Awards & Recognition

• BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor (Lion, 2017)
• Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Lion)
• Golden Globe and Emmy nominations (including for Modern Love and David Copperfield)
• Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice, and AACTA Awards
• Time 100 Most Influential People (2024)
• 27 wins & 73 nominations as of 2025

Personal Life & Philanthropy

Dev Patel has been in a relationship with Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey since 2017; the couple met on Hotel Mumbai and relocated to Adelaide, Australia, in 2022. Patel is private about his personal life but is known for philanthropy and social activism, supporting education and diversity in the arts.

Trivia

• Black belt in taekwondo and an accomplished martial artist
• Broke up a street fight in 2022 in Adelaide, Australia
• Admitted he can’t dance despite many Bollywood projects
• Often collaborates with diverse international filmmakers

Upcoming Projects

• Stars in Rabbit Trap (2025)
• New directorial and acting projects in development across genres, building on the success of Monkey Man