7 Roles That Turned Dev Patel Into a Hollywood A-Lister
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Until 2016, London-born Dev Patel was still probably best known for his role in Slumdog Millionaire, the little film that could from Danny Boyle. Thanks to Lion, Patel is back in the award season spotlight. Not only was he nominated for a Golden Globe, but he has also racked up an Oscar nomination for playing Saroo, a man searching for the family he was separated from in his childhood. At 26 years old, his résumé is already staggering. Here are the seven roles that paved his way to Hollywood's elite!
Skins
From 2007 to 2008, Patel starred alongside fellow future stars like Nicholas Hoult on the first and second seasons of the UK's hit series Skins. It's hard to believe that Anwar Kharral was his first onscreen role!
Slumdog Millionaire
Breaks don't come any bigger than this. Patel was cast in Danny Boyle's 2008 drama Slumdog Millionaire, which won eight Oscars. He was nominated for a SAG Award and won a Critics' Choice Award for playing Jamal, a teen who is accused of cheating on India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
The Last Airbender
OK, OK, The Last Airbender was a huge misstep for director M. Night Shyamalan and will possibly go down in history as the worst film adaptation ever. Having said that, scoring a role in what was supposed to be a blockbuster was a big deal for Patel.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
In 2011, Patel starred in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, alongside the likes of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Tom Wilkinson. The movie was so well-received that it led to a sequel, in which Patel's character had an even larger part.
The Newsroom
Patel took a chance on TV in 2012, starring as a reporter on HBO's The Newsroom. The drama, created by Aaron Sorkin, lasted three seasons, and Patel was a highlight.
Chappie
While Chappie wasn't as critically lauded as Neill Blomkamp's first feature, District 9, the sci-fi film was still a good chance for Patel to reach a genre audience.
Lion
This brings us to Lion, his most complex role to date. He's been nominated by all the major award shows: Critics' Choice, Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, and Oscars. We has yet to win, but there's still time!