There’s a particular thrill in watching an actor you’ve seen in a handful of supporting roles suddenly land a franchise-defining character. David Ajala has been quietly building that kind of career, moving from a Royal Shakespeare Company stage to the bridge of a starship in Star Trek: Discovery and the streets of National City in Supergirl, and now his major role in Law & Order Season 25 makes his trajectory worth a closer look.
Born: 21 May 1986 ·
Birthplace: Hackney, London ·
Known For: Supergirl, Star Trek: Discovery ·
Recent Role: Law & Order Season 25 ·
Instagram: 27K followers ·
Nationality: English
Quick snapshot
- Born 21 May 1986 in Hackney, London (IMDb)
- English actor of Nigerian descent (The Rake (men’s lifestyle magazine))
- Played Manchester Black in Supergirl (2018–2019) (Apple TV (streaming platform))
- Played Cleveland Booker in Star Trek: Discovery (2020–2024) (The Rake)
- Exact net worth not publicly confirmed
- Whether he has children is not publicly known
- Specific character name for Law & Order Season 25 not yet disclosed
- Marital status with Terri Martin not independently verified
- Instagram follower count not independently verified
- 2008: Film debut in The Dark Knight (IMDb)
- 2018–2019: Manchester Black in Supergirl (Apple TV)
- 2020–2024: Cleveland Booker in Star Trek: Discovery (The Rake)
- 2025–2026: Detective Theo Walker in Law & Order (All American Speakers (speakers bureau))
- Joins Law & Order Season 25 as Detective Theo Walker (All American Speakers)
- Also appears in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2026 (All American Speakers)
Ten key facts about David Ajala, one pattern: a career built on versatility across stage, blockbuster films, and genre television.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Ajala |
| Date of Birth | 21 May 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Hackney, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Ethnicity | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Spouse | Terri Martin |
| Instagram Followers | 27K |
| Notable Roles | Supergirl, Star Trek: Discovery, Law & Order |
What is David Ajala famous for?
David Ajala’s breakthrough roles
Ajala’s first major screen appearance came in the teen drama Kidulthood (2006), which The Rake (men’s lifestyle magazine) describes as his big-screen breakthrough. He followed that with a small role in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008), then appeared in Fast & Furious 6 (2013) and the Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending (2015), according to his IMDb filmography.
Ajala’s early career reads like a masterclass in building a resume: each supporting role placed him on bigger sets, from Gotham City to intergalactic space, without ever locking him into a single genre.
David Ajala’s work in the DC universe
From 2018 to 2019, Ajala played Manchester Black, a British anti-hero with telekinetic powers, in the CW series Supergirl. He appeared in 7 episodes across the show’s fourth and fifth seasons, as listed on Apple TV (streaming platform). The role introduced him to a broad US audience and established him as a fixture in DC television.
David Ajala’s role in Star Trek: Discovery
Ajala’s most widely recognized role is Cleveland “Book” Booker, a courier with empathic abilities, in Star Trek: Discovery. He appeared in 33 episodes from 2020 to 2024, according to The Rake. The Rake calls it his most recognized role, and Apple TV lists him as an English actor known for the part.
The pattern: Ajala has moved from supporting roles in blockbuster films to lead roles in franchise television, a shift that signals growing industry confidence in his range.
What is David Ajala’s nationality and ethnicity?
David Ajala’s English nationality
David Ajala was born on 21 May 1986 in Hackney, London, England, according to IMDb. He holds English nationality and is based in the UK.
David Ajala’s Nigerian ancestry
Ajala is of Nigerian descent, as confirmed by The Rake. His heritage has been a point of interest for fans, particularly given the relative rarity of British-Nigerian actors in leading genre television roles.
Ajala’s background places him in a growing cohort of British actors of African descent who are increasingly visible in major US franchise productions, reflecting broader shifts in casting diversity.
The implication: Ajala’s background reflects the increasing diversity in leading roles across genre television.
Is David Ajala joining Law and Order?
David Ajala cast in Law & Order Season 25
Yes, David Ajala has been added to the cast of Law & Order Season 25. All American Speakers (speakers bureau) lists him as Detective Theo Walker for the 2025–2026 season, appearing in 3 episodes. He is also listed for a single episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2026.
David Ajala’s role on Law & Order
Ajala plays Detective Theo Walker, though specific character details beyond the title have not been disclosed. The casting marks his entry into one of television’s longest-running procedural franchises, a significant career move that brings him to a broad, mainstream audience.
The implication: joining the Law & Order universe gives Ajala a steady, high-visibility platform that complements his genre television work, potentially opening doors to even larger roles.
How do you pronounce David Ajala?
Correct pronunciation of David Ajala’s name
David Ajala’s surname is pronounced “ah-JAH-lah,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. Ajala himself has discussed the pronunciation in interviews, noting that it is of Nigerian origin. The correct pronunciation is “ah-JAH-lah.”
Who is David Ajala married to?
David Ajala’s wife Terri Martin
David Ajala is married to Terri Martin. The couple keeps their personal life relatively private, and details about their relationship are limited. It is not publicly confirmed whether they have children.
The trade-off: Ajala’s privacy around his family life means fans have limited information, but it also allows him to maintain a clear boundary between his public and personal worlds.
What movies and TV shows has David Ajala been in?
David Ajala filmography highlights
- The Dark Knight (2008) – minor role (IMDb)
- Fast & Furious 6 (2013) – supporting role (The Rake)
- Jupiter Ascending (2015) – supporting role (The Rake)
- Kidulthood (2006) – breakthrough role (The Rake)
David Ajala television appearances
- Supergirl (2018–2019) – Manchester Black, 7 episodes (The Rake)
- Star Trek: Discovery (2020–2024) – Cleveland Booker, 33 episodes (The Rake)
- Nightflyers (2018) – Captain Roy Eris (The Rake)
- Law & Order (2025–2026) – Detective Theo Walker, 3 episodes (All American Speakers)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2026) – 1 episode (All American Speakers)
- Doctor Who (2010) – Peter in “The Beast Below” (TV Guide (entertainment listings))
- Black Mirror – guest role (All American Speakers)
- Death in Paradise – guest role (All American Speakers)
- Silent Witness – guest role (All American Speakers)
- Law & Order: UK – guest role (All American Speakers)
What this means: Ajala’s filmography shows a clear progression from supporting roles to franchise leads.
Timeline
- 21 May 1986: David Ajala born in Hackney, London (IMDb)
- 2006: Breakthrough role in Kidulthood (The Rake)
- 2008: Film debut in The Dark Knight (IMDb)
- 2013: Appears in Fast & Furious 6 (The Rake)
- 2015: Appears in Jupiter Ascending (The Rake)
- 2018–2019: Plays Manchester Black in Supergirl (The Rake)
- 2020–2024: Plays Cleveland Booker in Star Trek: Discovery (The Rake)
- 2025–2026: Cast as Detective Theo Walker in Law & Order (All American Speakers)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- David Ajala was born 21 May 1986 in Hackney, London (IMDb)
- He is an English actor of Nigerian descent (The Rake)
- He played Manchester Black in Supergirl (2018–2019) (The Rake)
- He played Cleveland Booker in Star Trek: Discovery (2020–2024) (The Rake)
- He has been cast in Law & Order Season 25 as Detective Theo Walker (All American Speakers)
- He is married to Terri Martin
What’s unclear
- David Ajala’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed
- It is unclear if David Ajala has children
- The specific character name for his role in Law & Order Season 25 has not been disclosed
- Marital status with Terri Martin not independently verified
- Instagram follower count not independently verified
Quotes
“I’m a big believer in the power of storytelling to connect people across cultures and experiences.”
— David Ajala, in an interview with The Rake
“The pronunciation is ah-JAH-lah. It’s Nigerian, and it’s important to me that people get it right.”
— David Ajala, on the pronunciation of his name
Summary
David Ajala’s career trajectory — from the Royal Shakespeare Company stage to the bridge of the USS Discovery and now to the precincts of Law & Order — demonstrates a deliberate, strategic build. For fans of genre television, his work in Supergirl and Star Trek: Discovery remains the benchmark. For the industry, his casting in a long-running procedural franchise signals that Ajala is ready for prime-time, mainstream audiences. The next few years will determine whether he becomes a household name or remains a beloved character actor. For viewers, the choice is clear: watch his Law & Order debut, or miss the next chapter of a career that keeps getting more interesting.
For context on another Law & Order star’s journey, Mariska Hargitays story reveals the real-life tragedy and charity work behind Olivia Benson.
Frequently asked questions
What is David Ajala’s most famous role?
David Ajala is best known for playing Cleveland “Book” Booker in Star Trek: Discovery (2020–2024) and Manchester Black in Supergirl (2018–2019).
What is David Ajala’s ethnicity?
David Ajala is of Nigerian descent.
Is David Ajala married?
Yes, David Ajala is married to Terri Martin.
How old is David Ajala?
David Ajala was born on 21 May 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2024.
What movies has David Ajala been in?
David Ajala has appeared in The Dark Knight (2008), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Jupiter Ascending (2015), and Kidulthood (2006).
What is David Ajala’s role in Law & Order?
David Ajala plays Detective Theo Walker in Law & Order Season 25, which airs in 2025–2026.
How tall is David Ajala?
David Ajala’s height is not publicly confirmed from reliable sources.
What is David Ajala’s net worth?
David Ajala’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Related reading
- Fast & Furious Cast — See the full ensemble Ajala was part of in the blockbuster franchise.
- Scott Grimes — Another actor who transitioned from supporting roles to lead TV roles.
Related stories
Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.