Corey Hawkins (born October 22, 1988) is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Dr. Dre in the 2015 biopic film, Straight Outta Compton. Hawkins was born in Washington, D.C. where he attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. He graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City, a member of the Drama Division's Group 40. While studying at Juilliard, Hawkins received the prestigious John Houseman Award for excellence in classical theatre. Upon graduation, he began a caree ...