According to Eric Monte (writer of "Cooley High"), Dorian was cast as Cochise on ABC's TV version of "Cooley High." After a total retool of the series, it became "What's Happening" and Dorian was out.
Has two brothers and three sisters.
In 1974 he appeared opposite Bette Davis in a stage musical version of "The Corn is Green," with the locale switched to the American South from Wales in the original. Although bound for Broadway the show closed in Philadelphia when Davis had to drop out, reportedly due to back problems. Harewood has credited Davis with encouraging him to pursue a career in acting.