He also portrayed a rogue police captain in Street Kings, and a heroic tourist in Vantage Point. frame. He produced these projects through his production company, Spirit Dance Entertainment, which he shut down in 2005 to concentrate on his acting career. ... WKUK Forest Whitaker YouTube; WKUK Astronaut Mess - Duration: 3:44. To prepare himself for the part, he sequestered himself in a loft with only a bed, couch, and saxophone,[1] having also conducted extensive research and taken alto sax lessons. ", "Out of the Woods: How Forest Whitaker escaped his career slump. ", "Forest Whitaker | Hollywood Walk of Fame", "CSU Dominguez Hills to bestow honorary doctorate on actor, humanitarian Forest Whitaker", "USC announces five honorary degree recipients for 2018 commencement", "WPDI Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative", "Forest Whitaker seeks the humanity in each one of us", "Actor Forest Whitaker campaigns for Barack Obama at Grand Rapids Community College", "Forest Whitaker Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation, "UNESCO and International Institute for Peace co-founded by Forest Whitaker sign an agreement", "Forest Whitaker files for divorce from Keisha Nash-Whitaker", "'Last King' demanded obedience to their craft. Forest Whitaker is a famous American actor, producer, and director well known for winning awards in movies. His voice and likeness was used for Saw Gerrera in the 2019 video game Fallen Order. They officially tied the knot a few years later on May 4, 1996, and have two daughters; Sonnet and True. In the fall of 2006, Whitaker started a multi-episode story arc on ER as Curtis Ames, a man who comes into the ER with a cough, but quickly faces the long-term consequences of a paralyzing stroke; he sues, then takes out his anger on Dr. Luka Kovač, who he blames for the strokes. On the series, Diff'rent Strokes, he played a bully in the 1985 episode "Bully for Arnold". Forest Whitaker is on Facebook. Now, at the core of it, I'm just trying to connect and be there, so I'm trying to be there for my family, my wife, my kids, my friends. Forest Whitaker’s siblings are also actors. [57] He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from University of Southern California on May 11, 2018 at the 135th Commencement Ceremony.[58]. [28] In 2008, Whitaker appeared in three films, first as a business man known only as Happiness, who likes butterflies, in the film The Air I Breathe. The acting bug is present in all members of the Whitaker family as both of them have appeared in some films. … "[42] Whitaker also directed co-star Whitney Houston's music video of the movie's theme song, "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)". Twenty-two years and two kids later, and Forest Whitaker is calling it quits. frame. "[16], Whitaker next appeared in what has been called one of the worst films ever made,[17] the 2000 production of Battlefield Earth, based on the novel of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard. Whitaker was inducted as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation, in a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters on June 21, 2011. Fullscreen . The actor is famous for comprehensive character analysis, particularly for real life characters, where he has to internalize his picture character and subsequently, spews an ideal replication on screen. After completing several films in the early 1980s, Whitaker gained additional roles in multiple television shows. Whitaker won an Academy Award for playing Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland. His family moved to South Central Los Angeles in 1965. Forest Steven Whitaker was born on July 15, 1961, in Longview, Texas,[4] the son of Laura Francis (née Smith), a special education teacher who put herself through college and earned two master's degrees while raising her children, and Forest E. Whitaker Jr., an insurance salesman. [6] In 1986, he appeared in Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money and Oliver Stone's Platoon. [26] For that same role, he was also recognized with the British Academy Film Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and accolades from the Broadcast Film Critics Association, London Film Critics’ Circle Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, National Society of Film Critics, and New York Film Critics Circle among others.[27]. Forest Whitaker is a 59 year old American Actor. [68], His ancestry has been traced to Nkwerre in Imo State of Nigeria, where he was made an honorary titled chief on April 5, 2009. Actor Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for his portrayal of dictator Idi Amin in 'The Last King of Scotland.' His biography tells us that even as a child, he was an all-rounder. #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/fFiuoiNjmW, — Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) June 6, 2018. Seargeoh Stallone’s Bio: Death, Net Worth, Now, Son, Today, Mother, Brother, Who is Thomas Brodie-Sangster? [6] He graduated from USC with a BFA in acting in 1982. Forest Steven Whitaker III is part of the Baby boomers generation. He is also a supporter and public advocate for Hope North, a boarding school and vocational training center in northern Uganda for escaped child soldiers, orphans, and other young victims of the country's civil war. He toured England with the Cal Poly Chamber Singers in 1980. [2] He also trains in eskrima under Dan Inosanto. [59] He’s an American actor, director and producer, really Forest Whitaker is a all-round Hollywood pub. Before they metthey had two children from prior relationships, son, Ocean and daughter Fall. Throughout the 1990s, Whitaker mainly had roles in television films which aired on HBO, including Criminal Justice, The Enemy Within, and Witness Protection. [39], In December 2016, it was announced that Whitaker would reprise his role as Saw Gerrera from Rogue One for the Star Wars Rebels animated series. Volume 60%. After his union, Whitaker and his wife welcomed two more brothers, Sonnet Noel at 1996 and Actual in 1998. Picture origin Forest Whitaker is married to a former model, actress and producer, Keisha Nash. The couple first met on the set of the action thriller Blown Away, Keisha Nash was cast as a friend of Whitaker’s character. True to his superstar status, Whitaker spends his cash on a lifetime of luxury including a Hollywood Hills mansion and many luxurious cars. He's also known for films like 'Bird,' 'Ghost Dog' and 'The Butler.' 00:00. Gets Vulnerable, Jamie Foxx Provides Comic Relief On 'Live in the Sky' Video Set", "See Saw Gerrera From 'Rogue One' Return in Animated 'Star Wars: Rebels, "Gambling on O'Neill: Forest Whitaker Makes His Broadway Debut in, "Sundance 2013: 'Fruitvale' wins Grand Jury Prize", "Tessa Thompson, Lakeith Stanfield, Steven Yeun To Star In 'Sorry To Bother You, "Forest Whitaker to co-chair JuntoBox Films", "JuntoBox Films – An online community for filmmakers, film fans and talent", "Forest Whitaker Gets Star On Walk Of Fame. He has three siblings. IIP operates under the auspices of UNESCO. In September 2006, the 10th Annual Hollywood Film Festival presented him with its "Hollywood Actor of the Year Award," calling him "one of Hollywood's most accomplished actors. Whitaker later took a post-graduate course at Drama Studio London. [3] In a manner similar to his preparation for Bird, he again immersed himself in his character's world—he studied Eastern philosophy and meditated for long hours "to hone his inner spiritual hitman. [1] His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the fourth black actor in history to do so, joining the ranks of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Jamie Foxx. At that moment, he had been the 4th African American to win an Academy Award for BestActor. Forest Whitaker’s net worth is presently estimated at $40 million. Forest Whitaker has been in a relationship with Raye Dowell.. About. He’s also obtained some compliments for a range of his behind-the-camera roles. 00:00. Forest Whitaker on IMDb: Awards, nominations, and wins. From 2002 to 2003, Whitaker was the host and narrator of 44 new episodes of the Rod Serling classic, The Twilight Zone, which lasted one season on UPN. [2] They have four children: two daughters together (Sonnet and True), and his son (Ocean Alexander) and her daughter (Autumn) from their previous relationships. [7] When Whitaker was four, his family moved to Carson, California. Forest Steven Whitaker (born July 15, 1961) is an American actor, producer, and director. Whitaker has earned a reputation for intensive character study work for films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Bird, The Crying Game, Platoon, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, The Great Debaters, The Butler, and Arrival. Whitaker’s son, Ocean was the ringbearer in their weddingwhile Keisha’s daughter Fall was a flower girl. He is also an advocate of Sustainable Development Goals appointed by Secretary-general of the United Nations. Many consider this to have been a "definitive role" for Whitaker. Whitaker's left eye ptosis has been called "intriguing" by some critics[66] and gives him "a sleepy, contemplative look". Coming Soon. ", "Jim Jarmusch adds lyrical violence to a Zen meditation on warriors hip-hop and ancient. pic.twitter.com/f0nSZCQKlY, — Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) June 7, 2018, Inspired by the 1000 young talents I just met at #UNLEASHLab2018 – I can feel that they are ones who will play a major role in promoting the #SDGs into a grassroots movement that will shape the world leaving no one behind. [14] He was a member of the cast that won the first ever National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble for Robert Altman's film, Prêt-à-Porter, in 1994. True Whitaker, the daughter of Academy Award–winning actor Forest Whitaker, reveals her thoughts on sharing a name with the newest Kardashian baby. Ambassador to UNESCO David Killion described Whitaker as a "perfect choice as a Goodwill Ambassador... he has exemplified compassion in every area of his life, with humility and grace. News Briefs: Forest Whitaker Joins Johnny Depp in Tupac-Biggie Murder Mystery. 's music video "Live in the Sky" alongside Jamie Foxx. Relationships. At the induction ceremony, U.S. [20] Whitaker later expressed his regret for participating in the film. He has been known to study characters for movies like Bird and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and for playing Jon Kavanaugh on The Shield. WPDI implements peace-building programs in conflict affected communities in the different regions of the world, including Africa, Latin America and the United States. As Goodwill Ambassador, Whitaker works with UNESCO to support and develop initiatives that empower youths and keep them from entering or remaining in cycles of violence. The Black Panther actor filed for divorce from his wife, Keisha Nash Whitaker on Thursday. Both chose to bring their onscreen romance in reality and started dating when filming stopped. [38], Whitaker was cast in the Criminal Minds spin-off, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, that was subsequently cancelled by CBS on May 17, 2011. In December 2018, Whitaker filed for divorce from Nash, citing irreconcilable differences.[65]. ", "39 Black Celebrities in Hollywood with Nigerian origin", Forest Whitaker lighting a candle for Rwanda, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series, Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actor, Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, London Film Critics' Circle Award for Actor of the Year, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, National Board of Review Award for Best Actor, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor, Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Forest_Whitaker&oldid=1006712665, Best Drama Actor Golden Globe (film) winners, Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor winners, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona alumni, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners, Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Screen Actors Guild Award winners, New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study alumni, Articles with dead external links from May 2017, Articles with dead external links from December 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Pages using infobox person with unknown parameters, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017, Wikipedia articles with CANTIC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with multiple identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 February 2021, at 10:40.