Forest Whitaker
Born:July 15, 1961
Place of Birth:Longview, Texas, USA
Known For:Acting
Biography
Forest Whitaker, born on July 15, 1961, is a versatile American actor, producer, director, and activist. His career is adorned with prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, showcasing his immense talent and dedication to the craft.
Whitaker's cinematic journey began with his memorable debut in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" in 1982. Since then, he has captivated audiences with his profound character portrayals in films like "Platoon," "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Bird," "The Crying Game," "Phenomenon," "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai," "The Great Debaters," "The Butler," "Arrival," and "Respect." His ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters has set him apart in the industry.
Not limited to intense character roles, Whitaker has also showcased his talent in blockbuster hits such as "Panic Room," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" as Saw Gerrera, and "Black Panther" as Zuri, proving his versatility across genres and styles.
One of Whitaker's most acclaimed performances was his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland," which earned him the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor. This role solidified his status as a powerhouse performer in the industry.
In addition to his contributions to film, Whitaker is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors and activism. His appointment as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2011, followed by his role as Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, highlights his commitment to global peace and development. As the CEO of the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-profit organization, he continues to make a positive impact on society.
Whitaker's directorial talents have also shone through in projects like the television film "Strapped" and feature films like "Waiting to Exhale," "Hope Floats," and "First Daughter." His creative vision behind the camera complements his acting prowess, showcasing his multifaceted abilities in the entertainment industry.
With a career spanning decades, Forest Whitaker has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, not just through his exceptional performances on screen but also through his dedication to social causes and his impactful work behind the scenes. His legacy as a respected artist and humanitarian continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Images
Filmography
Acting
Black Panther
Zuri
2018
King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.
Taken 3
Inspector Frank Dotzler
2014
Ex-government operative Bryan Mills finds his life is shattered when he's falsely accused of a murder that hits close to home. As he's pursued by a savvy police inspector, Mills employs his particular set of skills to track the real killer and exact his unique brand of justice.
Species
Dan Smithson, Empath
1995
In 1993, the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence Project receives a transmission detailing an alien DNA structure, along with instructions on how to splice it with human DNA. The result is Sil, a sensual but deadly creature who can change from a beautiful woman to an armour-plated killing machine in the blink of an eye.
Southpaw
Titus 'Tick' Wills
2015
Billy "The Great" Hope, the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis, a former fighter who trains the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most.
Panic Room
Burnham
2002
Trapped in their New York brownstone's panic room, a hidden chamber built as a sanctuary in the event of break-ins, newly divorced Meg Altman and her young daughter Sarah play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with three intruders - Burnham, Raoul and Junior - during a brutal home invasion. But the room itself is the focal point because what the intruders really want is inside it.
Big George Foreman
Doc Broadus
2023
Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.
The Last Stand
Agent John Bannister
2013
Ray Owens is sheriff of the quiet US border town of Sommerton Junction after leaving the LAPD following a bungled operation. Following his escape from the FBI, a notorious drug baron, his gang, and a hostage are heading toward Sommerton Junction where the police are preparing to make a last stand to intercept them before they cross the border. Owens is reluctant to become involved but ultimately joins in with the law enforcement efforts
The Last King of Scotland
Idi Amin
2006
Young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan decides it's time for an adventure after he finishes his formal education, so he decides to try his luck in Uganda, and arrives during the downfall of President Obote. General Idi Amin comes to power and asks Garrigan to become his personal doctor.
Street Kings
Captain Jack Wander
2008
Tom Ludlow is a disillusioned L.A. Police Officer, rarely playing by the rules and haunted by the death of his wife. When evidence implicates him in the execution of a fellow officer, he is forced to go up against the cop culture he's been a part of his entire career, ultimately leading him to question the loyalties of everyone around him.
Repo Men
Jake
2010
In the future, medical technology has advanced to the point where people can buy artificial organs to extend their lives. But if they default on payments, an organization known as the Union sends agents to repossess the organs. Remy is one of the best agents in the business, but when he becomes the recipient of an artificial heart, he finds himself in the same dire straits as his many victims.
Dope
The Narrator (voice)
2015
Malcolm is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
Vantage Point
Howard Lewis
2008
During an historic counter-terrorism summit in Spain, the President of the United States is struck down by an assassin's bullet. Eight strangers have a perfect view of the kill, but what did they really see? As the minutes leading up to the fatal shot are replayed through the eyes of each eyewitness, the reality of the assassination takes shape.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Charles Jefferson
1982
Based on the real-life adventures chronicled by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times follows a group of high school students growing up in Southern California. Stacy Hamilton and Mark Ratner are looking for a love interest, and are helped along by their older classmates, Linda Barrett and Mike Damone, respectively. At the center of the film is Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer who faces-off with the resolute Mr. Hand—a man convinced that everyone is on dope.
The Color of Money
Amos
1986
Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.
The Crying Game
Jody
1992
Irish Republican Army member Fergus forms an unexpected bond with Jody, a kidnapped British soldier in his custody, despite the warnings of fellow IRA members Jude and Maguire. Jody makes Fergus promise he'll visit his girlfriend, Dil, in London, and when Fergus flees to the city, he seeks her out. Hounded by his former IRA colleagues, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic, and surprising, Dil.
Battlefield Earth
Ker
2000
In the year 3000, man is no match for the Psychlos, a greedy, manipulative race of aliens on a quest for ultimate profit. Led by the powerful Terl, the Psychlos are stripping Earth clean of its natural resources, using the broken remnants of humanity as slaves. What is left of the human race has descended into a near primitive state. After being captured, it is up to Tyler to save mankind.
Mr. Holland's Opus
Bobby Tidd as an adult (uncredited)
1995
In 1965, passionate musician Glenn Holland takes a day job as a high school music teacher, convinced it's just a small obstacle on the road to his true calling: writing a historic opus. As the decades roll by with the composition unwritten but generations of students inspired through his teaching, Holland must redefine his life's purpose.
Vision Quest
Balldozer
1985
After deciding he needs to do something meaningful with his life, high school wrestler Louden Swain sets out on a mission to drop weight and challenge the area's undefeated champion, which creates problems with his teammates and health. Matters are complicated further when Louden's father takes in an attractive female drifter who's on her way to San Francisco.
Smoke
Cyrus Cole
1995
Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
Body Snatchers
Major Collins
1993
When Environmental Protection Agency inspector Steve Malone travels to a remote military base in order to check for toxic materials, he brings his family along for the ride. After arriving at the base, his teenage daughter Marti befriends Jean Platt, daughter of the base's commander, General Platt. When people at the base begin acting strangely, Marti becomes convinced that they are slowly being replaced by plant-like aliens.
Jiminy Glick in Lalawood
Forest Whitaker
2005
Hungry for an A-list interview that could launch him into the gossip-page stratosphere, Jiminy Glick, a small-time journalist with big aspirations and an even bigger appetite, drags his wife and kids across the country to the star-studded Toronto Film Festival. But in between the nonstop parties and all-you-can-eat buffets, Glick soon finds himself in the middle of an outrageously scandalous mystery that becomes the celebrity scoop of the decade!
Production
Hope Floats
Executive Music Producer
1998
Birdee Pruitt has been humiliated on live television by her best friend, Connie, who's been sleeping with Birdee's husband, Bill. Birdee tries starting over with her daughter, Bernice, by returning to her small Texas hometown, but she's faced with petty old acquaintances who are thrilled to see Birdee unhappy -- except for her friend Justin. As he helps Birdee get back on her feet, love begins to blossom.
Dope
Producer
2015
Malcolm is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.
