With a gentle manner that contradicts his imposing physique, Forest Whitaker has a special ability to elicit audience empathy and to play a variety of roles. Born in Longview, Texas, on July 15, 1961, high school football star Whitaker studied to become a classical tenor before shifting his focus to acting.He made his screen debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), then received critical recognition for his role in Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money (1986). In 1988, Whitaker played his first leading role in Clint Eastwood's Bird, earning him the Cannes Best Actor Award and a Golden Globe nod.
Other notable films include Good Morning, Vietnam, The Crying Game, Jason's Lyric and Panic Room. In 1995, Whitaker made his feature directing debut with Waiting to Exhale. His turn in The Last King of Scotland (2006) garnered him high praise with his first Oscar win, along with Golden Globe and BAFTA wins.
The Last King of ScotlandDuring an African medical mission in the 1970s, Scottish doctor Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) impresses brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker, in an Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning role) by acting swiftly in a crisis and becomes the dictator's personal physician. Garrigan enjoys the... Read More
Our Family WeddingForest Whitaker and funnyman Carlos Mencia butt heads as two domineering dads forced to set aside their culture-clash differences and team up to plan their children's wedding, with only two weeks until the big day arrives. America Ferrera plays the pregnant bride-to-be opposite Lance Gross as her... Read More
Ghost Dog: The Way of the SamuraiInner-city dweller Ghost Dog rises above the chaos that surrounds him by adopting the strict lifestyle of the samurai warrior in director Jim Jarmusch's crime drama, nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. He's sworn lifelong service to Louie (John Tormey), the small-time mobster who once saved... Read More
The MarshPlagued by disturbing visions, children's author Claire Holloway (Gabrielle Anwar) obeys her doctor's orders and takes a sabbatical, checking into the Rose Marsh Farmhouse. But instead of peace, she finds her worst nightmares come to life. Forest Whitaker co-stars as a paranormal consultant who... Read More
BirdClint Eastwood labored for years to raise the money needed to bring this biography of Charlie Parker to the big screen. Nicknamed "Yardbird," Parker was a virtuoso saxophonist whose innovations revolutionized jazz. Despite his musical genius, Parker was hopelessly addicted to drugs. At the film's... Read More
