Forest Whitaker An American actor and director who became known in the film world for the role of a saxophonist Charlie Parker in the birdof Clint Eastwood In 1988, for which he was already a candidate for the Golden Globe, however, this would be his only credential as other brilliant film roles followed. Ready-to-Wear, Ghost Dog, Way of the Samurai, The Butler Or for the complimentary portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Ami The last king of Scotland 2006, for which Whittaker won an Oscar, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
Childhood and Adolescence of Forest Whitaker
Forrest Steven Whittaker III, as that is his full name, was born on July 15, 1961 in Longview, Texas, but later moved with his family to Southern California when he was only four years old. his father, Forest Whittaker, JrHe was the son of an insurance salesman and a novelist Forest Whitaker, Sr his mother, Laura FrancisShe was a special education teacher, financed her university studies and completed two master’s degrees while raising her children. Whittaker has two younger brothers, Ken and Damon, and an older sister, Deborah.
A great sports fan, especially football, he won a scholarship to play California Polytechnic State University. However, after suffering an injury, he moved on University of Southern California And he gave up his sports career to study opera and theater.
From football stars to the big screen
Whittaker made his debut in teen comedy films Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1982, where they made their way Nicolas Cage And Sean Penn. He then starred in some legendary films of the 80s, including platoon (1986), Good morning Vietnam (1987) and color of money (1986). In 1988, as we initially expected, his role as musician Charlie Parker in the Clint Eastwood biopic, the birdIt earned him a Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination.
The Texan continued to work tirelessly in the 90s and early 2000s and even filmed the hit film with Jodie Foster. house of terror And he even dared to direct some productions, among which the film deserves special mention Waiting for the break acting Whitney Houston And Angela Bassett And A different kind of girlA romantic comedy starring Katie Holmes.
‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘The Butler’
After work with Oscar under his arm The last king of Scotland (2006) which made him the fourth black person to win the Academy Award for Best Actor at the time, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington And Jamie FoxxAranya once again won accolades for his role Butler Where he got under the skin Eugene Allenwho served in the White House under eight consecutive American presidents.
Returning to where it all began, Whittaker took on a recurring role in the series empire which later follows drug dealer Bumpy Johnson The Godfather of Harlem.
He is married to late actress Keisha Nash
Forest Whitaker has only been married once. Actor meets actress Keisha Nash Film shooting Blown away in 1994 and after two years of dating they said ‘I do’ in 1996 in Jamaica. Together they became the parents of two daughters: Sonnet Noel and the truth Whittaker had previously given birth to a son the oceanBorn from a previous relationship, like the actress who already had a daughter.
However, by the end of 2028, its hero Butler They filed for divorce in a Los Angeles court, citing irreconcilable differences, ending their 22-year marriage. In December 2023, Keisha died of “alcoholic liver disease”.
What happened to Forest Whitaker’s eyes?
The actor is suffering from it Eyelid ptosis (blepharoptosis) in the left eye or as partial drooping of your eyelid. Whittaker says it’s hereditary and he hasn’t considered surgery as an option at the moment.
