Forest Whitaker is an accomplished American actor, director, and producer. Forest Whitaker has worked in the industry since 1981. He is a well-known actor in the industry who has worked with a lot of well-known directors and actors.
In the 2006 historical drama film ‘The Last King of Scotland,’ he won critical acclaim for his depiction of Idi Amin. He has experimented with directing and producing in addition to acting.
For his work, this actor has won various honors. Whitaker also backs the United Nations Secretary-Sustainable General’s Development Goals.
He is also a social activist who contributes to a variety of humanitarian initiatives.
Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization that he formed in 2012.
Table of Contents
Early life and Childhood
Forest Whitaker was born in Longview, Texas, on July 15, 1961.
When he was born, his father, Forest Steven Jr., worked as an insurance salesman, while his mother, Laura Francis, worked as a special education teacher.
He grew up with Deborah, his older sister, and two younger brothers, Kenn and Damon.
He, too, is 59 years old and was born under the Cancer zodiac sign.
Education Details
Cal Poly Pomona, officially known as California State Polytechnic University, is where Forest Whitaker obtained his bachelor’s degree.
While in school, he obtained a football scholarship but owing to a back ailment, he changed his major to music.
Later, he switched his major to drama. He went on to the University of Southern California to further his study.
He studied opera as a tenor and graduated in 1982.
Whitaker was then awarded a scholarship to the California wing of the Drama Studio London.
He also has a degree in The Core of Conflict: Studies in Peace and Reconciliation from New York University’s Gallatin School.
Professional Career
Whitaker made his cinematic debut in 1982 with ‘Tag: The Assassination Game.’
After that, he acted in films such as ‘Vision Quest’ (1985), ‘The Color of Money (1986), ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ (1987), and ‘Bird’ (1988).
In the 1990s, he appeared in a variety of films, including ‘Prêt-à-Porter,’ ‘Phenomenon,’ and ‘A Rage in Harlem,’ for which he also served as co-producer.’
He was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for his role as Ker in ‘Battlefield Earth in 2000.
‘Panic Room,’ ‘Phone Booth,’ and ‘American Gun,’ all released in 2002, are among his other prominent cinematic performances.
Forest had his debut in 2006 when he was cast in the biographical drama film “The Last King of Scotland” as Idi Amin.
It starred him, as well as James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, and Simon McBurney. This movie was a great hit.
Forest made his first appearance on television in the 1982 film ‘Making the Grade.’
Later, he appeared in an episode of a different show. He’s also appeared in television movies.
His most prominent television film performances were those in 1990’s ‘Criminal Justice,’ 1993’s ‘Last Light,’ and 1994’s ‘The Enemy Within.’
He also created the television movie ‘Feast of All Saints’ in 2001.
In 2002, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his television film ‘Door to Door.’
For his other TV film, ‘Deacons for Defense,’ he was nominated for various prizes and won the Black Reel Award the following year.
He also hosted and narrated the television series ‘The Twilight Zone from 2002 to 2003.
Net worth and Salary
Forest is widely recognized as one of today’s most talented performers.
By 2021, Forest Whitaker’s net worth is predicted to exceed $30 million.
More Facts of Forest Whitaker
Full Name | Forest Steven Whitaker |
Profession | Actor, Profession, Director |
Birth Date | 15 July 1961 |
Birth Place | Longview, Texas, United States |
Parents Name | Forest Steven Jr Laura Francis |
Siblings | 3 – 1 older sister, 2 younger brothers |
Spouse | Keisha Nash (1996-2018) |
Children | 4 |
Net Worth 2021 | $30 million |
Height | 6 feet and 2 inches (188cm/1.88m) |
Weight | 92 kg (203lbs) |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Black |
Relationship Status
Forest Whitaker married actress Keisha Nash in 1996.
This couple has four children: Sonnet and True, two daughters, Ocean Alexander, a son, and Autumn, Keisha’s daughter from a prior relationship.
They divorced in 2018, unfortunately. He also has a black belt in the Japanese martial art of Kenpo.
He states that he is a vegetarian. In terms of politics, he supported Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy in 2008.
He’s been in the business for quite some time. The number 5 is his lucky number.
Rice and curry are two of his favorite foods.
Body Measurements
Forest Whitaker was born in the United States of America.
According to his ethnicity, he is Black of African American origin.
Aside from that, he is 6 feet 2 inches tall (1.88m) and weighs 92 kg (203lbs).
His physical type is average, with measures of 46-15-40 inches.
His left eye has ptosis, which he is well-known for. He also has dark brown eyes and black hair.
Social Media
Forest maintains active social media platforms.
His Instagram account (@forestwhitaker) has 41.7 thousand followers, and he has 192,800 followers on Twitter (@ForestWhitaker).
Similarly, on Facebook, he has 189.3 thousand likes and 2.4 million followers.
Also read: Marissa Bailey, Karlee Steel, Novritsch,
Trivia
- Forest is a well-known American actor, director, and producer who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1981.
- He has social media accounts that are active.
- In 1996, he married actress, Keisha Nash.
- Forest’s breakthrough came in 2006 when he was cast as Idi Amin in the biographical drama film “The Last King of Scotland.”
- His net worth is expected to be $30 million by 2021.
- Whitaker has been in the industry for a long time.