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.
AddThe 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
AddThe Crying Game: Collector's EditionRemastered for this edition, Neil Jordan's acclaimed thriller centers on Fergus (Stephen Rea), who kidnaps British soldier Jody (Forest Whitaker) for the IRA, befriends his captive and promises to contact his girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), should Jody die. When tragedy occurs, Fergus finds Dil and... Read More
AddGhost 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 Tourney), the small-time mobster who once saved... Read More
AddBirdClint 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
AddThe 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, forcing her to seek the help of a paranormal consultant... Read More
