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Whitaker has a long history of working with well-regarded film directors and fellow actors, as well as working in direct-to-video films alongside novice actors such as [[Lil Wayne]], [[Maggie Grace]] and [[50 Cent]]. In his first onscreen performance of note, he had a supporting role playing a high school football player in the 1982 film version of [[Cameron Crowe]]'s [[Coming of age|coming-of-age]] [[teen]]-[[retrospective]], ''[[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]''.<ref name="IAS" /> He co-starred and interacted alongside [[Judge Reinhold]], [[Phoebe Cates]], [[Sean Penn]] and [[Robert Romanus]]. In 1986, he appeared in [[Martin Scorsese|Martin Scorsese's]] film, ''[[The Color of Money]]'' (with [[Paul Newman]] and [[Tom Cruise]]), and in [[Oliver Stone|Oliver Stone's]] ''[[Platoon (film)|Platoon]]''. The following year, he co-starred with [[Robin Williams]] in the comedy ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]''.
Whitaker has a long history of working with well-regarded film directors and fellow actors, as well as working in direct-to-video films alongside novice actors such as [[Lil Wayne]], [[Maggie Grace]] and [[50 Cent]]. In his first onscreen performance of note, he had a supporting role playing a high school football player in the 1982 film version of [[Cameron Crowe]]'s [[Coming of age|coming-of-age]] [[teen]]-[[retrospective]], ''[[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]''.<ref name="IAS" /> He co-starred and interacted alongside [[Judge Reinhold]], [[Phoebe Cates]], [[Sean Penn]] and [[Robert Romanus]]. In 1986, he appeared in [[Martin Scorsese|Martin Scorsese's]] film, ''[[The Color of Money]]'' (with [[Paul Newman]] and [[Tom Cruise]]), and in [[Oliver Stone|Oliver Stone's]] ''[[Platoon (film)|Platoon]]''. The following year, he co-starred with [[Robin Williams]] in the comedy ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]''.


In 1988, Whitaker played in the film ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'' alongside [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]] and he had his first lead role starring as musician [[Charlie Parker|Charlie "Bird" Parker]] in the [[Clint Eastwood]]-directed film, ''[[Bird (film)|Bird]]''. To prepare himself for the part, he sequestered himself in a loft with only a bed, couch, and saxophone,<ref name="Boston Globe" /> having also conducted extensive research and taken alto sax lessons.<ref name="Longino">Longino, Bob. [http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/content/movies/stories/2006/10/12/1013MMwhitaker.html "The power of Forest Whitaker."]{{dead link|date=February 2014}} ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution''. October 12, 2006.</ref> His performance, which has been called "transcendent,"<ref name="New York" /> earned him the [[Best Actor Award (Cannes Film Festival)|Best Actor]] award at the [[1988 Cannes Film Festival]]<ref name="festival-cannes.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/316/year/1988.html |title=Festival de Cannes: Bird |accessdate=July 25, 2009|work=festival-cannes.com}}</ref> and a [[Golden Globe]] nomination. Whitaker continued to work with a number of well-known [[director (film)|directors]] throughout the 1990s. He starred in the 1990 film ''Downtown'' with [[Anthony Edwards]] and [[Penelope Ann Miller]]. [[Neil Jordan]] cast him in the pivotal role of "Jody", a captive British soldier in his 1992 film, ''[[The Crying Game]]'' where Whitaker used an English accent. Todd McCarthy, of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', described Whitaker's performance as "big-hearted," "hugely emotional," and "simply terrific."<ref>McCarthy, Todd. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901397.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 "The Crying Game (Review)."] ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. September 11, 1992.</ref> In 1994, he was a member of the cast that won the first ever [[National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble]] for [[Robert Altman|Robert Altman's]] film, ''[[Prêt-à-Porter (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]''. He gave a "characteristically emotional performance"<ref>Stratton, David. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117909815.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&query=smoke&display=smoke "Smoke (Review)."] ''Variety''. February 20, 1995.</ref> in [[Wayne Wang]] and [[Paul Auster]]'s 1995 film, ''[[Smoke (film)|Smoke]]''.
In 1988, Whitaker played in the film ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'' alongside [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]] and he had his first lead role starring as musician [[Charlie Parker|Charlie "Bird" Parker]] in the [[Clint Eastwood]]-directed film, ''[[Bird (film)|Bird]]''. To prepare himself for the part, he sequestered himself in a loft with only a bed, couch, and saxophone,<ref name="Boston Globe" /> having also conducted extensive research and taken alto sax lessons.<ref name="Longino">Longino, Bob. [http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/content/movies/stories/2006/10/12/1013MMwhitaker.html "The power of Forest Whitaker."] ''The Atlanta Journal-Constitution''. October 12, 2006. {{wayback|url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/content/movies/stories/2006/10/12/1013MMwhitaker.html |date=20071013143511 }}</ref> His performance, which has been called "transcendent,"<ref name="New York" /> earned him the [[Best Actor Award (Cannes Film Festival)|Best Actor]] award at the [[1988 Cannes Film Festival]]<ref name="festival-cannes.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/316/year/1988.html |title=Festival de Cannes: Bird |accessdate=July 25, 2009|work=festival-cannes.com}}</ref> and a [[Golden Globe]] nomination. Whitaker continued to work with a number of well-known [[director (film)|directors]] throughout the 1990s. He starred in the 1990 film ''Downtown'' with [[Anthony Edwards]] and [[Penelope Ann Miller]]. [[Neil Jordan]] cast him in the pivotal role of "Jody", a captive British soldier in his 1992 film, ''[[The Crying Game]]'' where Whitaker used an English accent. Todd McCarthy, of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', described Whitaker's performance as "big-hearted," "hugely emotional," and "simply terrific."<ref>McCarthy, Todd. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901397.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 "The Crying Game (Review)."] ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. September 11, 1992.</ref> In 1994, he was a member of the cast that won the first ever [[National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble]] for [[Robert Altman|Robert Altman's]] film, ''[[Prêt-à-Porter (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]''. He gave a "characteristically emotional performance"<ref>Stratton, David. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117909815.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&query=smoke&display=smoke "Smoke (Review)."] ''Variety''. February 20, 1995.</ref> in [[Wayne Wang]] and [[Paul Auster]]'s 1995 film, ''[[Smoke (film)|Smoke]]''.


[[File:Ghostdog4.jpg|thumb|left|Whitaker as the assassin, [[Ghost Dog]], 2000]]
[[File:Ghostdog4.jpg|thumb|left|Whitaker as the assassin, [[Ghost Dog]], 2000]]
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Whitaker played a serene, pigeon-raising, [[bushido]]-following, [[Mafia|mob]] hit man in ''[[Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai]]'', a 1999 film written and directed by [[Jim Jarmusch]]. Many consider this to have been a "definitive role" for Whitaker.<ref name="New York" /> In a manner similar to his preparation for ''Bird'', he again immersed himself in his character's world—he studied Eastern philosophy and meditated for long hours "to hone his inner spiritual hitman."<ref name="Boston Globe" /> Jarmusch has told interviewers that he developed the title character with Whitaker in mind; the ''[[New York Times]]'' review of the film observed that "[I]t's hard to think of another actor who could play a cold-blooded killer with such warmth and humanity."<ref>Scott, A.O. [http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/030300ghost-film-review.html "'Ghost Dog': Passions of Emptiness in an Essay on Brutality."] ''[[New York Times]]''. March 3, 2000.</ref>
Whitaker played a serene, pigeon-raising, [[bushido]]-following, [[Mafia|mob]] hit man in ''[[Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai]]'', a 1999 film written and directed by [[Jim Jarmusch]]. Many consider this to have been a "definitive role" for Whitaker.<ref name="New York" /> In a manner similar to his preparation for ''Bird'', he again immersed himself in his character's world—he studied Eastern philosophy and meditated for long hours "to hone his inner spiritual hitman."<ref name="Boston Globe" /> Jarmusch has told interviewers that he developed the title character with Whitaker in mind; the ''[[New York Times]]'' review of the film observed that "[I]t's hard to think of another actor who could play a cold-blooded killer with such warmth and humanity."<ref>Scott, A.O. [http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/030300ghost-film-review.html "'Ghost Dog': Passions of Emptiness in an Essay on Brutality."] ''[[New York Times]]''. March 3, 2000.</ref>


Whitaker next appeared in what has been called one of the [[List of films considered the worst|worst films ever made]],<ref name="GU">Campbell, Duncan. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4023865,00.html "Cult Classic."] ''Guardian Unlimited''. May 31, 2005.</ref> the 2000 production of ''[[Battlefield Earth (film)|Battlefield Earth]]'', based on the novel of the same name by [[L. Ron Hubbard]]. The film was widely criticized as a notorious commercial and critical disaster.<ref name="GU" /><ref>Ebert, Roger. [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20000512/REVIEWS/5120301/1023 "Battlefield Earth."] ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. May 12, 2000.</ref> However, Whitaker's performance was lauded by the film's director, [[Roger Christian (filmmaker)|Roger Christian]], who commented that, "Everybody's going to be very surprised" by Whitaker, who "found this huge voice and laugh."<ref>Graham, Bob. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/04/30/PK88588.DTL&type=music "What on Earth Are These Guys Doing?"]{{dead link|date=February 2014}} ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. April 30, 2000.</ref> ''Battlefield Earth'' won seven [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie Awards]]; Whitaker was nominated for Worst Supporting Actor, but lost to his co-star, [[Barry Pepper]].<ref name="BattleRazzies">{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title=Hollywood honours its worst|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1240930.stm|date=March 25, 2001|accessdate=January 14, 2010}}</ref> Whitaker later expressed his regret for participating in the film.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185183/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv Battlefield Earth (2000) - Trivia - IMDb<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Whitaker next appeared in what has been called one of the [[List of films considered the worst|worst films ever made]],<ref name="GU">Campbell, Duncan. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4023865,00.html "Cult Classic."] ''Guardian Unlimited''. May 31, 2005.</ref> the 2000 production of ''[[Battlefield Earth (film)|Battlefield Earth]]'', based on the novel of the same name by [[L. Ron Hubbard]]. The film was widely criticized as a notorious commercial and critical disaster.<ref name="GU" /><ref>Ebert, Roger. [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20000512/REVIEWS/5120301/1023 "Battlefield Earth."] ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. May 12, 2000.</ref> However, Whitaker's performance was lauded by the film's director, [[Roger Christian (filmmaker)|Roger Christian]], who commented that, "Everybody's going to be very surprised" by Whitaker, who "found this huge voice and laugh."<ref>Graham, Bob. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/04/30/PK88588.DTL&type=music "What on Earth Are These Guys Doing?"] ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. April 30, 2000. {{wayback|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/04/30/PK88588.DTL&type=music |date=20031104155431 }}</ref> ''Battlefield Earth'' won seven [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie Awards]]; Whitaker was nominated for Worst Supporting Actor, but lost to his co-star, [[Barry Pepper]].<ref name="BattleRazzies">{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title=Hollywood honours its worst|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1240930.stm|date=March 25, 2001|accessdate=January 14, 2010}}</ref> Whitaker later expressed his regret for participating in the film.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185183/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv Battlefield Earth (2000) - Trivia - IMDb<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In 2001, Whitaker had a small, uncredited role in the [[Wong Kar-wai]]-directed ''The Follow'', one of five short films produced by [[BMW]] that year to promote its cars.<ref>[http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie/the-follow/ ''The Follow''.] ''MSN Movies''.</ref> He co-starred in [[Joel Schumacher|Joel Schumacher's]] 2002 [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]], ''[[Phone Booth (film)|Phone Booth]]'', with [[Kiefer Sutherland]] and [[Colin Farrell]]. That year, he also co-starred with [[Jodie Foster]] in ''[[Panic Room]]''. His performance as the film's "bad guy" was described as "a subtle chemistry of aggression and empathy."<ref name="Patterson" />
In 2001, Whitaker had a small, uncredited role in the [[Wong Kar-wai]]-directed ''The Follow'', one of five short films produced by [[BMW]] that year to promote its cars.<ref>[http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie/the-follow/ ''The Follow''.] ''MSN Movies''.</ref> He co-starred in [[Joel Schumacher|Joel Schumacher's]] 2002 [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]], ''[[Phone Booth (film)|Phone Booth]]'', with [[Kiefer Sutherland]] and [[Colin Farrell]]. That year, he also co-starred with [[Jodie Foster]] in ''[[Panic Room]]''. His performance as the film's "bad guy" was described as "a subtle chemistry of aggression and empathy."<ref name="Patterson" />
Line 54: Line 54:
=== Television work ===
=== Television work ===


After completing several films in the early 1980s, Whitaker gained additional roles in multiple television shows. On the series, ''[[Diff'rent Strokes]]'', he played a bully in the 1985 episode "Bully for Arnold".<ref name="KingStrokes">{{cite news|last=Grover|first=Ronald|work=[[BusinessWeek]]|title=The Academy Should Reward Whitaker|url=http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/feb2007/db20070215_662383.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily|date=February 15, 2007|accessdate=January 14, 2010}}</ref> That same year, Whitaker also played the part of a comic book salesman in the ''[[Amazing Stories (TV series)|Amazing Stories]]'' episode "Gather Ye Acorns".<ref name="KingStories">{{cite news|last=Schultz|first=Paul|publisher=The Trades|title=VD Review: Amazing Stories&nbsp;— The Complete First Season|url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4594|date=August 28, 2006|accessdate=January 14, 2010}}{{dead link|date=February 2014}}</ref> He appeared in the first and second parts of ''[[North and South (miniseries)|North and South]]'' in 1985 and 1986. Throughout the 1990s, Whitaker mainly had roles in television films which aired on HBO, including ''Criminal Justice'', ''The Enemy Within'', and ''[[Witness Protection (film)|Witness Protection]]''.
After completing several films in the early 1980s, Whitaker gained additional roles in multiple television shows. On the series, ''[[Diff'rent Strokes]]'', he played a bully in the 1985 episode "Bully for Arnold".<ref name="KingStrokes">{{cite news|last=Grover|first=Ronald|work=[[BusinessWeek]]|title=The Academy Should Reward Whitaker|url=http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/feb2007/db20070215_662383.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily|date=February 15, 2007|accessdate=January 14, 2010}}</ref> That same year, Whitaker also played the part of a comic book salesman in the ''[[Amazing Stories (TV series)|Amazing Stories]]'' episode "Gather Ye Acorns".<ref name="KingStories">{{cite news|last=Schultz |first=Paul |publisher=The Trades |title=VD Review: Amazing Stories&nbsp;— The Complete First Season |url=http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4594 |date=August 28, 2006 |accessdate=January 14, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20061110075431/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4594 |archivedate=November 10, 2006 }}</ref> He appeared in the first and second parts of ''[[North and South (miniseries)|North and South]]'' in 1985 and 1986. Throughout the 1990s, Whitaker mainly had roles in television films which aired on HBO, including ''Criminal Justice'', ''The Enemy Within'', and ''[[Witness Protection (film)|Witness Protection]]''.


From 2002 to 2003, Whitaker was the host and narrator of 44 new episodes of the [[Rod Serling]] classic, ''[[The Twilight Zone]]'', which lasted one season on [[UPN]].<ref>[http://epguides.com/TwilightZone_2002/ ''The Twilight Zone (2002)''.] epguides.com.</ref> After working in several film roles, he returned to television in 2006 when he joined the cast of [[FX (TV network)|FX's]] police serial ''[[The Shield]]'', as Lieutenant [[Jon Kavanaugh]], who was determined to prove that the lead character, [[Vic Mackey]], is a dirty cop. As opposed to his previous character work, Whitaker stated that he merely had to draw on his childhood years growing up in [[South Central Los Angeles]] for the role.<ref name="New York" /> He received rave reviews for his performance—''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it a "crackling-good guest stint"<ref>Lowry, Brian. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117933186.html?categoryid=1264&cs=1 "''The Shield'' (Review)."] ''Variety''. March 27, 2007.</ref>—and he reprised the role in the show's 2007 season.
From 2002 to 2003, Whitaker was the host and narrator of 44 new episodes of the [[Rod Serling]] classic, ''[[The Twilight Zone]]'', which lasted one season on [[UPN]].<ref>[http://epguides.com/TwilightZone_2002/ ''The Twilight Zone (2002)''.] epguides.com.</ref> After working in several film roles, he returned to television in 2006 when he joined the cast of [[FX (TV network)|FX's]] police serial ''[[The Shield]]'', as Lieutenant [[Jon Kavanaugh]], who was determined to prove that the lead character, [[Vic Mackey]], is a dirty cop. As opposed to his previous character work, Whitaker stated that he merely had to draw on his childhood years growing up in [[South Central Los Angeles]] for the role.<ref name="New York" /> He received rave reviews for his performance—''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' called it a "crackling-good guest stint"<ref>Lowry, Brian. [http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117933186.html?categoryid=1264&cs=1 "''The Shield'' (Review)."] ''Variety''. March 27, 2007.</ref>—and he reprised the role in the show's 2007 season.

Revision as of 11:33, 7 January 2016

Forest Whitaker
Whitaker at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival
Born
Forest Steven Whitaker III

(1961-07-15) July 15, 1961 (age 63)
Longview, Texas, U.S.
Alma materCal Poly Pomona, University of Southern California, Drama Studio London, New York University
Occupation(s)Actor, producer, director
Years active1982–present
Spouse
Keisha Nash
​
(m. 1996)​
Children4

Forest Steven Whitaker III (born July 15, 1961) is an American actor, director, and producer.

He has earned a reputation for intensive character study work for films such as Bird, Platoon, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Lee Daniels' The Butler,[1][2] for his work in independent films and for his recurring role as LAPD Internal Affairs Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh on the Emmy Award-winning television series The Shield.[3]

Whitaker won the Academy Award, British Academy Film Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and various critics groups awards for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland.

Early life

Whitaker was born July 15, 1961, in Longview, Texas. His family moved to Carson, California when he was four.[4] His father, Forest Steven Jr., was an insurance salesman. Forest's mother, Laura Francis (née Smith), was a special education teacher who put herself through college and earned two master's degrees while raising her children.[5][6] Whitaker has two younger brothers, Kenn and Damon, and an older sister, Deborah.

His first role as an actor was the lead in Dylan Thomas' play, Under Milk Wood.[4]

Whitaker then attended Cal Poly Pomona[7] on a football scholarship, but due to a debilitating back injury, he changed his major to music (voice). He toured England with the Cal Poly Chamber Singers in 1980. While still at Cal Poly, he briefly changed his major to drama. He was accepted to the Music Conservatory at the University of Southern California to study opera as a tenor, and subsequently was accepted into the University's Drama Conservatory.[6] He graduated from USC in 1982. He also earned a scholarship to the Berkeley, California branch of the Drama Studio London.[8] Whitaker also pursued a degree in The Core of Conflict: Studies in Peace and Reconciliation at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study.[9]

Career

Film work

Whitaker has a long history of working with well-regarded film directors and fellow actors, as well as working in direct-to-video films alongside novice actors such as Lil Wayne, Maggie Grace and 50 Cent. In his first onscreen performance of note, he had a supporting role playing a high school football player in the 1982 film version of Cameron Crowe's coming-of-age teen-retrospective, Fast Times at Ridgemont High.[6] He co-starred and interacted alongside Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Sean Penn and Robert Romanus. In 1986, he appeared in Martin Scorsese's film, The Color of Money (with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise), and in Oliver Stone's Platoon. The following year, he co-starred with Robin Williams in the comedy Good Morning, Vietnam.

In 1988, Whitaker played in the film Bloodsport alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme and he had his first lead role starring as musician Charlie "Bird" Parker in the Clint Eastwood-directed film, Bird. To prepare himself for the part, he sequestered himself in a loft with only a bed, couch, and saxophone,[1] having also conducted extensive research and taken alto sax lessons.[10] His performance, which has been called "transcendent,"[3] earned him the Best Actor award at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival[11] and a Golden Globe nomination. Whitaker continued to work with a number of well-known directors throughout the 1990s. He starred in the 1990 film Downtown with Anthony Edwards and Penelope Ann Miller. Neil Jordan cast him in the pivotal role of "Jody", a captive British soldier in his 1992 film, The Crying Game where Whitaker used an English accent. Todd McCarthy, of Variety, described Whitaker's performance as "big-hearted," "hugely emotional," and "simply terrific."[12] In 1994, he was a member of the cast that won the first ever National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble for Robert Altman's film, Prêt-à-Porter. He gave a "characteristically emotional performance"[13] in Wayne Wang and Paul Auster's 1995 film, Smoke.

File:Ghostdog4.jpg
Whitaker as the assassin, Ghost Dog, 2000

Whitaker played a serene, pigeon-raising, bushido-following, mob hit man in Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, a 1999 film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch. Many consider this to have been a "definitive role" for Whitaker.[3] In a manner similar to his preparation for Bird, he again immersed himself in his character's world—he studied Eastern philosophy and meditated for long hours "to hone his inner spiritual hitman."[1] Jarmusch has told interviewers that he developed the title character with Whitaker in mind; the New York Times review of the film observed that "[I]t's hard to think of another actor who could play a cold-blooded killer with such warmth and humanity."[14]

Whitaker next appeared in what has been called one of the worst films ever made,[15] the 2000 production of Battlefield Earth, based on the novel of the same name by L. Ron Hubbard. The film was widely criticized as a notorious commercial and critical disaster.[15][16] However, Whitaker's performance was lauded by the film's director, Roger Christian, who commented that, "Everybody's going to be very surprised" by Whitaker, who "found this huge voice and laugh."[17] Battlefield Earth won seven Razzie Awards; Whitaker was nominated for Worst Supporting Actor, but lost to his co-star, Barry Pepper.[18] Whitaker later expressed his regret for participating in the film.[19]

In 2001, Whitaker had a small, uncredited role in the Wong Kar-wai-directed The Follow, one of five short films produced by BMW that year to promote its cars.[20] He co-starred in Joel Schumacher's 2002 thriller, Phone Booth, with Kiefer Sutherland and Colin Farrell. That year, he also co-starred with Jodie Foster in Panic Room. His performance as the film's "bad guy" was described as "a subtle chemistry of aggression and empathy."[4]

File:Lastking2.jpg
Whitaker as President Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, 2006

Whitaker's 2006 portrayal of Idi Amin in the film, The Last King of Scotland earned him positive reviews by critics as well as multiple awards and honors.[21][22] To portray the dictator, Whitaker gained 50 pounds, learned to play the accordion, and immersed himself in research.[23] He read books about Amin, watched news and documentary footage featuring Amin, and spent time in Uganda meeting with Amin's friends, relatives, generals, and victims; he also learned Swahili and mastered Amin's East African accent.[1] His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the fourth African-American actor in history to do so, joining the ranks of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Jamie Foxx.[24] For that same role, he was also recognized with the British Academy Film Award, Golden Globe Award, National Board of Review Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and accolades from the Broadcast Film Critics Association, London Film Critics’ Circle Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, National Society of Film Critics, and New York Film Critics Circle among others.[25]

In 2007, Whitaker played Dr. James Farmer Sr. in The Great Debaters, for which he received an Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.[26] In 2008, Whitaker appeared in three films, first as a business man known only as Happiness, who likes butterflies, in the film The Air I Breathe. He also portrayed a rogue police captain in Street Kings, and a heroic tourist in Vantage Point.

In 2013, after languishing in several limited releases and independent features such as Freelancers and Pawn, Whitaker has enjoyed a bit of career resurgence, having played the lead role in Lee Daniels' The Butler, which has become one of his greatest critical and commercial successes to date.[27][28]

Whitaker also starred in the film Black Nativity, alongside Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, and Jacob Latimore. He also co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2013's The Last Stand, playing an FBI agent chasing an escaped drug cartel leader.

Television work

After completing several films in the early 1980s, Whitaker gained additional roles in multiple television shows. On the series, Diff'rent Strokes, he played a bully in the 1985 episode "Bully for Arnold".[29] That same year, Whitaker also played the part of a comic book salesman in the Amazing Stories episode "Gather Ye Acorns".[30] He appeared in the first and second parts of North and South in 1985 and 1986. Throughout the 1990s, Whitaker mainly had roles in television films which aired on HBO, including Criminal Justice, The Enemy Within, and Witness Protection.

From 2002 to 2003, Whitaker was the host and narrator of 44 new episodes of the Rod Serling classic, The Twilight Zone, which lasted one season on UPN.[31] After working in several film roles, he returned to television in 2006 when he joined the cast of FX's police serial The Shield, as Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh, who was determined to prove that the lead character, Vic Mackey, is a dirty cop. As opposed to his previous character work, Whitaker stated that he merely had to draw on his childhood years growing up in South Central Los Angeles for the role.[3] He received rave reviews for his performance—Variety called it a "crackling-good guest stint"[32]—and he reprised the role in the show's 2007 season.

In the fall of 2006, Whitaker started a multi-episode story arc on ER as Curtis Ames, a man who comes into the ER with a cough, but quickly faces the long-term consequences of a paralyzing stroke; he then takes out his anger on Dr. Luka Kovač and Dr. Abby Lockhart. Whitaker received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his performance in the series.[33] Also in 2006, Whitaker appeared in T.I.'s music video "Live in the Sky" alongside Jamie Foxx.[34]

Whitaker was cast in the Criminal Minds spin-off, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, that was subsequently cancelled by CBS on May 17, 2011.[35]

Producing and directing

Whitaker branched out into producing and directing in the 1990s. He co-produced and co-starred in A Rage in Harlem in 1991. He made his directorial debut with a grim film about inner-city gun violence, Strapped, for HBO in 1993. In 1995, he directed his first theatrical feature, Waiting to Exhale, which was based on the Terry McMillan novel of the same name. Roger Ebert observed that the tone of the film resembled Whitaker's own acting style: "measured, serene, confident."[36] Whitaker also directed co-star Whitney Houston's music video of the movie's theme song, "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)".

Whitaker continued his directing career with the 1998 romantic comedy, Hope Floats, starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick, Jr. He directed Katie Holmes in the romantic comedy, First Daughter in 2004 while also serving as executive producer; he had previously co-starred with Holmes in Phone Booth in 2002. He had previously gained experience as the executive producer of several made-for-television movies, most notably the 2002 Emmy-award winning Door to Door, starring William H. Macy. He produced these projects through his production company, Spirit Dance Entertainment, which he shut down in 2005 to concentrate on his acting career.[3][10]

Whitaker and his partner Nina Yang Bongiovi produced the film Fruitvale Station, which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival,[37] as well as Repentance (2014) and Dope (2015).

JuntoBox Films

Whitaker plays an active role as co-chair of JuntoBox Films since his initial involvement as co-chair with the collaborative film studio starting in March 2012.[38] JuntoBox was developed as a social-media platform for filmmakers and fans to share ideas to create films and then collaborate to make them. Since Whitaker joined as co-chair, five projects have been greenlit for production.[39]

Honors

In addition to the numerous awards Whitaker won for his performance in The Last King of Scotland, he has also received several other honors. In September 2006, the 10th Annual Hollywood Film Festival presented him with its "Hollywood Actor of the Year Award," calling him "one of Hollywood's most accomplished actors."[40] He was honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2007, where he received the American Riviera Award.[41]

Previously, in 2005, the Deauville (France) Festival of American Film paid tribute to him.[42] Whitaker was the recipient of the 2,335th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 16, 2007.[43][44] He received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2009 at the 82nd Commencement Ceremony.[45] He Received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from California State University, Dominguez Hills on May 16 2015. [46]

Personal life

Whitaker presenting the film My Own Love Song in Paris, 2010.

In 1996, Whitaker married actress Keisha Nash, whom he met on the set of Blown Away.[2] The Whitakers have four children: two daughters together (Sonnet and True), and his son (Ocean) and her daughter (Autumn) from previous relationships. On Inside the Actors Studio, Whitaker said that a genetic test indicated he was of Igbo descent through his patrilineal line, and of Akan descent through his matrilineal line.[47]

Whitaker studies yoga and has a black belt in kenpō.[2] He also trains in the Filipino martial art of Kali, under Dan Inosanto. Inosanto is best known for having been a student of the late Bruce Lee and has trained actors such as Denzel Washington and Brandon Lee.

Whitaker's left eye ptosis has been called "intriguing" by some critics[48] and "gives him a lazy, contemplative look."[49] Whitaker has explained that the condition is hereditary and that he has considered having surgery to correct it, not for cosmetic reasons but because it affects his vision.[50]

Activism

Charity work

Whitaker, who is a vegetarian,[2] recorded a public service announcement with his daughter, True, promoting vegetarianism on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).[51] He is also a supporter and public advocate for Hope North, a boarding school and vocational training center in northern Uganda for escaped child soldiers, orphans, and other young victims of the country's civil war.[52]

Politics

Whitaker at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

In politics, Whitaker supported and spoke on behalf of Senator Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign.[53] On April 6, 2009, he was given a chieftaincy title in Imo State, Nigeria. Whitaker, who was named a chief among the Igbo community of Nkwerre, was given the title Nwannedinamba of Nkwerre, which means A Brother in a Foreign Land.

Whitaker was inducted as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation, in a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters on June 21, 2011. As Goodwill Ambassador, Whitaker works with UNESCO to support and develop initiatives that empower youths and keep them from entering or remaining in cycles of violence. At the induction ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO David Killion described Whitaker as a "perfect choice as a Goodwill Ambassador...He has exemplified compassion in every area of his life, with humility and grace. He does this because it's the right thing to do."[54]

In 2010, Whitaker received the Artist Citizen of the World Award (France).[55]

In May 2011, Whitaker co-founded the International Institute for Peace (IIP) at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. Launched during the international Newark Peace Education Summit, IIP’s mission is to develop programs and strategic partnerships to address cutting-edge issues such as increasing citizen security through community-building; the role of women and spiritual and religious leaders in peace-building; the impact of climate change; and the reduction of poverty. IIP operates under the auspices of UNESCO as a Category 2 Center.

Filmography

Film

Actor
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Tag: The Assassination Game Gowdy's Bodyguard
Fast Times at Ridgemont High Charles Jefferson
1985 Vision Quest Balldozer
North and South Cuffey
1986 The Color of Money Amos
North and South, Book II Cuffey
Platoon Big Harold
1987 Stakeout Jack Pismo
Good Morning, Vietnam Edward Garlick
1988 Bird Charlie "Bird" Parker, Jr. Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor
Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Bloodsport Rawlins
1989 Johnny Handsome Dr. Steven Fisher
1990 Downtown Dennis Curren
1991 Diary of a Hitman Dekker
A Rage in Harlem Jackson
1992 Article 99 Dr. Sid Handleman
The Crying Game Jody
Consenting Adults David Duttonville
1993 Bank Robber Officer Battle
Body Snatchers Major Collins
1994 Blown Away Anthony Franklin
Prêt-à-Porter Cy Bianco National Board of Review Award for Best Cast
Jason's Lyric Maddog
1995 Species Dan Smithson, Empath
Smoke Cyrus Cole
1996 Phenomenon Nate Pope Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama
Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
1998 Body Count Crane
1999 Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai Ghost Dog
Light It Up Officer Dante Jackson
Witness Protection US Marshal Steven Beck
2000 Battlefield Earth Ker Nominated — Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor
Four Dogs Playing Poker Mr. Ellington
2001 The Fourth Angel Agent Jules Bernard
The Hire: The Follow The Employer uncredited
Green Dragon Addie
2002 Panic Room Burnham Nominated — Black Reel Award for Best Supporting Actor
Phone Booth Captain Ed Ramey Theatrical release was delayed due to the Beltway sniper attacks in October 2002[56]
Nominated — Black Reel Award for Best Supporting Actor
Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
2004 First Daughter Narrator also directed
2005 A Little Trip to Heaven Abe Holt
American Gun Carter Nominated — Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead
Mary Ted Younger
2006 Even Money Clyde Snow
The Marsh Geoffrey Hunt
Everyone's Hero Lonnie Brewster (voice)
The Last King of Scotland Idi Amin Academy Award for Best Actor
BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
BET Award for Best Actor
Black Reel Award for Best Actor
Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Hollywood Film Award for Actor of the Year
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor
London Film Critics' Circle Award for Actor of the Year
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
National Board of Review Award for Best Actor
National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor
New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor
Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor
Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Southeastern Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association for Best Actor
Nominated — BIFA Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film
Nominated — Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
2007 The Air I Breathe Happiness
Ripple Effect Philip
The Great Debaters James L. Farmer, Sr. Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
2008 Vantage Point Howard Lewis
Street Kings Capt. Jack Wander
Dragon Hunters Lian Chu (voice — English version)
2009 Powder Blue Charlie Direct-to-DVD
Winged Creatures Charlie Archenault
Where the Wild Things Are Ira (voice) Nominated — Black Reel Award for Best Voice Performance
Lullaby for Pi George Direct-to-VOD
Hurricane Season Al Collins Direct-to-DVD
2010 Repo Men Jake Freivald
My Own Love Song Joey
The Experiment Barris Direct-to-DVD
Our Family Wedding Bradford Boyd
2011 Catch .44 Ronny Direct-to-VOD
2012 Freelancers Dennis LaRue Direct-to-DVD
A Dark Truth Francisco Francis Direct-to-DVD
2013 The Last Stand Agent John Bannister
Zulu Ali Sokhela
Pawn Will Direct-to-DVD
Lee Daniels' The Butler Cecil Gaines African-American Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Nominated — Alliance of Women Film Journalists Award for Best Ensemble Cast
Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture
Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Black Nativity Reverend Cornell
Out of the Furnace Wesley Barnes
Ernest & Celestine Ernest (voice)
2014 Repentance[57] Angel Sanchez
Two Men in Town William Garnett Direct-to-VOD
2015 Taken 3 Franck Dotzler
Dope Narrator Also Producer
Southpaw Titus "Tick" Wills Pending — Indiana Film Journalist Association Award for Best Supporting Actor
2016 Story of Your Life Colonel Weber Filming
The Shack Filming
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Filming
Director
Year Title Notes
1993 Strapped
1995 Waiting to Exhale
1998 Hope Floats Nominated — Black Film Award for Best Director
2004 First Daughter

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1982 Making The Grade Episode "Marriage David Style"
1983 Cagney & Lacey Night Manager Episode "The Grandest Jewel Thief of Them All"
1984 Trapper John, M.D. Lewis Jordan Episode "School Nurse"
1984 Hill Street Blues Floyd Green Episode "Blues for Mr. Green"
1985 Diff'rent Strokes Herman Episode "Bully for Arnold"
1985 The Grand Baby Television movie
1985 The Fall Guy Friend Episode "Spring Break"
1986 Amazing Stories Jerry Episode "Gather Ye Acorns"
1987 Hands of a Stranger Sergeant Delaney Television movie
1990 Criminal Justice Jessie Williams Television movie
1993 Lush Life Buddy Chester Television movie
1993 Last Light Fred Whitmore Television movie
Nominated — CableACE Award for Actor in a Movie or Miniseries
1994 The Enemy Within Colonel MacKenzie 'Mac' Casey Television movie
Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie
1996 Rebound: The Legend of Earl "The Goat" Manigault Mr. Rucker Television movie
1999 Witness Protection Steven Beck Television movie
2001 Feast of All Saints Daguerreotypist Picard Television movie
2003 Deacons for Defense Marcus Clay Television movie
Black Reel Award for Best Actor: T.V. Movie/Cable
Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Nominated — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie
2002–
2003 		The Twilight Zone Host / Narrator 44 episodes
2006–
2007 		ER Curtis Ames 6 episodes
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
2006–
2007 		The Shield Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh (Seasons 5 and 6)
Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film
2007–
2009 		American Dad! Daniel Turlington 3 episodes
2010 Criminal Minds Sam Cooper Episode "The Fight"
2011 Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior Sam Cooper Spin-off
2013 Africa Narrator Documentary Series

References

  1. ^ a b c d "In general, he rules." The Boston Globe. October 1, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d "Forest Whitaker: The King Of The Oscars?"
  3. ^ a b c d e Sternbergh, Adam. "Out of the Woods: How Forest Whitaker escaped his career slump." New York. January 9, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c Patterson, John. "The bigger picture." The Guardian. April 20, 2002.
  5. ^ "Forest Whitaker Biography (1961–)." FilmReference.com.
  6. ^ a b c "Forest Whitaker". Inside the Actors Studio. Season 13. Episode 1. December 11, 2006.
  7. ^ "Cal Poly Pomona". CSU Mentor. Retrieved September 12, 2008.
  8. ^ Joshua Rich. "Spotlight: Forest Whitaker." EW.com.
  9. ^ Laura Randall "BLACKBOARD: Independent Study; A Twin Peek: What The Stars Do at N.Y.U." "NY Times".
  10. ^ a b Longino, Bob. "The power of Forest Whitaker." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 12, 2006. Archived 2007-10-13 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Festival de Cannes: Bird". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved July 25, 2009.
  12. ^ McCarthy, Todd. "The Crying Game (Review)." Variety. September 11, 1992.
  13. ^ Stratton, David. "Smoke (Review)." Variety. February 20, 1995.
  14. ^ Scott, A.O. "'Ghost Dog': Passions of Emptiness in an Essay on Brutality." New York Times. March 3, 2000.
  15. ^ a b Campbell, Duncan. "Cult Classic." Guardian Unlimited. May 31, 2005.
  16. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Battlefield Earth." Chicago Sun-Times. May 12, 2000.
  17. ^ Graham, Bob. "What on Earth Are These Guys Doing?" San Francisco Chronicle. April 30, 2000. Archived 2003-11-04 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ "Hollywood honours its worst". BBC News. March 25, 2001. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  19. ^ Battlefield Earth (2000) - Trivia - IMDb
  20. ^ The Follow. MSN Movies.
  21. ^ Hirshon, Nicholas (September 17, 2006). "Reel Study of a Tyrant". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 14, 2010.[dead link]
  22. ^ Hall, Sandra (February 2, 2007). "The Last King of Scotland". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  23. ^ "Forest Whitaker: The King Of The Oscars?" CBS News/ February 4, 2007.
  24. ^ Cocks, Tim (February 26, 2007). "Ugandans laud Whitaker for Oscar". Independent Online. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  25. ^ Foley, Doug (February 24, 2007). "Here's a list of what honours the top movies and Oscar nominees have won". The Spectator. Retrieved January 14, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |registration= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "'Great Debaters' scores 8 Image Award nods". MSNBC. Associated Press. January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  27. ^ Feinberg, Scott (August 17, 2013). "'The Butler' Builds Oscar Credentials With Strong Critical, Commercial Debut (Analysis)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  28. ^ "Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  29. ^ Grover, Ronald (February 15, 2007). "The Academy Should Reward Whitaker". BusinessWeek. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  30. ^ Schultz, Paul (August 28, 2006). "VD Review: Amazing Stories — The Complete First Season". The Trades. Archived from the original on November 10, 2006. Retrieved January 14, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ The Twilight Zone (2002). epguides.com.
  32. ^ Lowry, Brian. "The Shield (Review)." Variety. March 27, 2007.
  33. ^ Kings, Susan (July 19, 2007). "Emmy nominations unveiled". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  34. ^ Reid, Shaheem; Yasmine Richard (August 14, 2006). "T.I. Gets Vulnerable, Jamie Foxx Provides Comic Relief On 'Live In The Sky' Video Set". MTV. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  35. ^ Michael Ausiello (January 25, 2010). "Scoop: Forest Whitaker to headline 'Criminal Minds' spin-off!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  36. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Waiting to Exhale (review)." Chicago Sun-Times. December 22, 1995.
  37. ^ Makinen, Julie (January 26, 2013). "Sundance 2013: 'Fruitvale' wins Grand Jury Prize". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-01-26.
  38. ^ Graser, Marc (March 1, 2012). "Forest Whitaker to co-chair JuntoBox Films". Variety.
  39. ^ http://juntoboxfilms.com/#level_five
  40. ^ "Press release." Hollywood Film Festival News. September 28, 2006.
  41. ^ "Festival 2007 Tributes."[dead link] Santa Barbara International Film Festival. sbiff.org.
  42. ^ Nesselson, Lisa. "Deauville tips hat." Variety. August 18, 2005.
  43. ^ "Forest Whitaker Gets Star On Walk Of Fame."[dead link] The Insider. April 17, 2007. Accessed January 9, 2009.
  44. ^ "Forest Whitaker Gets Walk of Fame Star". Fox News. Associated Press. April 16, 2007. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  45. ^ "Commencement 2009". Xavier University of Louisiana. Accessed January 9, 2009.
  46. ^ http://www.csudhnews.com/2015/04/forest-whitaker/
  47. ^ James Lipton (Himself — Host), Forest Whitaker (Himself) (December 11, 2006). "Inside the Actors Studio: Forest Whitaker (2006)". Inside the Actors Studio. Season 13. Bravomedia. Bravotv. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ Wloszczyna, Susan. "'Last King' demanded obedience to their craft." USA Today. October 2, 2006.
  49. ^ Zackarek, Stephanie. "Jim Jarmusch adds lyrical violence to a Zen meditation on warriors hip-hop and ancient." Salon.com. March 9, 2000.
  50. ^ Sager, Mike. "What I've Learned: Forest Whitaker." Esquire. February 26, 2007.
  51. ^ PSA for PETA PETA TV.
  52. ^ "Hope North". Hope North. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  53. ^ "Actor Forest Whitaker campaigns for Barack Obama at Grand Rapids Community College". The Grand Rapids Press. October 9, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  54. ^ "Forest Whitaker Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation." [1] U.S. Mission to UNESCO. June 22, 2011.
  55. ^ https://institutcitoyenducinema.wordpress.com/artiste-citoyen-du-monde/ Institut Citoyen du Cinéma - Artist winners Prize Citizen of the World
  56. ^ "'Phone' release delayed". Amarillo.com. Associated Press. October 18, 2002. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  57. ^ "REPENTANCE - IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 28, 2014". Codeblack.com. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
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