Forest Whitaker was born on July 15, 1961 in Longview, Texas.

Sometimes Forest Whitaker is creditied as DeForest Whitaker. Forest is the father of Denzel and he is the brother of actor Damon Whitaker and Kenn Whitaker.

In 1982 Forest Whitaker debuted on-screen in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH.

With a noteworth performance Forest Whitaker was a hustler who out-hustles Paul Newman in THE COLOR OF MONEY in 1986.

In 1988, actor-director Clint Eastwood gave Whitaker a role as jazz great Charlie Parker in the critically acclaimed BIRD for which Forest Whitaker won a Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

The TV movie STRAPPED in 1993 was Forest Whitaker directing debut it was a story of urban violence.

Whitney Houston's EXHALE music video was directed by Forest Whitaker.

Forest Whitaker's other notable credits include...

PHONE BOOTH (2002)
PANIC ROOM (2002)
GREEN DRAGON (2001)
BATTLEFIELD EARTH: A SAGA OF THE YEAR 3000 (2000)
BODY COUNT (1998)
SPECIES (1995)
BODY SNATCHER (1993)
THE CRYING GAME (1992)
JOHNNY HANDSOME (1989)
PLATOON (1986)
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)

Forest Whitaker in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH

Forest Whitaker in SPECIES

Forest Whitaker in PHONE BOOTH (2002)

Forest Whitaker in THE CRYING GAME (1992)