Actor
Forest Whitaker
- Born: 15 July 1961, Longview, Texas, USA
- Estimated net worth: $25 million
Forest Whitaker is an acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances and distinctive voice. He gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Bird' and 'The Last King of Scotland,' for which he won an Academy Award. Whitaker's career spans…
Forest Whitaker: best films and shows
About Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker is an acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances and distinctive voice. He gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Bird' and 'The Last King of Scotland,' for which he won an Academy Award. Whitaker's career spans various genres, and he is celebrated for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity.
- Born
- 15 July 1961, Longview, Texas, USA
- Height
- 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Spouses
- Keisha Whitaker (1996-present)
- Children
- 4 children: Sonnet, Ocean, True, and Autumn
- Parents
- Laura Whitaker, Forest Steven Whitaker Sr.
- Estimated net worth
- $25 million
Fun facts about Forest Whitaker
- Forest Whitaker has a unique eye condition called ptosis, which causes one of his eyelids to droop.
- He is also a director and producer, having directed films like 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'The Last King of Scotland.'
Famous Forest Whitaker quotes
“You have to be willing to get hurt.”
“The goal is to be able to see and feel.”
“What you do is who you are.”
Forest Whitaker filmography
Cast (172)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Up Against It Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2026 | Bring Me the Horizon: L.I.V.E. in São Paulo Movie | Self (archive footage) | 8.2 |
| 2025 | Havoc Movie | Lawrence Beaumont | 6.4 |
| 2025 | The King of Kings Movie | Peter (voice) | 8.3 |
| 2024 | My Generation TV | Self - Narrator (voice) | 1.0 |
| 2024 | Seaweed Stories Movie | Self - Narrator (voice) | |
| 2024 | Hollywood Black TV | Self | 3.0 |
| 2024 | The Emperor of Ocean Park TV | Judge Oliver Garland | 6.5 |
| 2023 | Big George Foreman Movie | Doc Broadus | 7.6 |
| 2023 | Extrapolations TV | Auggie Bolo | 6.1 |
Show 162 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend Movie | Self (archive footage) | 7.2 |
| 2022 | Prophets of Change Movie | Narrator | |
| 2022 | Andor TV | Saw Gerrera | 8.3 |
| 2022 | The Jennifer Hudson Show TV | Self | 5.6 |
| 2022 | Andor: A Disney+ Day Special Look Movie | Saw Gerrera (archive footage) (uncredited) | 7.6 |
| 2022 | Cannes Festival TV | Self - Guest | |
| 2021 | Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy TV | Self | 7.0 |
| 2021 | Respect Movie | C. L. Franklin | 6.8 |
| 2020 | By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem TV | Self | 3.3 |
| 2020 | Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Movie | Jeronicus Jangle | 6.5 |
| 2020 | Nations United: Urgent Solutions for Urgent Times Movie | Self | 10.0 |
| 2020 | Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King Movie | Self | 8.1 |
| 2019 | Godfather of Harlem TV | Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson | 8.1 |
| 2019 | Finding Steve McQueen Movie | Howard Lambert | 6.1 |
| 2018 | City of Lies Movie | Jack Jackson | 6.3 |
| 2018 | Burden Movie | Reverend Kennedy | 6.1 |
| 2018 | How It Ends Movie | Tom | 5.3 |
| 2018 | Sorry to Bother You Movie | First Equisapien / Demarius | 6.8 |
| 2018 | Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace Movie | Narrator (voice) | 4.0 |
| 2018 | The Forgiven Movie | Desmond Tutu | 6.1 |
| 2018 | Black Panther Movie | Zuri | 7.4 |
| 2017 | Steve TV | Self | 6.0 |
| 2017 | The Stories: The Making of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Movie | Self | 6.1 |
| 2017 | Xenolinguistics: Understanding 'Arrival' Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2016 | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Movie | Saw Gerrera | 7.5 |
| 2016 | I Am You Movie | Narrator (voice) | 3.5 |
| 2016 | Arrival Movie | Colonel Weber | 7.6 |
| 2016 | Star Wars: Go Rogue TV | Saw Gerrera (voice) | 6.7 |
| 2016 | Roots TV | Fiddler | 6.9 |
| 2015 | Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter TV | Self | 6.2 |
| 2015 | Southpaw Movie | Titus 'Tick' Wills | 7.4 |
| 2015 | Dope Movie | The Narrator (voice) | 7.0 |
| 2015 | Empire TV | Eddie Barker | 7.1 |
| 2014 | Taken 3 Movie | Inspector Frank Dotzler | 6.3 |
| 2014 | Star Wars Rebels TV | Saw Gerrera (voice) | 7.7 |
| 2014 | Two Men in Town Movie | William Garnett | 5.5 |
| 2014 | Food Chains Movie | Unknown character | 7.0 |
| 2014 | Repentance Movie | Angel | 4.7 |
| 2013 | Zulu Movie | Ali Sokhela | 6.7 |
| 2013 | Black Nativity Movie | Reverend Cornell Cobbs | 5.2 |
| 2013 | Making a Scene | 11 Performances Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2013 | Out of the Furnace Movie | Chief Wesley Barnes | 6.6 |
| 2013 | Mysteries of the Unseen World Movie | Narrator | 7.2 |
| 2013 | The Butler Movie | Cecil Gaines | 7.3 |
| 2013 | Rising from Ashes Movie | Narrator | 6.5 |
| 2013 | Pawn Movie | Will | 5.5 |
| 2013 | The Last Stand Movie | Agent John Bannister | 6.1 |
| 2012 | A Dark Truth Movie | Francisco Francis | 5.5 |
| 2012 | Freelancers Movie | Dennis Larue | 5.1 |
| 2011 | Catch.44 Movie | Ronny | 5.0 |
| 2011 | A Man's Story Movie | Self | 6.9 |
| 2011 | Serving Life Movie | Narrator (voice) | 5.3 |
| 2011 | Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior TV | Sam Cooper | 7.2 |
| 2010 | Lullaby for Pi Movie | George | 6.8 |
| 2010 | 2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift Movie | (archive footage) | 6.1 |
| 2010 | The Experiment Movie | Barris | 6.4 |
| 2010 | My Own Love Song Movie | Joey | 6.2 |
| 2010 | Repo Men Movie | Jake | 6.3 |
| 2010 | Our Family Wedding Movie | Brad Boyd | 5.6 |
| 2010 | Higglety Pigglety Pop! or There Must Be More to Life Movie | Lion | 7.1 |
| 2010 | Hurricane Season Movie | Al Collins | 6.6 |
| 2009 | Where the Wild Things Are Movie | Ira (voice) | 6.5 |
| 2009 | Crips and Bloods: Made in America Movie | Narrator | 6.6 |
| 2009 | Winged Creatures Movie | Charlie Archenault | 5.9 |
| 2009 | Powder Blue Movie | Charlie | 6.1 |
| 2008 | Street Kings Movie | Captain Jack Wander | 6.7 |
| 2008 | Vantage Point Movie | Howard Lewis | 6.4 |
| 2007 | The Great Debaters Movie | Dr. James Farmer Sr. | 7.3 |
| 2007 | Ripple Effect Movie | Philip | 5.4 |
| 2007 | Even Money Movie | Clyde Snow | 5.6 |
| 2007 | The Air I Breathe Movie | Happiness | 6.3 |
| 2006 | Before the Music Dies Movie | Self - Narrator (voice) | 7.0 |
| 2006 | The Last King of Scotland Movie | Idi Amin | 7.4 |
| 2006 | Everyone's Hero Movie | Lonnie Brewster (voice) | 6.1 |
| 2006 | The Marsh Movie | Geoffrey Hunt | 5.2 |
| 2005 | A Little Trip to Heaven Movie | Abe Holt | 5.4 |
| 2005 | Mary Movie | Ted Younger | 5.8 |
| 2005 | Odyssey in Rome Movie | Unknown character | 7.0 |
| 2005 | Criminal Minds TV | Sam Cooper | 8.3 |
| 2005 | American Gun Movie | Carter | 5.7 |
| 2005 | Jiminy Glick in Lalawood Movie | Forest Whitaker | 4.4 |
| 2005 | Deacons for Defense Movie | Marcus Clay | 6.4 |
| 2005 | American Dad! TV | Turlington (voice) | 7.0 |
| 2005 | The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson TV | Self | 6.9 |
| 2004 | The Misbehavers Movie | Self | 10.0 |
| 2004 | First Daughter Movie | Narrator (voice) | 6.2 |
| 2004 | Shooting 'Panic Room' Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2003 | The Ellen DeGeneres Show TV | Self | 5.6 |
| 2003 | Making of Phone Booth Movie | Self | 8.0 |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV | Self - Guest | 5.3 |
| 2003 | Phone Booth Movie | Captain Ramey | 6.9 |
| 2002 | The Twilight Zone TV | Self - Host | 7.2 |
| 2002 | American Idol TV | Self | 5.0 |
| 2002 | Panic Room Movie | Burnham | 6.8 |
| 2002 | The Shield TV | Jon Kavanaugh | 8.2 |
| 2002 | Live from E! TV | Self | 3.7 |
| 2001 | Feast of All Saints Movie | Daguerreotypist Picard | 4.8 |
| 2001 | The Fourth Angel Movie | Agent Jules Bernard | 5.3 |
| 2001 | Ghost Dog: The Odyssey: The Journey Into the Life of a Samurai Movie | Unknown character | 2.0 |
| 2001 | The Follow Movie | The Employer | 6.9 |
| 2001 | Green Dragon Movie | Addie | 6.2 |
| 2001 | The Hire TV | The Employer | 7.7 |
| 2001 | A Tour of the Inferno: Revisiting 'Platoon' Movie | Self | 8.5 |
| 2000 | Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows Movie | Self | 7.2 |
| 2000 | Four Dogs Playing Poker Movie | Mr. Ellington | 4.2 |
| 2000 | Battlefield Earth Movie | Ker | 3.3 |
| 2000 | The Paperboy Movie | Narrator | 8.0 |
| 1999 | Witness Protection Movie | Steven Beck | 6.3 |
| 1999 | Light It Up Movie | Officer Dante Jackson | 6.6 |
| 1999 | The Early Show TV | Self | 6.2 |
| 1999 | Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai Movie | Ghost Dog | 7.3 |
| 1999 | Where Are They Now? TV | Self | 6.7 |
| 1998 | Body Count Movie | Crane | 5.5 |
| 1997 | The View TV | Self | 4.3 |
| 1996 | Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault Movie | Mr. Rucker | 7.1 |
| 1996 | The Daily Show TV | Self | 6.4 |
| 1996 | Phenomenon Movie | Nate Pope | 6.5 |
| 1995 | Mr. Holland's Opus Movie | Bobby Tidd as an adult (uncredited) | 7.0 |
| 1995 | Species Movie | Dan Smithson, Empath | 6.0 |
| 1995 | Smoke Movie | Cyrus Cole | 7.2 |
| 1994 | Prêt-à-Porter Movie | Cy Bianco | 5.2 |
| 1994 | Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso Movie | Self | 7.4 |
| 1994 | ER TV | Curtis Ames | 7.8 |
| 1994 | The Enemy Within Movie | Col. MacKenzie Casey | 5.8 |
| 1994 | Inside the Actors Studio TV | Self | |
| 1994 | Blown Away Movie | Anthony Franklin | 6.2 |
| 1994 | Jason's Lyric Movie | Maddog | 6.8 |
| 1993 | Bank Robber Movie | Officer Battle | 4.4 |
| 1993 | Lush Life Movie | Buddy Chester | 7.2 |
| 1993 | Last Light Movie | Fred Whitmore | 6.0 |
| 1993 | Body Snatchers Movie | Major Collins | 6.2 |
| 1992 | Consenting Adults Movie | David Duttonville | 5.4 |
| 1992 | The Crying Game Movie | Jody | 6.8 |
| 1992 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno TV | Unknown character | 5.3 |
| 1992 | Article 99 Movie | Dr. Sid Handleman | 6.1 |
| 1991 | Diary of a Hitman Movie | Dekker | 5.4 |
| 1991 | A Rage in Harlem Movie | Jackson | 5.5 |
| 1990 | Criminal Justice Movie | Jessie Williams | 6.0 |
| 1990 | Downtown Movie | Dennis Curren | 5.6 |
| 1989 | Johnny Handsome Movie | Dr. Steven Fisher | 6.3 |
| 1988 | LIVE with Kelly and Mark TV | Self | 5.6 |
| 1988 | Bird Movie | Charlie 'Bird' Parker | 6.8 |
| 1988 | Bloodsport Movie | Rawlins | 7.1 |
| 1987 | Good Morning, Vietnam Movie | Edward Garlick | 7.3 |
| 1987 | Stakeout Movie | Det. Jack Pismo | 6.5 |
| 1987 | Hands of a Stranger Movie | Sergeant Delaney | 4.9 |
| 1986 | Platoon Movie | Big Harold | 7.7 |
| 1986 | The Color of Money Movie | Amos | 6.9 |
| 1985 | North and South TV | Cuffey | 7.5 |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories TV | Jerry | 7.5 |
| 1985 | Vision Quest Movie | Balldozer | 6.4 |
| 1983 | The Grand Baby Movie | Unknown character | 5.5 |
| 1982 | Fast Times at Ridgemont High Movie | Charles Jefferson | 6.8 |
| 1982 | Tag: The Assassination Game Movie | Gowdy's Bodyguard | 5.5 |
| 1982 | Cagney & Lacey TV | Night Manager | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Hill Street Blues TV | Unknown character | 7.6 |
| 1978 | Diff'rent Strokes TV | Unknown character | 7.1 |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live TV | Self - Host | 6.9 |
| 1953 | The Oscars TV | Self - Presenter | 7.1 |
| 1953 | The Oscars TV | Self | 7.1 |
| 1952 | Today TV | Self | 5.6 |
| TBA | Sewing Hope Movie | Narrator (voice) |
Crew (37)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Lucky Lu Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 2025 | To Live and Die and Live Movie | Producer · Production | 10.0 |
| 2024 | Transplant Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 2024 | Hollywood Black TV | Executive Producer · Production | 3.0 |
| 2024 | Fancy Dance Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.5 |
Show 32 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | For the Sake of Peace Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 2021 | Passing Movie | Producer · Production | 6.3 |
| 2020 | By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem TV | Executive Producer · Production | 3.3 |
| 2019 | Godfather of Harlem TV | Executive Producer · Production | 8.1 |
| 2019 | Devil's Pie: D'Angelo Movie | Producer · Production | 10.0 |
| 2019 | A Kid from Coney Island Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.9 |
| 2018 | Sorry to Bother You Movie | Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 2017 | Roxanne Roxanne Movie | Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 2015 | Songs My Brothers Taught Me Movie | Producer · Production | 6.9 |
| 2015 | Dope Movie | Producer · Production | 7.0 |
| 2013 | Rising from Ashes Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.5 |
| 2013 | Fruitvale Station Movie | Producer · Production | 7.4 |
| 2011 | Serving Life Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.3 |
| 2011 | Monte Carlo Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 2009 | Brick City TV | Executive Producer · Production | |
| 2009 | Kassim the Dream Movie | Producer · Production | 5.7 |
| 2009 | Powder Blue Movie | Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 2007 | Ripple Effect Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.4 |
| 2005 | American Gun Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 5.7 |
| 2004 | First Daughter Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.2 |
| 2004 | First Daughter Movie | Director · Directing | 6.2 |
| 2003 | Chasing Papi Movie | Producer · Production | 6.7 |
| 2002 | Door to Door Movie | Co-Executive Producer · Production | 7.5 |
| 2001 | Green Dragon Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.2 |
| 1998 | Hope Floats Movie | Director · Directing | 6.5 |
| 1998 | Hope Floats Movie | Executive Music Producer · Crew | 6.5 |
| 1995 | Waiting to Exhale Movie | Director · Directing | 6.2 |
| 1993 | Strapped Movie | Director · Directing | 5.9 |
| 1991 | A Rage in Harlem Movie | Co-Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 1986 | A Little Off Mark Movie | Thanks · Crew | 9.0 |
| TBA | Rise of the Empress TV | Executive Producer · Production | |
| TBA | Rosetta Movie | Producer · Production |
Latest releases
- Bring Me the Horizon: L.I.V.E. in São Paulo2026 / TMDB 8.2
- Havoc2025 / TMDB 6.4
- The King of Kings2025 / TMDB 8.3
- Seaweed Stories2024
- Big George Foreman2023 / TMDB 7.6
- Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend2022 / TMDB 7.2
Questions about Forest Whitaker
What are Forest Whitaker's most notable awards?
Forest Whitaker has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'The Last King of Scotland' and multiple Golden Globe Awards.
What was Forest Whitaker's first film?
Forest Whitaker's first film appearance was in 'Body Snatchers' in 1993, where he played the character of a soldier.
What are some of Forest Whitaker's successful films?
Some of Forest Whitaker's successful films include 'The Last King of Scotland,' 'Bird,' 'Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,' and 'Black Panther.'
How did Forest Whitaker start his acting career?
Forest Whitaker began his acting career in theater before transitioning to television and film, gaining recognition in the late 1980s.
Is Forest Whitaker involved in any philanthropic work?
Yes, Forest Whitaker is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in promoting peace and education through his organization, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative.
What is Forest Whitaker's estimated net worth?
Forest Whitaker's estimated net worth is approximately $25 million, reflecting his successful career in film and television.
What is a defining characteristic of Forest Whitaker's acting style?
Forest Whitaker is known for his ability to portray intense emotions and complex characters, often using subtle facial expressions and a commanding presence.
Has Forest Whitaker worked as a director?
Yes, Forest Whitaker has directed several films and television projects, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker in addition to his acting career.