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'{{short description|American actor}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Forest Whitaker | image = Forest Whitaker by Gage Skidmore.jpg | caption = Whitaker at the 2017 [[San Diego Comic-Con]] | birth_name = Forest Steven Whitaker | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1961|7|15}} | birth_place = [[Longview, Texas]], U.S. | alma_mater = [[Cal Poly Pomona]]<br />[[University of Southern California]]<br />[[New York University]]<br />[[Drama Studio London]] | occupation = Actor, producer, director, humanitarian, activist | years_active = 1981–present | spouse = {{marriage|Keisha Nash|1996|2021|end={{abbr|div.|divorced}}}} | children = 4 }} '''Forest Steven Whitaker''' (born July 15, 1961) is an American actor, producer, director, and activist. He is the recipient of such accolades as an [[Academy Award]], a [[Golden Globe Award]], a [[British Academy Film Award]], and two [[Screen Actors Guild Awards]]. After making his film debut in ''[[Fast Times at Ridgemont High]]'' (1982), Whitaker went on to earn a reputation for intensive character study work for films such as ''[[Bird (1988 film)|Bird]]''; ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]''; ''[[The Crying Game]]''; ''[[Platoon (film)|Platoon]]''; ''[[Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai]]''; ''[[The Great Debaters]]''; ''[[The Butler]]''; ''[[Arrival (film)|Arrival]]''; and ''[[Respect (2021 American film)|Respect]]''.<ref name="Boston Globe">[https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2006/10/01/in_general_he_rules/?page=1 "In general, he rules."] ''[[The Boston Globe]]''. October 1, 2006.</ref><ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/31/sunday/main2418981.shtml|title=Forest Whitaker: The King Of The Oscars?|date=January 31, 2007|work=CBS News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207033243/https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/31/sunday/main2418981.shtml|archive-date=February 7, 2007}}</ref><ref name="New York">Sternbergh, Adam. [https://nymag.com/nymetro/movies/features/15453/ "Out of the Woods: How Forest Whitaker escaped his career slump."] ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]''. January 9, 2006.</ref> He has also appeared in blockbusters such as ''[[Panic Room]]'', ''[[Rogue One|Rogue One: A Star Wars Story]]'' as [[Saw Gerrera]] and ''[[Black Panther (film)|Black Panther]]'' as [[Zuri (comics)|Zuri]]. For his portrayal of Ugandan dictator [[Idi Amin]] in the British historical drama film ''[[The Last King of Scotland (film)|The Last King of Scotland]]'' (2006), Whitaker won the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]]. Whitaker made his directorial debut with the television film ''[[Strapped]]'' (1993), and directed the films ''[[Waiting to Exhale]]'' (1995), ''[[Hope Floats]]'' (1998), and ''[[First Daughter (2004 film)|First Daughter]]'' (2004). Apart from his film career, Whitaker is also known for his humanitarian work and activism. In 2011, he was inducted as a [[UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador]], was later promoted to Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and serves as the CEO of Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-profit outreach program.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpdi.org/|title=WPDI Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative|website=WPDI}}</ref> == Early life == Forest Steven Whitaker was born on July 15, 1961, in [[Longview, Texas]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001845/bio|title=Forest Whitaker|website=IMDb}}</ref> the son of Laura Francis (née Smith), a [[special education]] teacher who put herself through college and earned two [[master's degree]]s while raising her children, and Forest E. Whitaker Jr., an insurance salesman.<ref>[http://www.filmreference.com/film/74/Forest-Whitaker.html "Forest Whitaker Biography (1961–)."] ''FilmReference.com''.</ref><ref name="IAS">{{cite episode|title=Forest Whitaker |url=http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/guest/Forest_Whitaker |series=Inside the Actors Studio |airdate=December 11, 2006 |season=13 |number=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206094603/http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/guest/Forest_Whitaker |archive-date=December 6, 2008}}</ref> A DNA test has shown that his mother had [[Akan people|Akan]] ancestry, while his father was of [[Igbo people|Igbo]] descent.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Inside the Actors Studio: Forest Whitaker (2006) |series=Inside the Actors Studio |series-link=Inside the Actors Studio |credits=James Lipton (Himself&nbsp;– Host), Forest Whitaker (Himself) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013110/ |network=Bravomedia |station=Bravotv |location=New York City, New York, U.S.|airdate=December 11, 2006 |season=13}}</ref> When Whitaker was in elementary school, his family moved to [[Carson, California]].<ref name="Patterson">Patterson, John. [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/apr/20/patterson.features "The bigger picture."] ''[[The Guardian]]''. April 20, 2002.</ref> He has two younger brothers, Kenn and Damon, and an older sister, Deborah. His first role as an actor was the lead in [[Dylan Thomas]]'s play ''[[Under Milk Wood]]''.<ref name="Patterson" /> Whitaker attended [[Palisades Charter High School]], where he played on the football team and sang in the choir, graduating in 1979. He entered [[California State Polytechnic University, Pomona]] on a football scholarship,<ref>{{cite web | title=Cal Poly Pomona | url=http://www.csumentor.edu/campustour/undergraduate/1/Cal_Poly_Pomona/Cal_Poly_Pomona5.html| work= CSU Mentor | access-date=September 12, 2008}}</ref> but a back injury made him change his major to music (singing). He toured England with the Cal Poly Chamber Singers in 1980. While still at Cal Poly, he briefly changed his major to drama. He later transferred to the [[USC Thornton School of Music|Thornton School of Music]] at the [[University of Southern California]] to study opera as a [[Tenor (voice)|tenor]] and was subsequently accepted into the university's [[USC School of Dramatic Arts|Drama Conservatory]].<ref name="IAS" /> He graduated from USC with a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts|BFA]] in acting in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/100-celebrities-with-college-degrees/|title=100 Celebrities with College Degrees|publisher=Rasmussen College|access-date=November 19, 2017}}</ref> He was pursuing a degree in "The Core of Conflict: Studies in Peace and Reconciliation" at [[New York University]]'s [[Gallatin School of Individualized Study]] in 2004.<ref>Laura Randall [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9906E2DA1E3DF934A35752C1A9629C8B63 "BLACKBOARD: Independent Study; A Twin Peek: What The Stars Do at N.Y.U."] ''The New York Times'', November 7, 2004.</ref> Whitaker later took a post-graduate course at Drama Studio London. == Career == === Film work === [[File:Forest Whitaker 2010.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Whitaker presenting the film ''[[My Own Love Song]]'' in Paris, 2010]] Whitaker has a long history of working with well-regarded film directors and actors. 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" /> In 1986, he appeared in [[Martin Scorsese]]'s ''[[The Color of Money]]'' and [[Oliver Stone]]'s ''[[Platoon (film)|Platoon]]''. The following year, he co-starred in the comedy ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]'' alongside [[Robin Williams]]. In 1988, Whitaker appeared in the film ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'' and had his first lead role starring as musician [[Charlie Parker|Charlie "Bird" Parker]] in [[Clint Eastwood]]'s ''[[Bird (1988 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."] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20070731115103/http://www.accessatlanta.com/services/content/movies/stories/2006/10/12/1013MMwhitaker.html |date=July 31, 2007 }} ''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 |access-date=July 25, 2009 |work=festival-cannes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728174856/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/316/year/1988.html |archive-date=July 28, 2011}}</ref> 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'' and was cast in the pivotal role of Jody, a captive British soldier in the 1992 film ''[[The Crying Game]]'', for which he 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. [https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901397.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 "The Crying Game (Review)."] ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. September 11, 1992.</ref> 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 (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]'', in 1994. In 1995, he gave a "characteristically emotional performance"<ref>Stratton, David. [https://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 ''[[Smoke (film)|Smoke]]'', and appeared in the low budget film [[Species (film)|Species]]. In 1996, he played the role of a good-natured man in ''[[Phenomenon (film)|Phenomenon]]'', alongside [[John Travolta]] and [[Robert Duvall]], which earned him a [[Blockbuster Entertainment Awards|Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actor – Drama]], and was also nominated for [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture]]. Whitaker played a serene, pigeon-raising, [[bushido]]-following, [[American 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. [https://www.nytimes.com/library/film/030300ghost-film-review.html "''Ghost Dog'': Passions of Emptiness in an Essay on Brutality."] ''[[The 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. [https://www.theguardian.com/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. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031104155431/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fchronicle%2Farchive%2F2000%2F04%2F30%2FPK88588.DTL&type=music |date=November 4, 2003 }}</ref> ''Battlefield Earth'' won seven [[Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie Awards]].<ref name="BattleRazzies">{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Hollywood honours its worst|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1240930.stm|date=March 25, 2001|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> Whitaker later expressed his regret for participating in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185183/trivia|title=Battlefield Earth (2000)|work=IMDb}}</ref> [[File:Forest Whitaker Cannes 2013 3.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Whitaker at the [[2013 Cannes Film Festival]]]] 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''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129065040/http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie/the-follow/ |date=January 29, 2009 }} ''MSN Movies''.</ref> He co-starred in [[Joel Schumacher]]'s 2002 [[Thriller film|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" /> Whitaker's 2006 portrayal of [[Idi Amin]] in the film ''[[The Last King of Scotland (film)|The Last King of Scotland]]'' earned him positive reviews by critics as well as multiple awards and honors.<ref name="PositiveKing">{{cite news|last=Hirshon |first=Nicholas |work=[[New York Daily News]] |title=Reel Study of a Tyrant |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/ny_local/2006/09/17/2006-09-17_reel_study__of_a_tyrant__ami.html |date=September 17, 2006 |access-date=January 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604070948/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/ny_local/2006/09/17/2006-09-17_reel_study__of_a_tyrant__ami.html |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="SydneyKing">{{cite news|last=Hall|first=Sandra|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|title=The Last King of Scotland|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/film-reviews/the-last-king-of-scotland/2007/02/02/1169919520376.html|date=February 2, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> To portray the dictator, Whitaker gained 50 pounds, learned to play the [[accordion]], and immersed himself in research.<ref name=autogenerated1>[https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/31/sunday/main2418981.shtml "Forest Whitaker: The King Of The Oscars?"] ''CBS News''/ February 4, 2007.</ref> 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 language|Swahili]] and mastered Amin's [[East Africa]]n accent.<ref name="Boston Globe" /> His performance earned him the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]], making him the fourth black actor in history to do so, joining the ranks of [[Sidney Poitier]], [[Denzel Washington]], and [[Jamie Foxx]].<ref name="Oscar4th">{{cite news|last=Cocks|first=Tim|newspaper=Independent Online|title=Ugandans laud Whitaker for Oscar|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=136&art_id=nw20070226125714268C265243|date=February 26, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, Whitaker said: “When I first started acting, it was because of my desire to connect to everyone, to that thing inside each of us, that light that I believe exists in all of us. Because acting for me is about believing in that connection; and it's a connection so strong, it's a connection so deep that we feel it and through our combined belief we can create a new reality.”<ref>{{Cite web|title=Academy Awards Acceptance Speeches – Search Results {{!}} Margaret Herrick Library {{!}} Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences|url=http://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/079-1/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=aaspeechesdb.oscars.org}}</ref> For that same role, he was also recognized with the [[British Academy Film Award]], [[Golden Globe Award]], [[National Board of Review|National Board of Review Award]], [[Screen Actors Guild Award]], and accolades from the [[Broadcast Film Critics Association]], [[London Film Critics' Circle|London Film Critics’ Circle Award]], [[Los Angeles Film Critics Association]], [[National Society of Film Critics]], and [[New York Film Critics Circle]] among others.<ref name="KingAwards">{{cite news|work=[[The Spectator]]|title=Here's a list of what honours the top movies and Oscar nominees have won|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/1222085061.html?dids=1222085061:1222085061&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+24%2C+2007&author=Doug+Foley&pub=The+Spectator&desc=Here%27s+a+list+of+what+honours+the+top+movies+and+Oscar+nominees+have+won%3A&pqatl=google|date=February 24, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010 | first=Doug | last=Foley}}</ref> In 2007, Whitaker played Dr. James Farmer Sr. in ''[[The Great Debaters]]'', for which he received an [[Image Award]] nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.<ref name="GreatImage">{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Today.com]]|title='Great Debaters' scores 8 Image Award nods|url=http://www.today.com/id/22562299|date=January 8, 2008|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> 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 (film)|Vantage Point]]''. In 2013, after a small career slump where he starred in a few straight-to-video films, Whitaker has enjoyed a career resurgence, having played the lead role in ''[[The Butler|Lee Daniels' The Butler]]'', which has become one of his greatest critical and commercial successes to date. Whitaker won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for that film.<ref name=THR0817>{{cite news|last=Feinberg|first=Scott|title='The Butler' Builds Oscar Credentials With Strong Critical, Commercial Debut (Analysis)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/butler-builds-oscar-credentials-strong-608479|access-date=August 19, 2013|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=butler.htm |title=Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=February 8, 2014}}</ref> Whitaker also starred in the film ''[[Black Nativity (film)|Black Nativity]]'' and co-starred in 2013's ''[[The Last Stand (2012 film)|The Last Stand]]'', playing an FBI agent chasing an escaped drug cartel leader. Whitaker played [[Saw Gerrera]] in the 2016 film ''[[Rogue One|Rogue One: A Star Wars Story]]''.<ref>{{cite news |author=Daisy Wyatt |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-rogue-one-cast-confirmed-felicity-jones-ben-mendelsohn-and-forest-whitaker-to-star-in-10458757.html |title=Star Wars Rogue One cast confirmed: Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker to star in first spin-off |newspaper=The Independent |date=August 17, 2015 |access-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612155007/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-rogue-one-cast-confirmed-felicity-jones-ben-mendelsohn-and-forest-whitaker-to-star-in-10458757.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Breznican|first=Anthony|title=Rogue One: Forest Whitaker's character has a rich Star Wars history|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/22/star-wars-rogue-one-forest-whitaker-character|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=December 16, 2016|date=June 22, 2016}}</ref> 2016 also saw Whitaker portray Colonel Weber in ''[[Arrival (film)|Arrival]]'', which was followed by his portrayal of [[Archbishop Desmond Tutu]] in 2017’s ''[[The Forgiven (2017 film)|The Forgiven]]''. For his portrayal of Zuri in 2018’s ''Black Panther'', Whitaker shared in the SAG Award for Best Ensemble.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-01-28|title=SAG awards 2019: Black Panther wins top prize at SAG awards|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-47026112|access-date=2021-08-11}}</ref> In 2020, Whitaker starred as Jeronicus Jangle in the Netflix Christmas musical ''Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/title/80232043|title=Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey &#124; Netflix Official Site|website=www.netflix.com}}</ref> He appeared as Reverend [[C. L. Franklin|C.L. Franklin]], the father of [[Aretha Franklin]] (played by [[Jennifer Hudson]]) in the film ''[[Respect (2021 American film)|Respect]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2452150/|title=Respect|via=IMDb}}</ref> and is set to appear alongside Tom Hardy in Havoc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/forest-whitaker-tom-hardy-netflix-havoc-1234934877/|title=Forest Whitaker Joins Tom Hardy in Netflix Crime Film ‘Havoc’|first1=Joe|last1=Otterson|date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> === 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 |access-date=January 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604013541/http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/feb2007/db20070215_662383.htm?campaign_id=rss_daily |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> That same year, Whitaker also played the part of a comic book salesman in the ''[[Amazing Stories (1985 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 |access-date=January 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110075431/http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=4594 |archive-date=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 (2002 TV series)|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. [https://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. In the fall of 2006, Whitaker started a multi-episode story arc on ''[[ER (TV series)|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 sues, then takes out his anger on [[Luka Kovač|Dr. Luka Kovač]], who he blames for the strokes. Whitaker received a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] nomination for his performance in the series.<ref name="EREMMY">{{cite news|last=Kings|first=Susan|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|title=Emmy nominations unveiled|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/emmys/env-emmynews19jul19,0,5451140.story|date=July 19, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> Also in 2006, Whitaker appeared in [[T.I.]]'s music video "Live in the Sky" alongside [[Jamie Foxx]].<ref name="TIMTV">{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|author2=Yasmine Richard|publisher=MTV|title=T.I. Gets Vulnerable, Jamie Foxx Provides Comic Relief On 'Live in the Sky' Video Set|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1538463/20060811/t_i_.jhtml|date=August 14, 2006|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> Whitaker was cast in the ''[[Criminal Minds]]'' spin-off, ''[[Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior]]'', that was subsequently cancelled by CBS on May 17, 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/01/25/forest-whitaker-criminal-minds-spin-off/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128003228/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/01/25/forest-whitaker-criminal-minds-spin-off/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 28, 2010 |title=Scoop: Forest Whitaker to headline ''Criminal Minds'' spin-off! |author=Michael Ausiello |date=January 25, 2010 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=April 7, 2010 }}</ref> In December 2016, it was announced that Whitaker would reprise his role as Saw Gerrera from ''Rogue One'' for the ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' animated series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/movies/2016/12/20/rogue-one-saw-gerrera-star-wars-rebels/|title=See Saw Gerrera From 'Rogue One' Return in Animated 'Star Wars: Rebels'|date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> In 2017 and 2018, Whitaker had an eleven-episode arc on Empire, which saw him reunited with Lee Daniels after their work together on The Butler. Since 2019, Whitaker has been starring as Bumpy Johnson in ''[[Godfather of Harlem]]'', a series on EPIX which explores the intersection between the criminal underworld and civil rights movement in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epix.com/series/godfather-of-harlem|title=EPIX &#124; Hit Movies, TV Series and More|website=www.epix.com}}</ref> Whitaker is set to appear in an episode of Extrapolations, an Apple TV anthology series that focuses on climate change. <ref>[https://deadline.com/2021/10/extrapolations-forest-whitaker-marion-cotillard-tobey-maguire-eiza-gonzalez-scott-z-burns-apple-1234862163/ ‘Extrapolations’: Forest Whitaker, Marion Cotillard, Tobey Maguire & Eiza Gonzalez Join Cast Of Scott Z. Burns’ Apple Drama – Deadline<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Theatre=== Whitaker made his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut in 2016 in a revival of [[Eugene O'Neill]]'s play ''[[Hughie]]'' at the [[Booth Theatre]], directed by [[Michael Grandage]].<ref>[http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/theater/gambling-on-oneill-forest-whitaker-makes-his-broadway-debut-in-hughie.html "Gambling on O'Neill: Forest Whitaker Makes His Broadway Debut in ''Hughie''"] by Michael Paulson, ''[[The New York Times]], February 3, 2016</ref> === Producing and directing === Whitaker branched out into producing and directing in the 1990s. He co-produced and co-starred in ''[[A Rage in Harlem (film)|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 – and won the International Critics' Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001845/awards|title=Forest Whitaker|website=IMDb}}</ref> In 1995, he directed his first [[Feature film|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".<ref>Ebert, Roger. [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19951222/REVIEWS/512220305/1023 "Waiting to Exhale (review)."] ''Chicago Sun-Times''. December 22, 1995.</ref> 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.]], which he also executive produced. He directed [[Katie Holmes]] in the [[romantic comedy]], ''[[First Daughter (2004 film)|First Daughter]]'' in 2004, while also serving as an [[Executive producer#Motion pictures and television|executive producer]] on the film; he had previously co-starred with Holmes in ''[[Phone Booth (film)|Phone Booth]]'' in 2002. He gained experience as the executive producer of several [[Television movie|made-for-television movies]], most notably the 2002 [[Emmy]]-award-winning ''[[Door to Door (film)|Door to Door]]'', starring [[William H. Macy]]. {{anchor|Spirit Dance Entertainment}}He produced these projects through his production company, Spirit Dance Entertainment, which he shut down in 2005 to concentrate on his acting career.<ref name="New York" /><ref name="Longino" /> Whitaker's current company, Significant Productions, is devoted to creating opportunities for underrepresented narratives and storytellers by championing films and television shows starring people of color, alongside diversified representation behind the camera. Whitaker and his partner [[Nina Yang Bongiovi]] produced Ryan Coogler's directorial debut ''[[Fruitvale Station]]'', which won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the [[2013 Sundance Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/moviesnow/la-et-mn-sundance-2013-fruitvale-wins-grand-jury-prize-20130126,0,5342255.story |title=Sundance 2013: 'Fruitvale' wins Grand Jury Prize |first=Julie |last=Makinen |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 26, 2013 |access-date=January 26, 2013}}</ref> and won Prize of The Future at Cannes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Nigel M.|date=2013-05-26|title='Fruitvale Station' Wins Prize of the Future at Cannes|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/05/fruitvale-station-wins-prize-of-the-future-at-cannes-38092/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=IndieWire|language=en}}</ref> They also launched the career of Chloe Zhao, with Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/songs_my_brothers_taught_me|title=Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015)|via=www.rottentomatoes.com}}</ref> Other producing highlights have included ‘Repentance’ (2014), ''[[Dope (2015 film)|Dope]]'' (2015), Roxanne Roxanne (2018) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/title/80171733|title=Roxanne Roxanne &#124; Netflix Official Site|website=www.netflix.com}}</ref> and ''[[Sorry to Bother You (film)|Sorry to Bother You]]'' (2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/tessa-thompson-lakeith-stanfield-steven-yeun-movie-sorry-to-bother-you-1202113786/|title=Tessa Thompson, Lakeith Stanfield, Steven Yeun To Star In 'Sorry To Bother You'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Anita|last=Busch|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=June 27, 2017}}</ref> In 2021, the company's latest film, Passing, will debut on Netflix.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/netflix-passing-acquisition-deal-rebecca-hall-tessa-thompson-ruth-negga-1234899976/|title=Netflix in Talks to Acquire Rebecca Hall's 'Passing' in Near $16 Million Deal|first1=Angelique|last1=Jackson|date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> Significant Productions also produced a documentary that was shot in the hospice at Angola prison in Louisiana, 'Serving Life’ (2011), which was produced for [[Oprah Winfrey]] as the first commission for [[Oprah Winfrey Network (U.S. TV channel)|OWN]] and Oprah's Doc Club.<ref>{{IMDb title |1699762}}</ref> They produced A Kid From Coney Island, a documentary about basketball star Stephon Marbury.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/title/81155851|title=A Kid from Coney Island &#124; Netflix|website=www.netflix.com}}</ref> In 2020, Significant produced By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://press.epix.com/programs/by-whatever-means-necessary-the-times-of-godfather-of-harlem/|title=By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem}}</ref> === Other media === Whitaker worked closely with [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]] as the executive producer to the soundtrack for ''[[Waiting to Exhale]]'', which Whitaker directed. The album received a total of eleven Grammy nominations in 1997, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)". Three songs were nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It won the Grammy for Best R&B Song for "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," written by Babyface.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/record-revisiting-historic-waiting-exhale-soundtrack|title=For The Record: 'Waiting To Exhale' Soundtrack|date=November 11, 2020|website=GRAMMY.com}}</ref> Whitaker served as Executive Soundtrack Producer on the soundtrack for ''[[Hope Floats]]'', which he directed. Best known for [[Garth Brooks]]’ rendition of “To Make You Feel My Love,” the album went double-platinum and was Grammy nominated. Whitaker also served as Executive Music Producer and co-wrote eight songs for the soundtrack to ''First Daughter'', which he directed. Under Frank Cooper, he served as the creator and producer of DEWmocracy.com, an interactive video game, short film, and website that allowed people to select a new flavor of [[Mountain Dew]]. This campaign turned into the most successful launch of a soft drink in Mountain Dew's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/whitaker-votes-for-dewmocracy-1117975492/|title=Whitaker votes for 'Dewmocracy'|first1=Marc|last1=Graser|date=November 7, 2007}}</ref> Whitaker appears in the [[Jamie Foxx]] featuring [[T-Pain]] 2008 music video, "[[Blame It]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/04/27/ew-exclusive-ro/|title=Ron Howard explains his mysterious Jamie Foxx cameo: 'I'm not a big pimpin' kind of dude'|website=EW.com}}</ref> He also appears in the music video "In the Dark" by [[Bring Me the Horizon]], released on October 21, 2019.;<ref>{{YouTube|id=Thazgd1HFus|title=Bring Me The Horizon – in the dark (Official Video)}}</ref> and his voice and likeness were used for [[Saw Gerrera]] in the 2019 video game ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order]]''. === JuntoBox films === Whitaker has played 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=Forest Whitaker to co-chair JuntoBox Films|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/forest-whitaker-to-co-chair-juntobox-films-1118050929/|newspaper=Variety|date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://juntoboxfilms.com/#level_five|title=JuntoBox Films &#124; An online community for filmmakers, film fans and talent.|website=juntoboxfilms.com}}</ref> == 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 2005, the Deauville (France) Festival of American Film paid tribute to him.<ref>Nesselson, Lisa. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5143/is_/ai_n18595076 "Deauville tips hat."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206045308/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5143/is_/ai_n18595076 |date=December 6, 2008 }} ''Variety''. August 18, 2005.</ref> 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".<ref>[http://hollywoodawards.com/news/2006/honorees_nominees.html "Press release."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927085900/http://hollywoodawards.com/news/2006/honorees_nominees.html |date=September 27, 2007 }} ''Hollywood Film Festival News''. September 28, 2006.</ref> Whitaker received the Capri Legend Award in 2006, from the Capri Hollywood International Film Festival.<ref name="auto"/> He was honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2007, where he received the American Riviera Award.<ref>[http://sbiff.org/site/check-it-out "Festival 2007 Tributes."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121195146/http://sbiff.org/site/check-it-out |date=November 21, 2008 }} ''Santa Barbara International Film Festival''. sbiff.org.</ref> On April 16, 2007, Whitaker was the recipient of the 2,335th star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] for his contributions to the motion pictures industry at 6801 [[Hollywood Boulevard]].<ref>[http://www.theinsider.com/news/134765_Forest_Whitaker_Gets_Star_On_Walk_Of_Fame "Forest Whitaker Gets Star On Walk Of Fame."] {{dead link|date=May 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Insider''. April 17, 2007. Accessed January 9, 2009.</ref><ref name="KingFOX">{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Fox News]]|title=Forest Whitaker Gets Walk of Fame Star|url=http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2007Apr16/0,4675,PeopleWhitaker,00.html|date=April 16, 2007|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/forest-whitaker|title=Forest Whitaker {{!}} Hollywood Walk of Fame|website=www.walkoffame.com|access-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/forest-whitaker/|title=Forest Whitaker|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref> In 2004, Whitaker received an Honorary Doctorate from the North Carolina School of the Arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://library.uncsa.edu/uncsahistory/doctorates|title=Guides: UNCSA History: Honorary Doctorates|first=Kait|last=Dorsky|website=library.uncsa.edu}}</ref> In 2007, he received the Cinema for Peace Award for his ongoing advocacy for child soldiers and his work with inner-city youths.<ref name="wpdi.org">{{Cite web|title=Our leadership{{!}} Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative|url=https://www.wpdi.org/about/our-leadership/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=WPDI|language=en-US}}</ref> Whitaker then received the [[honorary degree]] of [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] from [[Xavier University of Louisiana]] in 2009 at the 82nd Commencement Ceremony.<ref>[http://www.xula.edu/mediarelations/commencement2009_videos.php "Commencement 2009".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527233220/http://www.xula.edu/mediarelations/commencement2009_videos.php |date=May 27, 2010 }} [[Xavier University of Louisiana]]. Accessed January 9, 2009.</ref> In 2009, he also received an Honorary Degree from Manhattanville College, where he delivered the commencement address.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saratogian.com/news/inside-saratoga-local-shares-graduation-with-academy-award-winner/article_281e97e1-6dad-5e8a-84d4-0f16910d2a83.html|title=Inside Saratoga: Local shares graduation with Academy Award winner|first=JEANNETTE|last=JORDAN|website=The Saratogian}}</ref> In 2012, in recognition of his contributions to the values embodied by the UN, he received the United Nations Correspondents Association’s Advocate of the Year Award.<ref name="wpdi.org"/> In 2013, Whitaker received the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France's Minister of Culture, in recognition of his work serving those affected by conflicts and violence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Actualites/Remise-des-insignes-de-Chevalier-de-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres-a-Rossy-DE-PALMA-et-a-Forest-WHITAKER|title=Remise des insignes de Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres à Rossy DE PALMA et à Forest WHITAKER|website=www.culture.gouv.fr}}</ref> That year, he was also named a Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow by Boston University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bu.edu/articles/2013/forest-whitaker-honored-as-bu-mlk-fellow/|title=Forest Whitaker Honored as BU MLK Fellow &#124; BU Today|website=Boston University}}</ref> Whitaker was the keynote speaker at Miami University's commencement in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/story/news/2014/05/18/forest-whitaker-tells-miami-university-graduates-to-be-kind/9250841/|title=Forest Whitaker tells Miami University graduates to be kind|first=Monique|last=Zappa|website=The News Herald}}</ref> He received the honorary degree of [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] from [[California State University, Dominguez Hills]] on May 16, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csudhnews.com/2015/04/forest-whitaker/|title=CSU Dominguez Hills to bestow honorary doctorate on actor, humanitarian Forest Whitaker|access-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905182814/http://www.csudhnews.com/2015/04/forest-whitaker/|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, Whitaker received the Humanitarian Award from the World Childhood Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.childhood-usa.org/thankyou-awards/|title=ThankYou Awards}}</ref> In 2017, Whitaker earned the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Davos 2017: Meet the Crystal Award-winners|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/01/davos-2017-crystal-shakira-forest-whitaker-anne-sophie-mutter/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=World Economic Forum|language=en}}</ref> That year, he also received the 4GameChanger Of The Year Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://4gamechangers.io/|title=acceptance speech: Forest Whitaker|website=4GAMECHANGERS}}</ref> He received the honorary degree of [[Doctor of Fine Arts]] from [[University of Southern California]] on May 11, 2018 at the 135th Commencement Ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pressroom.usc.edu/usc-announces-honorary-degree-recipients-for-2018-commencement/|title=USC announces five honorary degree recipients for 2018 commencement|date=April 6, 2018|website=USC News}}</ref> He received the Medal of Peace from the University of San Diego's Kroc School of Peace Studies in 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiego.edu/news/detail.php/news//?_focus=66992|title=USD Honors Actor and Humanitarian, Forest Whitaker, with the Medal of Peace|website=www.sandiego.edu}}</ref> and received an Honorary Fellowship from SOAS University of London that same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soas.ac.uk/news/newsitem133496.html|title=Forest Whitaker discusses young people as forces for peace at SOAS Graduation 2018 &#124; SOAS University of London|website=www.soas.ac.uk}}</ref> In 2019, he was also among the recipients of the 2019 Kennedy Center Award for the Human Spirit.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Wichard-Edds|first1=Adrienne|last2=Wichard-Edds|first2=Adrienne|date=2019-04-04|title=Forest Whitaker Honored at Kennedy Center Human Spirit Awards|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/forest-whitaker-honored-at-kennedy-center-human-spirit-awards-1199564/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, USC awarded him the Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/academy-award-winner-forest-whitaker-one-of-five-to-be-honored-by-sda-at-benefit-celebrating-75-years-of-academics-and-artistry/|title=Academy award winner Forest Whitaker one of five to be honored by SDA at benefit celebrating 75 years of academics and artistry · School of Dramatic Arts · USC|website=dramaticarts.usc.edu}}</ref> That year, he was also promoted to Commander of France’s Order of Arts and Letters. <ref>[https://www.beimages.net/latest/2021/11/08/forest_whitaker_decorated_with_the_order_of_arts_and_literature BEImages – Celebrity and Event Photography – Photo Studio – Syndication<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Activism == === Charity work === Over the past decade, Whitaker has spent much of his time dedicated to humanitarian work. These pursuits were partially motivated by a core lesson his mother taught him: “You don’t have to believe what I believe, but you have to believe in something,” which Whitaker has discussed giving structure to much of his life.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parker|first=Sam|date=2013-11-14|title=Forest Whitaker: What I've Learned|url=http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/film-tv/5258/forest-whitaker-interview-esquire/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Esquire|language=en-GB}}</ref> He founded the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-governmental organization, in 2012. WPDI implements peace-building programs in conflict affected communities throughout the world, which are focused on training youths in conflict resolution and developing businesses in areas of conflict. WPDI's programs are currently operating throughout Africa, Mexico, and the United States. 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 worked 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 T. Killion|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."<ref>[http://unesco.usmission.gov/whitaker-ga-induction.html "Forest Whitaker Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202152848/http://unesco.usmission.gov/whitaker-ga-induction.html |date=February 2, 2014 }}." U.S. Mission to UNESCO. June 22, 2011.</ref> Following his increased work in conflict-impacted regions, Whitaker was then promoted to a UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-special-envoy-peace-and-reconciliation-forest-whitaker-myanmar|title=UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation Forest Whitaker in Myanmar|date=June 5, 2015|website=UNESCO}}</ref> and was a member of President Obama's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/6490395/Barack-Obama-appoints-Sarah-Jessica-Parker-and-Forest-Whitaker-to-arts-panel.html|title=Barack Obama appoints Sarah Jessica Parker and Forest Whitaker to arts panel|website=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> He previously served on President Obama's Urban Policy Committee and started collaborating with the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict as an Advocate for Children Affected by War, a topic on which he was invited to speak before the UN Security Council in September 2014. Whitaker worked with elementary schools through the Turnaround Arts organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://turnaroundarts.kennedy-center.org/portfolio/forest-whitaker/|title=Forest Whitaker|work=Kennedy Center}}</ref> Additionally, he is on the steering committee for the UN's work with the Reintegration of Child Soldiers after having served as an Advocate for Children Affected by War, and is an Advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unsdgadvocates.org/forest-whitaker|title=Forest Whitaker|website=SDG Advocates}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hopenorth.org |title=Hope North |publisher=Hope North |access-date=September 17, 2010}}</ref> Above all, Whitaker believes that ordinary people can and must come together to change the world. In his own words, “Even a seemingly small action can cause ripples that make an enormous impact.” <ref name="wpdi.org"/> === Politics === In politics, Whitaker supported and spoke on behalf of Senator [[Barack Obama]] in his [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|2008 presidential campaign]].<ref name="BarackWhitaker">{{cite news|work=[[The Grand Rapids Press]]|title=Actor Forest Whitaker campaigns for Barack Obama at Grand Rapids Community College|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2008/10/actor_forest_whitaker_campaign.html|date=October 9, 2008|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> On April 6, 2009, he was given a [[Nigerian Chieftaincy|chieftaincy]] title in [[Imo State]], [[Nigeria]]. Whitaker, who was named a chief among the [[Igbo people|Igbo]] community of [[Nkwerre]], was given the title '''Nwannedinamba''' of Nkwerre, which means ''A Brother in a Foreign Land''. Whitaker co-founded the International Institute for Peace (IIP) at [[Rutgers University]] in [[Newark, New Jersey]], where he is also a senior research scholar.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/unesco_and_international_institute_for_peace_co_founded_by_forest_whitaker_sign_an_agreement/ | title=UNESCO and International Institute for Peace co-founded by Forest Whitaker sign an agreement | publisher=UNESCO | date=February 9, 2012 | access-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> Launched during the international Newark Peace Education Summit, IIP's mission is to develop programs and strategic partnerships to address issues such as increasing citizen security through community-building; the role of women and spiritual and religious leaders in peacebuilding; the impact of climate change; and the reduction of poverty. IIP operates under the auspices of UNESCO.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} == Personal life == In 1996, Whitaker married actress <!--wife's birthplace info not relevant article about husband, so do not add back in; discuss on talk page if necessary-->Keisha Nash, whom he met on the set of ''[[Blown Away (1994 film)|Blown Away]]''.<ref name="CBS" /> They have four children: two daughters together (Sonnet and True), and his son (Ocean Alexander) and her daughter (Autumn) from their previous relationships. In December 2018, Whitaker filed for divorce from Nash, citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{cite web|title=Forest Whitaker files for divorce from Keisha Nash-Whitaker|date=December 27, 2018|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.apnews.com/1aa7351af71642dcb397a41896b74a1d|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref> Whitaker studies yoga, has a black belt in [[kenpō]] and is a vegetarian.<ref name="CBS" /> He also trains in [[eskrima]], originally under [[Dan Inosanto]] and currently with Joe Jackson. Whitaker's left eye [[ptosis (eyelid)|ptosis]] has been called "intriguing" by some critics<ref>Wloszczyna, Susan. [https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-10-01-king-scotland-duo_x.htm "'Last King' demanded obedience to their craft."] ''USA Today''. October 2, 2006.</ref> and gives him "a sleepy, contemplative look".<ref>Zackarek, Stephanie. [http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2000/03/09/ghostdog/index.html "Jim Jarmusch adds lyrical violence to a Zen meditation on warriors hip-hop and ancient."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003011220/http://archive.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2000/03/09/ghostdog/index.html |date=October 3, 2009 }} ''Salon.com''. March 9, 2000.</ref> 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.<ref>Sager, Mike. [http://www.esquire.com/features/what-ive-learned/ESQ0107forestwhitaker "What I've Learned: Forest Whitaker."] ''Esquire''. February 26, 2007.</ref> His ancestry has been traced to [[Nkwerre]] in [[Imo State]] of Nigeria, where he was made an honorary titled chief on April 5, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://afroculture.net/39-black-celebrities-of-hollywood-of-nigerian-origin/ |work = Afroculture |title = 39 Black Celebrities in Hollywood with Nigerian origin |author = Charlotte B. |date = 2019 |access-date = 2021-01-10 }}</ref> == Filmography == {{main|Forest Whitaker filmography}} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{wikiquote}} {{commons category}} * {{IMDb name|0001845}} * {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412181131/http://www.candlesforrwanda.org/view/28/forest-whitaker.html |date=April 12, 2009 |title=Forest Whitaker lighting a candle for Rwanda }} {{Forest Whitaker}} {{Navboxes |title = Awards for Forest Whitaker |list = {{Academy Award Best Actor}} {{BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role}} {{BET Award for Best Actor}} {{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor}} {{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series}} {{Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor}} {{Prix d'interprétation masculine 1980–1999}} {{Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor}} {{Broadcast 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 Best Actor Motion Picture Drama}} {{London Film Critics Circle Award for Actor of the Year}} {{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor}} {{NAACP Image Award – Chairman's Award}} {{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}} {{Satellite Award Best Actor Motion Picture}} {{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleLeadMotionPicture}} {{St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor}} {{Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor}} {{Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor}} }} {{Authority control}} {{good article}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Whitaker, Forest}} [[Category:1961 births]] [[Category:20th-century American male actors]] [[Category:21st-century American male actors]] [[Category:African-American film directors]] [[Category:African-American male actors]] [[Category:Alumni of the Drama Studio London]] [[Category:African-American film producers]] [[Category:Film producers from Texas]] [[Category:American male film actors]] [[Category:American male television actors]] [[Category:American people of Akan descent]] [[Category:American people of Ghanaian descent]] [[Category:American people of Igbo descent]] [[Category:American people of Nigerian descent]] [[Category:Best Actor Academy Award winners]] [[Category:Best Actor BAFTA Award winners]] [[Category:Best Drama Actor Golden Globe (film) winners]] [[Category:Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor winners]] [[Category:Businesspeople from Los Angeles]] [[Category:California State Polytechnic University, Pomona alumni]] [[Category:Emmy Award winners]] [[Category:Film directors from Texas]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Male actors from Los Angeles]] [[Category:Male actors from Texas]] [[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners]] [[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Screen Actors Guild Award winners]] [[Category:People from Longview, Texas]] [[Category:People with ptosis (eyelid)]] [[Category:USC School of Dramatic Arts alumni]] [[Category:Film producers from California]] [[Category:New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study alumni]] [[Category:UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors]] [[Category:Film directors from Los Angeles]] [[Category:20th-century African-American people]] [[Category:21st-century African-American people]]'