Forest Whitaker

Profession: Actor

Nationality:

Biography: Forest Whitaker is an American actor and director who first gained attention for his part in the critically acclaimed film Bird (1988), in which he portrayed the legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker. Whitaker won several awards for the role, including the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the following years, he took on a variety of roles, including a memorable part in The Crying Game (1992), but it was his role in The Last King of Scotland (2006) that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. In the film, he portrayed Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, delivering a performance at once terrifying and human in equal measure.

Beyond acting, Whitaker has directed several films, including Waiting to Exhale (1995) and Hope Floats (1998). Outside of his professional career, Whitaker is also known for his humanitarian work. He was inducted as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2011.

Born: July 15, 1961
Birthplace: Longview, Texas, USA
Age: 62 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Cancer