Forest Whitaker: From Hollywood Stardom to World Peace

When you have a golden voice, have got acting skills second to none and have worked with the biggest directors in Hollywood, you have to be a big star. In case you didn’t already know, we’re talking about the iconic and versatile actor Forest Whitaker.

He was a breakout star in the 80s and acting came to him just by chance. Ever since he got his big break, he has never looked back and has been a part of some timeless movies that hold relevance even today.

We wanted to pay a tribute to this legend and look back at his illustrious career and know when and how Hollywood got one of its biggest stars. It is the story of Forest Whitaker’s life and how a young kid from college went on to become one of the greatest actors the world has ever seen.

#1. Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

It all started with this 1982 release that gave a young Whitaker an impetus into the film industry. He had dropped a sports scholarship to learn acting, and his decision had finally paid off. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an incredible youth film and continues to entertain even after more than three decades of its release. It captures the small and minute details of the lives of three young people. It is one of those films that anyone can relate to. The movie went on to become a cult classic and also gave Hollywood some of the finest years in the years to come including Whitaker, Sean Penn, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

(Image Courtesy: Movie Locations)

 #2. Good Morning, Vietnam (1988)

Yes, it was not an out and out Forest Whitaker film as it belonged well and truly to Robin Williams. However, that doesn’t take away the solid supporting role that Whitaker played in this 1988 hit. Whitaker plays the role of Garlick and teams up with DJ Adrian Cronauer (Williams) who shake up things when assigned to the Radio Station of the US Military stationed in Vietnam. Set during the times when America was at war with Vietnam, this movie is a perfect blend of comedy and drama, and Whitaker pulls off the supporting role with much ease.

(Image Courtesy: PlayBuzz)

#3. Bird (1988)

Whitaker’s biggest moment would come in the same year when he was cast in the critically acclaimed Bird, this time as the lead. He got his biggest break, and he made sure he did complete justice to his role, which he did. The movie is based on the troubled life and career of iconic Jazz musician Charlie Bird Parker. This was the first time when Whitaker teamed up with legendary director Clint Eastwood, and it was the beginning of many solid performances to come. Whitaker is just fantastic from start to finish as he got well and truly under the skin of his troubled character.

(Image Courtesy: IMDb)

#4. The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

Despite his strong performances, Whitaker finally got the recognition he deserved in this 2006 flick. He got his first Oscar nomination for his tremendous performance as Idi Amin. His first nomination eventually became his first Oscar award as he shrugged off tough competition from Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, and Will Smith. The role of Idi Amin, remains, to this date, one of Whitaker’s finest performances ever as he took the role and transformed it into something very different. Along with the Oscars, he also won at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors' Guild Awards, and the Baftas.

(Image Courtesy: Film4)

Philanthropy

Apart from his success in Hollywood, Whitaker has made full use of his identity to serve the people and animals. He is a UNICEF ambassador for peace. He is also a pure vegetarian and has also been the spokesperson for PETA. “We must plant the seed of hope. We must nurture the seed of peace. Together it’s possible”, says Whitaker when you open the Whitaker Peace and Development website, an initiative by the iconic actor in his pursuit to attain world peace.

(Image Courtesy: United Nations)

An excellent actor with solid acting skills and a beautiful human at heart who strives for global peace, Forest Whitaker is the best of both worlds. From his successful movies to his philanthropic side, Forest Whitaker remains to be one of the most inspiring people in the world right now. Happy Birthday, Forest Whitaker!

(Featured Image Courtesy: Digital Trends)