Forest Whitaker is an American actor and director, who is most notable for the portrayal in the crime action film entitled, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai as well as in the TV series of The Shield. He was Whitaker was born on July 15, 1961 in Longview, Texas, to Forest Whitaker Jr. and Laura Francis, an insurance salesman and a special education teacher. He was born with the real name of Forest Steven Whitaker and has two younger brothers named, Kenn and Damon as well as an older sister named Deborah. At the young age of four, Whitaker together with his family relocated to South Central Los Angeles. When he was a teenager, he commuted from Carson to Palisades High School, where he became an all-league defensive tackle on the football team quarterback of Jay Schroeder. He also took a voice lesson. He then entered the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona on a football scholarship. However, after being injured at the back, he changed his major into music. While he was still in school, Whitaker briefly changed his major into drama.

In addition, Whitaker was accepted into the Music Conservatory, which is located at the University of Southern California. He was also accepted at the University’s Drama Conservatory. He also had a scholarship to the Berkeley, California. On the other hand, his first film role was when he portrayed the role of a football player in the 1982 film adaptation of the film called, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He then starred together with Judge Reinhold and Phoebe Cates as well as Sean Penn. In year 196, he appeared in the film of Martin Scorsese entitled, the Color of Money, which also includes the stars of Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. He also included in the 1986 film called, Platoon, where he portrayed the role of Big Harold, tigteher with Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger. On the following year, he appeared alongside Robin William in the comedy-drama film entitled, Good Morning, Vietnam.

In year 1990, Whitaker appeared in the film of Downtown, which also starred Anthony Edwars and Penelope Ann Miller. He was also included in the casts of the 1992 film called, The Crying Times as well as in the 1995 film entitled, Smoke, where he portrayed the role of Cyrus Cole. He then starred in the 1999 crime action film of Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, where he portrayed the role of Ghost Dog. He then starred with John Travolta in the film of Battlefield Earth. He also starred in the 2002 film of Phone Booth, together with Kiefer Sutherland and Colin Farrell. On the same year, he appeared in the film of Panic Room. In year 2007, he portrayed the role of Dr, James Farmer in the drama film of The Great Debaters. On the following year, he appears in the films of The Air I Breathe and Street Kings as well as in Vintage Point. In addition, Whitaker is set to appear in the upcoming film of Catch .44.and in the film of Freelancers.

Forest Whitaker Photo Gallery