Forest Whitaker Biography

Actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for his portrayal of dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland. He's also known for films like Bird, Ghost Dog and The Butler.

Born on July 15, 1961, in Longview, Texas, Forest Whitaker was a college football player who turned to studying opera and drama. His first big-screen feature was Fast Times at Ridgemont High and he has subsequently created a prolific acting career, with roles in films like Platoon, Bird, Ready to Wear and Ghost Dog. Whitaker, who's also a producer and director, won an Oscar for portraying Idi Amin in 2006’s The Last King of Scotland.