Life in Film: Forest Whitaker

A look at the Oscar-winning actor's career.

Platoon (1986) - Mr. Whitaker was cast as sensitive soldier Big Harold in the Oscar winning drama Platoon about the horrors of the Vietnam war. Keith David and Johnny Depp also starred.  (Photo: Hemdale Films)
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) - The following year, Forest landed in another film about Vietnam, this time the classic comedy Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams. Forest played Private First Class Edward Montesquieu Garlick.  (Photo: Touchstone Pictures)
Bird (1988) - Director Clint Eastwood handed Forest his first leading role, playing bebop jazz pioneer Charlie Parker in the biopic Bird. In the role of younger Charlie was Damon Whitaker, Forest's younger brother.   (Photo: Warner Bros.)
A Rage in Harlem (1991) - In A Rage in Harlem, based on a Chester Himes novel, Forest starred as the bashful Jackson, who is head-over-heels in love with Robin Givens' character Imabelle.   (Photo: Miramax Fims)The Crying Game (1992) - Forest pushed the envelope of sexuality in The Crying Game. As British soldier Jody, who's held hostage by the Irish Republican Army, he convinces an IRA guard to look after his girlfriend who is actually a pre-op transsexual. (Photo: Palace Pictures)

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Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) - The following year, Forest landed in another film about Vietnam, this time the classic comedy Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams. Forest played Private First Class Edward Montesquieu Garlick. (Photo: Touchstone Pictures)

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