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I'm just looking for characters that continue to make me stretch and grow and learn more about the human condition.

Forest Whitaker

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Forest Whitaker
Age: 63
Born: 1961
Born: July 15
Actor
Film Actor
Film Director
Film Producer
Karateka
Television Actor
Television Director
Voice Actor
Longview
Texas
Forest Steven Whitaker
Learn
Stretch
Character
Condition
Human
Continue
Humans
Characters
Make
Conditions
Grow
Grows
Looking

More quotes by Forest Whitaker

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I was pretty much consumed by this character. Even when I was off, I was continually searching to find something else new about [Idi] Amin, and to embed myself deeper into the culture to the point that, in the end, I was so entrenched that I could tell what tribe someone was from just by looking at them.
Forest Whitaker
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I've always wanted to do characters that would help me find my connection with others and connect all of us together. You always want the energy of the character, the spirit of the person, to enter you.
Forest Whitaker
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In my career, I've had people talking about different things many times, but then not get nominated.
Forest Whitaker
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I do believe there's life other than on our planet.
Forest Whitaker
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I certainly don' think I could've played the character [Idi Amin] the same way without being in Uganda. I loved working in Uganda.
Forest Whitaker
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I do look at that thematic of healing of humanity.
Forest Whitaker
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It is possible for a kid from east Texas, raised in south central LA and Carson, who believes in his dreams, commits himself to them with his heart, to touch them and to have them happen.
Forest Whitaker
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When I was a kid, the only way I saw movies was from the back seat of my family's car at the drive-in.
Forest Whitaker
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I found the people to be very kind and generous. It was unique because the crew was mainly Ugandan [filming The Last King of Scotland]. They had never done a film before. So, they were learning the process of making films, but at the same time they were also helping with the authenticity of the film.
Forest Whitaker
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I stay true, because whatever the project is, I'm still looking for inside of that character.
Forest Whitaker
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Since Idi Amin was from the Sudanese section in the north of Uganda, he was darker skinned. He had more of a blue undertone. So, we did change the coloring of my skin to be closer to his. But otherwise, there were no transformations besides acting.
Forest Whitaker
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Stereotypes do exist, but we have to walk through them.
Forest Whitaker
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I was trying to capture this man's [Idi Amin] energy, and I did a lot of research in studying him. I tried to capture his 'Warrior King' energy inside of me as much as possible.
Forest Whitaker
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And God, God who believes in us all. And who's given me this moment, in this lifetime, that I will hopefully carry to the end of my lifetime into the next lifetime.
Forest Whitaker
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Until film is just as easily accessible as a pen or pencil, then it's not completely an art form. In painting you can just pick up a piece of chalk, a stick or whatever. In sculpture you can get a rock. Writing you just need a pencil and paper.
Forest Whitaker
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I try to be like a forest: revitalizing and constantly growing.
Forest Whitaker
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There's a thing you confront when you're going into something new and you come to this sort of abyss, and then you push yourself. It makes you try different things.
Forest Whitaker
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I think the biggest thing that motivates me when I'm choosing a part is a role that will help me continue to grow as a person and as an artist, and a role that will deepen my understanding of humanity, and my connection to it.
Forest Whitaker
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As an artist, it's a great opportunity to play a character like this [Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland]. And then, as a person, I had never been to the African continent. So, I knew, personally, it would reshape me.
Forest Whitaker
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I like to play complex characters and the duality, and trying to reach for the light, it's more interesting really. I've gotten to play so many types of guys and I just try to find the humanity in each one of them the best I can.
Forest Whitaker