In a lot of films, they’re showing more complete, developed characters of diverse ethnic backgrounds. The larger concern is to be able to tastefully explore the stereotypes, and still move past them to see the core of people. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
I can play a man who’s despicable. But I’ll still look inside him to find a point of connection. If I can find that kernel, audiences will relate to me. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
I was asked if I would play President Obama in ‘My Name is Khan.’ I didn’t feel comfortable with doing it. Partly because he was still in office, but mainly because I felt that there were other people who were better suited to doing the role. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
As an actor, 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. I’ve been doing this for 26 years and some of the things I’ve done are always with me. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
I see a deep connection between peace and change: peace always starts from within, for communities and people alike. The same is true of change: real change starts from within. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
College football, acting, opera singing – I approached them all in the same obsessive way. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
I stay true because whatever the project is, I’m still looking for inside of that character. It’s the thing that connects him to me and to everybody else. So, the search is the same. It’s to unveil the truth, and that’s how I stay true, because my purpose isn’t altered. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
I care about people. In the end, I think they feel it. It comes across, regardless of the character I’m portraying. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
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. Film has been a very elitist medium. It costs so much money. Forest Whitaker Read Quote
