Age: 64
male
Forest Steven Whitaker (born July 15, 1961) is an American actor, producer, director, and activist. He is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. After making his film debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Whitaker went on to earn a reputation for intensive character study work for films, such as Platoon (1986), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Bird (1988), The Crying Game (1992), Phenomenon (1996), Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), The Great Debaters (2007), The Butler (2013), Arrival (2016), and Respect (2021). He has also appeared in blockbusters, such as Panic Room (2002), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) as Saw Gerrera, and Black Panther (2018) as Zuri. For his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the British historical drama film The Last King of Scotland (2006), Whitaker won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Whitaker made his directorial debut with the television film Strapped (1993), and directed the films Waiting to Exhale (1995), Hope Floats (1998), and First Daughter (2004). Apart from his film career, Whitaker is also known for his humanitarian work and activism. In 2011, he was inducted as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, later receiving a promotion to Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and serves as the CEO of Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-profit outreach program.
Forest Whitaker
John H. Pendleton
for John H. Pendleton in The Generous Pauper
Suggested by filmrepair
John H. Pendleton is a wealthy guy but he searching for happiness. Harry Redenbacher is a sad man who has lost faith in the world. Burdened by hardships and witnessing the suffering around him, he cries out to God for answers. The next day, Harry stumbles upon a credit card belonging to Pendleton. Seeing this as a sign, Harry begins using the card, not for himself but to help others in desperate need. Pendleton reports the stolen card, prompting an investigation led by the quirky, determined Detective Lou Kramer. Charges are brought against Harry. As his acts of kindness ripple through community, John learns about the lives his stolen money has touched. They finally tracks Harry down, he’s prepared for anger, prison. But after seeing those Harry helped and hearing their stories, he softens. Pendleton invites him to a private meeting, where they share their stories. Pendleton publicly forgives him and praises him for his good heart. Harry, humbled and emotional, asks Pendleton why he’s dropping the charges. "You robbed the wrong guy, Harry. I already am a giving person. All you did were good, unselfish and I respect that. You reminded me what it’s all about here." John then announces a partnership with Harry to create a foundation for those in need. The final scene features Harry and John standing on the steps of the newly opened foundation, with Harry saying, "I didn’t think I’d find hope in a credit card." Pendleton replies, "Sometimes, God works in mysterious ways."
