- Damon Whitaker is an American actor who is more recognized for being the younger brother of Forest Whitaker
- The actor is sometimes cast as the younger version of his elder brother in some movies because of their striking resemblance
- Whitaker, 55, has Nigerian ancestry and all his siblings are screenwriters and producers
Damon Whitaker is also an actor just like his brother, Forest Whitaker. The actor was born on October 21, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is remembered for movies such as Holand’s Hopus (1995), Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), and First Daughter (2004).
Even though Damon enjoys a successful entertainment career, he is not as famous as his brother Forest Steven Whitaker, a 63-year-old American actor, director, and producer who is known for films such as The Last King of Scotland (2006) The Buttler (2013), and Black Panter (2018).
Damon Whitaker Made His Professional Movie Debut in 1988
Whitaker’s first appearance in a movie was at the age of 17 in 1988 when he starred in Clint Eastwood’s biographical film, Bird, which was centered around the life and career of a troubled jazz musician. Damon played the character of young Charlie Parker and his elder brother Forest was the lead star in the same movie.
The next big screen work Damon did was in 1994 when he was notably featured in the movie Saints and Sinners. He has since remained active on the screens, appearing in dozens of other productions.
More so, the American-born is also a film producer and director just like his brother. He has further had a brief career as a T.V host for the thriller of the movie Triple Threat (2019).
SEE ALSO: Ismaila Sarr: How He Followed In The Footsteps Of His Father, 10 Other Facts
Other Fascinating Facts about Damon Whitaker
1. Damon’s Ancestry is Traced to Imo State in Nigeria
Whitaker’s ancestry has been traced o Nkwerre Local Government in the Imo State of Nigeria. This was confirmed when a DNA test was carried out on his parents. While his father Forest E. Walker Jr was confirmed to stem from Nigeria, his mother Laura was confirmed to have Akan Ancestry in Ghana.
2. All his Family, Except His Parents are Film Makers
The 55-year-old entertainer’s parents, Forest E. Whitaker Jr, and Laura Smith gave birth to children who are highly skilled in developing content for the screens.
While Damons’s father used to be an insurance salesman, his mother was a special education teacher that impressively sponsored her education by herself to master’s level while raising her kids at the same time.
The kids on the other hand all turned out to be screenwriters and producers. We are already conversant with the works of Damon and his brother Forest. Their other siblings are Kenn Whitaker who is known for Bulworth (1998), Most Wanted (1997), and Life (1999); and Deborah Whitaker – Known for Climate (2016)
3. Damon is Often Cast as the Younger Version of Forest Whitaker due to His Resemblance to His Brother
One of the primary identifying factors of siblings is facial resemblance. In the case of Damon and his brother Forest, the resemblance is striking to the point that Damon is sometimes cast as the younger version of Forest in some movies. A classical example is when Damon played the character of ‘young Bird’ and his brother Charlie Bird in Bird 1988.
4. His Brother has an Impressive Career Record
Damon’s brother Forest Whitaker has over the years become a name to reckon with as far as entertainment is concerned. Apart from acting, he has at one point or the other been involved with other aspects of arts like music, drama, kenpō, and even politics. Damon’s brother who made his professional career debut in the year 1982 has so far made about 40 movie appearances.
Furthermore, he has received numerous awards including The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars in 2006 as Best Actor in The Last King of Scotland.
5. Damon Whitaker’s Filmography
Damon has undoubtedly continued to prove himself as a great talent who has remained active in the movie industry from the late 80s to date. Even though this cannot be taken away from him, his relationship with his brother has continued to be the major reason why he is identified. While this is so, some people still find it difficult to believe that the brothers are two different persons because of how much they look alike. What about you? Did you always know that Damon is different from Forest?
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