Kenn Whitaker is an American actor who got widespread recognition for his role in the 1997 movie Most Wanted. Kenn Whitaker is well-known as Forest Whitaker’s brother.
His admirers and supporters continue to adore and respect him even if he has given up performing.
To date, he has won several honours, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a British Academy Film Award.
The brother of Forest Whitaker, Kenn Whitaker, is frequently mistaken for his elder brother. The accomplishments of the youngest Whitaker brother, Kenn, demonstrate the family’s competence and enthusiasm for performing.
This article will further shed light upon the life, achievements, family, relationships and controversies of Kenn Whitaker.
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Early Life and Education
Kenn W. was born and raised in Longview, Texas, in the United States, along with his three actor siblings, Forest Whitaker (born in 1961), Damon Whitaker (born in 1970), and Deborah Whitaker.
Kenny’s parents are Laura Francis, a special education teacher, and Forest Steven Jr., an insurance salesman. The Whitaker family then moved to Carson, California, when Kenny was two years old. He grew up alongside his brothers and cousins.
He started primary school at Palisades, California’s Charter High School. He then enrolled in a college to attend following his graduation.
The Whitaker Family Members
Forest Steven Jr.
Head of the family and father of Kenn, Forest, Damon, and Deborah worked as insurance salesmen.
Laura Francis
The mother of Kenn, Forest, Damon, and Deborah worked as a special education teacher.
Forest Whitaker
Born in Longview, Texas, on July 15 1961, to an insurance salesman Forest Steven Whitaker and special education teacher Laura Francis Smith. In 1965, Forest’s family relocated and settled in South Central Los Angeles.
Whitaker first entered college on a football scholarship to become a professional player. Later, he focused on music and received two additional scholarships while studying to be an operatic tenor at USC.
Whitaker was offered another scholarship at Berkeley for his acting performances on the stage.
Forest’s portrayal of Ugandan tyrant Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland. Forest received the prestigious Golden Globe, BAFTA award, and an oscar for his iconic performance.
He joined the group of African-American actors like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Jamie Foxx as the fourth male African-American to receive the Best Actor Academy Award.
Damon Whitaker
The younger brother of American actors Forest Whitaker, Kenn Whitaker, and Deborah Whitaker, Damon Whitaker, was born in Los Angeles County on October 21, 1970.
Keisha Nash Whitaker is an American actress and is Damon’s ex-sister-in-law. The American actress and producer Keisha Nash Whitaker was wed to Forest Whitaker from 1996 to 2018. His niece, the actress Sonnet Noel Whitaker, was born to Forest and Keisha in 1996.
Whitaker made his acting debut in the 1988 movie Bird, directed by Clint Eastwood. The movie was a biographical portrayal of jazz artist Charlie “Bird” Parker’s turbulent childhood and career.
Whitaker portrayed the youthful version of Charlie “Bird” Parker, while his brother Forest Whitaker took the lead. As Ron’s barber, he appeared in the “Take This Job and Love It” episode of the television show A Different World the next year, in 1989.
Deborah Whitaker
Deborah is the sister of actors Forest Whitaker, Damon Whitaker, and Kenn Whitaker. Besides acting, Deborah is a famous writer, director, and editor working on major film projects.
She is an ex-sister-in-law of American actress Keisha Nash Whitaker through her brother Forest’s marriage. Forest and Keisha were married from 1996 to 2018.
The author of the film climate made Deborah Whitaker, a well-known American film producer and director (2016.). Deborah co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced the movie Climate in 2016.
The movie featured J.P. Valenti, David Afflick, and Damien Chinappi in the key roles and was co-directed by Justin Scarpelli.
Acting Career
Kenny, who hails from a family of hard workers, as mentioned before, was very enthusiastic at the start of his career. After witnessing his older brother Forest play in theatres and on the big screen, Kenneth was largely inspired to pursue acting.
He made his big-screen debut in 1997’s movie Most Wanted, which also starred Jon Voight and Keenen Ivory Wayans. The following year, in 1999, he appeared in the movie Life, which also starred Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.
In the crime/drama Last Days, where he played “Ben Forget,” in 2001, Kenny decided to move away from the film industry. Later, the actor participated in various projects, but his contributions were mostly small.
Net Worth
Without question, Forest Whitaker has experienced great career success. His sibling has taken the same path he has in the performing industry. Kenny had a fantastic career, even though it was brief.
Nevertheless, Kenn Whitaker’s actual net worth has not yet been disclosed, although it has been assumed that it is a sizeable sum.
Age, Height, Weight and Body Measurements
Kenny Whitaker was born on August 8 1963. He is 59 years old. Kenn stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 78 kgs or 171.96 pounds.
Body measurements are 32-26-32, whereas, for body features, the actor has brown eyes, medium hair, and no facial hair.
Marital Status/Relationships
Kenn Whitaker hardly publicly discusses his personal life despite being in the spotlight. He has never revealed any information about his family or romantic relationships.
Kenn could gather a small following from his short-lived acting career success. People are interested to learn about his romantic history. Sadly, there is no information available on Kenn Whitaker’s marriage.
In addition, nobody even knows if Kenn has a spouse. However, marrying a diligent man like him must be a tremendous blessing. In a similar vein, nothing is known about Kenn Whitaker’s offspring.
Learning about his personal life is challenging because he does not have any social media accounts under his name. Although his wife and children are unknown, it has been said that Kenn gets along well with his nephews and nieces.
Kenn must be leading a beautiful life, nevertheless, away from the pointless media attention.
Interesting Facts About Kenn Whitaker
- In the late 2000s, Kenn’s brother Forest underwent a DNA test, and the findings revealed that their mother had Akan heritage. Kenn, on the other hand, had an Igbo ancestor.
- Although Kenn Whitaker is his preferred name, his real name is Kenneth Dwayne Whitaker.
- Even though he is an actor, Kenn avoids using social media. There are no social media accounts for Kenn.
- Many people, particularly up-and-coming stars, have found inspiration and encouragement in Whitaker’s life. He has impacted a lot of people via his tale and his perseverance.
- In 1999, Kenny became well-known because of his role in the movie Life. He did such a great job portraying Isaac that he was immediately offered to cast in so many other parts.
Conclusion
Despite beginning at the bottom, Kenneth Whitaker was able to accomplish much success and had a great impact on many others. Between the three of them, his brother Forest Whitaker has achieved more in his career.
But Kenn hasn’t let his brother’s success stop him from succeeding in the entertainment business during his time in front of the camera.
