In 2003, Whitaker became Executive Director of the Nodance Film Festival, a festival that celebrates the alternative digital film culture with an emphasis on first-time filmmakers and digital filmmaking. Originally held in Park City, Utah, Nodance has recently relaunched in Los Angeles and holds the distinction of being the world's first DVD-projected film festival.

Brother-in-law of Jeffrey Nash and Kidada Jones.

He and his daughter, True, have recorded a public service announcement promoting vegetarianism on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Originally cast in the role of "Sawyer" on "Lost" (2004), but opted out of the role when 20th Century Fox green lighted his film First Daughter (2004).

Born in Longview, Texas, USA

Presented French actress Marion Cotillard with the Best Actress Oscar for her lead in Môme, La (2007).

Attended Cal Poly Pomona University, just like fellow actor Eric Martic.

He was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in March 2004 in Austin, Texas.

Won 23 major awards for his portrayal of Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland (2006) including all the awards that are considered the biggest (except Cannes). He was also nominated for one more award, and won BET`s "Best Actor" for the same year (presumably for the same film).

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003.

He and his daughter, True Whitaker, have recorded a public service announcement promoting vegetarianism on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Spent a total of three and a half months in Uganda researching and filming The Last King of Scotland (2006). Uganda was his ever first visit to Africa.

Met his wife actress Keisha Whitaker, nee Nash, on the set of Blown Away (1994).

Whitaker hosted "Saturday Night Live" (1975) on February 10, 2007, during which his singing talent was featured in several sketches.

He tried to be as bulky as possible to play Big Harold in Platoon (1986), but the vigorous boot-camping training, bad food and rough shoot caused him to lose a lot of weight. When he noticed Whitaker was getting thinner, Oliver Stone said to him, "What are you doing? You`re supposed to be `Big` Harold".

Raised in Los Angeles by an insurance-salesman father and schoolteacher mother, the high school football star ditched his jersey and helmet after catching the acting bug in a production of Dylan Thomas` "Under Milk Wood".

Born with an eye condition called ptosis, which translates to "drooping eyelid."

He is the father of three children. He has two daughters, Sonnet Noel Whitaker (b. October 3rd 1996) and True Isabella Summer Whitaker (b. July 2nd 1998), by his wife, Keisha Whitaker and a son Ocean Whitaker (b. 1990), from a previous relationship. He also has Autumn (b. 1991), a stepdaughter through his marriage with Keisha.

Is a vegetarian.

Attended University of Southern California (USC) School of Theater.

Was set to direct a live-action film version of Fat Albert (2004) but disagreed with Bill Cosby and has since left the production. [April 2002]

Brother of actors Kenn Whitaker and Damon Whitaker.

He directed Whitney Houston`s "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" music video.

Spouse: Keisha Whitaker (4 May 1996 - present) 2 children