You are here:

Comedy Movies/identity of a co-star

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/15/2001


Question
Hey Doc, what is the name of that fine actor who played in "goodmorning Viet Nam" with Robin Williams?
 As I recall, he was a heavey set black actor.
Thanks, Ellsworth

Answer
Dear Ellsworth:  The person you are referring to is Forest Whitaker, a staged-trained character actor.  He was born in 1961 in Longview, TX., and played defensive tackle in college.  He then worked on the stage in the US and London. His first film roles were in 1982 in "Tag:  The Assassination Game," and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Some of the other films he has acted in include "VIsion Quest" (1985), "The Color Of Money" (1986), "Stakeout" (1987), "Bird" (1988--as Charlie "Bird" Parker, for which he received a Cannes Best Actor Award), "A Rage in Harlem" (1991; also Prod.), "Article 99" (1992), "The Crying Game," (1992), "Jason's Lyric" (1994), "Smoke" (1994), "Species" (1995), "Phenomenon" (1996), "Ghost Dog" (2000), and "Battlefield Earth" (2000).  Look for him this year in "The Fourth Angel" and "Phone Booth." He also directed "Waiting to Exhale" (1995) and "Hope Floats" (1998).  Quite an accomplished fellow!  I hope this answers your question.

Comedy Movies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Barbara L. Baker

Expertise

I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Please do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.

Experience

Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric

Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards

Past/Present Clients
My students

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.