A peek into the life of Kenn Whitaker, Forest Whitaker’s brother. Get to know what everyone is saying about the resemblance between the duo.
What works for another might not work for you!
This is the case of Kenn Whitaker, the younger brother of Hollywood actor Forest Whitaker. Kenn pursued an acting career after watching Forest thrive as an actor.
He made his first debut appearance in 1997 in the movie “Most Wanted.” However, Kenn left acting by 2001 as he wasn’t getting meaningful roles. Fast forward to 2018, the year Kenn Whitaker returned to the spotlight.
The former actor became popular when people started comparing him and Forest on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. The online discourse was intense, with many believing that the Whitaker siblings were identical twins. This was not accurate!
Who Is Kenn Whitaker?
Kenn Whitaker is a former film star, born on June 8, 1963, in Longview, Texas, USA, to Forest Steven Jr. and Laura Francis Smith. His family later moved to Carson, California, where he grew up.
Kenn’s family is of Nigerian Igbo descent and Ghanaian ancestry. He has three siblings, two of whom are boys. Forest Whitaker, a Hollywood star famous for his role in “The Last King of Scotland,” is the eldest.
Kenn Whitaker’s mother was a special education teacher, and his father was an insurance salesman. He gained recognition primarily for being Forest’s younger brother.
Kenn Whitaker: What Happened to His Acting Career?
Kenn Whitetaker’s pursuit of an acting career was inspired by his brother’s success. He made his first debut appearance in 1997 in the movie “Most Wanted.” However, after some years, Kenn left acting as he wasn’t getting suitable roles. He stayed away from the public eye until he became the subject of an online debate in 2018 due to his resemblance to his brother, Forest.
The Public Opinion on Kenn and Forest Whitaker’s Resemblance
Kenn Whitaker’s name became a hot topic when a misconception about his resemblance with his brother Forest flooded social media. Many people said that the Whitaker siblings were not just brothers but identical twins.
The pictures compared showed Kenn and Forest at different points in his life. In the real sense, Kenn Whitaker and Forest do not have a striking resemblance, so it is a stretch to confuse them as twins.
Who Is Forest Whitaker? A Glimpse at the Life of Kenn’s Alleged Twin
Forest Steven Whitaker was born in 1961, two years before his younger brother, Kenn Whitaker. He attended Palisades Charter High School, where he was a football team and choir member, and graduated in 1979. Initially, he enrolled at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, on a football scholarship but had to change his major from music (singing) to drama after a back injury.
He later transferred to the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music to study opera as a tenor. Later, he was accepted into the university’s Drama Conservatory and obtained a BFA in acting in 1982.
Forest is famous for movies such as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “The Color of Money,” “Platoon, “Good Morning,” “Vietnam,” “Bloodsport,” “Bird,” “Downtown,” “The Crying Game,” “Prêt-à-Porter,” “Smoke,” “Species,” “Phenomenon,” “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,” and Battlefield Earth.”
In addition to his movie career, Forest has made a Broadway debut, worked on television series such as “Diff’rent Strokes” and Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone,” and directed and produced films in the 1990s.
He has won numerous awards for his performances, including the Best Actor award at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival for “Bird,” and he has also been honored by several festivals and organizations. His movie “Battlefield Earth” was greatly criticized, but Forest shined in his role, with the film’s director praising his acting.
Kenn Whitaker’s Personal Life
While acting might not have brought Kenn fame, he did not capitalize on his 2018 popularity. Instead, he kept his affairs private and did not reveal what he had been up to since he stopped acting.
There’s also no information about his relationships. However, the popular opinion is that Kenn is into business and married with kids. This information, however, is yet to be confirmed.
Forest Whitaker Divorces His Wife
On the flip side, there’s much information on Forest’s personal life. The actor initiated legal proceedings to end his 22-year-long marriage with Keisha Nash-Whitaker in 2018. He cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce.
The Oscar winner filed the petition in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The court documents state that the exact valuation of the couple’s debts and assets is unknown and will be determined in due course. Forest and Keisha have two daughters together. Each of them was from a past relationship, and they are both adults.
Kenn Whitaker might not be his brother’s lookalike as people popularly thought, but there are 10 celebrity lookalikes you won’t believe are not related. Try spotting the difference!
