Laurence Fishburne
Full Name and Common Aliases
Laurence John Fishburne III is an American actor, director, producer, and playwright. He is commonly known by his stage name, Laurence Fishburne.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, Laurence Fishburne is still active in the entertainment industry today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Laurence Fishburne is an American citizen with a diverse career spanning multiple professions: actor, director, producer, and playwright.
Early Life and Background
Fishburne grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began acting at a young age. His father, Laurence John Fishburne Jr., was an associate pastor at the Pentecostal Church, while his mother, Hattie Bell Caldwell, worked as a school teacher. Fishburne's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and community values.
Fishburne attended Lincoln Square Academy (now known as PS 36) in Brooklyn before being accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in Manhattan at the age of 11. He trained alongside fellow students such as Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Matthew Broderick.
Major Accomplishments
Laurence Fishburne's career has been marked by numerous milestones:
Breakthrough Role: His breakout performance was in the film "Apocalypse Now" (1979), where he played Tyrone 'Mr. Clean' Miller at just 17 years old.
Resurgence: After a brief hiatus, Fishburne's career gained momentum with roles in films like "School Daze" (1988) and "Boyz N the Hood" (1991).
Critical Acclaim: He earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Thulsa Doom in "The Doors" (1991), followed by a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Directorial Debut: Fishburne made his directorial debut with "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019), where he helmed the film alongside Quentin Tarantino.
Notable Works or Actions
Laurence Fishburne's notable works and actions include:
Matrix Trilogy: He played Morpheus, a key character in the iconic sci-fi series.
Hannibal: Fishburne portrayed Dr. Frederic Chilton, the sinister hospital administrator.
Black-ish: He starred as Earl 'Pops' Johnson, Dre's father, in this ABC sitcom.Impact and Legacy
Laurence Fishburne has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry:
Trailblazer: He paved the way for actors of color in Hollywood.
Talent Mentor: Fishburne has guided younger generations through his work at the Kennedy Center's New Play Festival.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Laurence Fishburne is widely quoted and remembered for:
Inspirational Messages: His words on perseverance, dedication, and hard work continue to motivate aspiring actors and artists.
Unforgettable Characters: He has brought depth and nuance to numerous iconic roles in film and television.
Impactful Contributions: Fishburne's work extends beyond acting; he continues to promote artistic growth and education through various initiatives.
Quotes by Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne's insights on:
Some characters need to be more performance-orientated; some, you have to be still.
I don't want to be 45 years old and have been a hot actor when I was 33 and have people going, 'Whatever happened to Fishburne?'
Acting is a childlike thing. To act well, you have to be childlike in order to free yourself.
There's a bunch of plays that I never got to do because I was either too young or too old for the parts, like 'Slow Dance on the Killing Ground' and 'Dutchman.' For 'American Buffalo,' I was the wrong color.
You can't be bad when you're working with a kid. They have the instincts that all great actors have.
Do mainstream crowds want to watch a movie about good things happening in black neighborhoods? Do black audiences want to see a little girl doing something in a white world?
I carry a lot of feminine energy as well as masculine energy, and that's the hit that people are getting. That vulnerable thing is not what we assume with black males. You get it, and then they cease to become scary. They become human. You cease to have a bogeyman.
I think I've certainly learned a lot of lessons in humility and continue to work on that part of myself.
