Laurence Fishburne: 20 Top- Secret Facts about Hollywood’s Most Enigmatic Star


 

Laurence Fishburne is one of the most amazing actors in the world who has made the entertainment industry as amazing as they just are. He is a very talented man who has proved by showing his versatility and charisma in acting. He debuted in the entertainment industry at the age of 11 and has worked towards improving his craft skills.

He has appeared on both television and film and the audience has praised him for his amazing acting skills and ability to tackle critical and big acting characters that go beyond acting. He is a father of three kids and one of his daughters is an actor. This article is going to navigate the top secrets about this amazing Hollywood star.

1. Laurence Fishburne Began Acting at a Young Age

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At the age of 11, Laurence became a star. His first debut film was in the initial ABC Theater teleplay “If You Give a Dance You Gotta Pay the Band” where he received positive reviews for his first acting role. This gave him a big motivation that he was in the right field and what he needed was to work towards growing his talent.

The film that followed after this was on the soap opera One Life to Live where he portrayed the character of Joshua Hall. At the age of fourteen, he lied when he was 17 years old to pick the role of 17- 17-year-old Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class from the Bronx. The show ran for three years. Since then, he has grown to become one of the most successful and famous Hollywood actors. Recalls his most memorable childhood role was in the film “Cornbread Earl, and Me” where he witnessed the police officer shooting a young basketball star.

2. Laurence Fishburne is a Shakespearean Prodigy

Laurence is a true definition of a young person with exceptional qualities and abilities. His love for the entertainment industry was not just academic. Beginning to impress people from a young age is not something to be taken for granted. It calls for a strong passion for something, determination, and persistence. Finding these qualities in a young child is something to be proud of.

His first debut on Broadway was in 1984 in the productions of “Henry IV, Part 1” and also appeared in productions such as “Othello”, “Hamlet”, and “Measure of Measure” among many others. He is a gifted actor who can bring out different characters in his performances. Other than just talent, he has also trained for acting which gives him a strong understanding of Shakespeare’s language and verse.

3. Fishburne Musical Maestro

Laurence has made several surprising appearances in music videos throughout the years. Singing and composing are his hidden talents. At a young age, he made a Broadway debut in the musical “Sizwe Banzi is Dead” This exposure honed his stage presence and musicality.

In 1993, in Robert Altman’s ensemble film known as “Short Cuts,” he played a character known as Ricky Barnes who leads a bank called “The Sons of Ballards”. He performed original songs in that film showing his stage charisma and singing versatility. Other films he has incorporated music include “The Matrix Reloaded’ where he played Cappella and “Mystic River” where he played harmonica.

4. Fishburne has a Producer

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Other than acting, Fishburne has established himself as a successful producer across television and film. He has his own production company known as Cinema Gypsy Productions. In 2015, he joined the ABC sitcom Black-ish in the recurring role of Pops. He was an executive producer on the show. 

He also served as an executive producer of the freeform sitcom Grown-ish which was a spin-off series to Black-ish. In 2017, his production company signed for a two-year contract deal at ABC Studios. He has served as a co-creator and executive producer in the Marvel Animation/Disney Television Animation series known as “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur”.

5. Fishburne is a UNICEF Ambassador

Fishburne’s dedication goes beyond the camera. Since 2004 he has passionately served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. He uses his platforms to raise awareness about critical issues affecting children globally such as health, education, slavery, and the need for protection against violence.

As an ambassador he doesn’t just say, he takes action by regularly visiting UNICEF programs in different countries where he gets firsthand information concerning the challenges children are facing and advocating for solutions on the ground. As an ambassador, he helps UNICEF raise funds to support their programs that directly help children’s lives.

6. Fishburne Honors

Fishburne’s journey through the sector of entertainment and social activism has been paved with recognition of his talent, dedication, and impact. On 24th February 2007, he was honored with the Harvard Foundation’s Artist of the Year award at the annual show Cultural Rhythms. This honor was for his achievements as an actor, Humanitarian pursuits, and entertainer.

7. Fishburne was a Cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

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On 18th August 2008, it was announced that Laurence Fishburne would join the cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to replace William Petersen who played the character of Gil Grissom who had left the series.

At the point of joining, the show was on the 9th episode of the 9th season as a college professor and former pathologist whose area of expertise involved some criminals’ predisposition to commit acts of violence. The character was introduced as a consultant on a case who winds up joining the CSI team.

8. Fishburne Quitting CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

On 7th June 2011, Fishburne announced that he was quitting CSI to return to movies and theatre. This was after the end of seasons 9, 10 and 11. He did not renew the contract to appear in season 12.

This act left many of his fans wondering why he left. It is anticipated that his leaving CSI was probably that he felt he was not experiencing new projects and that is what everyone looks forward to

9. Fishburne Awards and Nominations

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Fishburne the famous actor, producer, and humanitarian has received many awards and recognitions. These accolades show his exceptional talent, dedication to social issues, and enduring contributions to the world of film, and television, and also to the outside world beyond camera.

In 1994 he received a coveted Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his amazing role as Ike Turner in the biographical drama “What’s Love Got to Do with It” in (1993) he earned his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series known as “T䲹”. In 1997 he was awarded the second Emmy Award for a television movie and the producer of the film “Miss Evers’ Boys”.

10. Fishburne Lending his Voice

Other than acting, Fishburne voiced the Cosmic Herald in the 1997 “Fantastic Four” animated series, the 2007 “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” video game, and even audiobooks like “Marvel Super Hero Adventures: The Silver Surfer”.

Fishburne’s voice has lent gravitas to documentaries like “America: The Story of Us”, ‘Have You Seen This Picture?’ in 2012, and “Muhammad Ali: By Blood”. He also reprised his role as Morpheus in the 2003 video game “Enter the Matrix” providing both voice acting and facial capture.

11. Fishburne has a Director

Fishburne is a man of many skills. Other than acting, and producing, he is also a director. He showcased his talent behind the camera by directing the drama film known as “Once in the Life” in (2000) starring Samuel L. Jackson.

He later directed “Riff- Raff” in (2014) a dramedy exploring the lives of jazz musicians in New York City. He also explored directing skills when he helmed episodes of shows he also acted in like “Miami Vice” and “CSI: New York”. These opportunities helped him gain experience behind the camera while still growing his acting talent.

12. Fishburne Starred in the Broadway Production of “Thurgood” Making him the First African-American

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In 2008, Laurence took the role of portraying Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the Broadway production of “Thurgood”.  The film was a one-man show which was written by Gorge Stevens Jr. The film became a powerful and critically acclaimed performance which also solidified Fishburne’s talent as a stage actor.

He did not only capture the character’s legal brilliance and charisma but also his vulnerability and determination. He showcased his acting versatility and held the attention of the audience for the entire run. The film marked him as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.

13. Fishburne Deep Love for Literature and Poetry

Fishburne passion for literature and poetry runs deep and discovered it at a young age. Finding inspiration in works like Langston Hughes’ poetry and Shakespeare’s plays. Encountering literature and poetry at a young age sparked a lifelong interest in the power of words, shaping his understanding of language and character development.

All through his career, he has embraced Shakespeare, playing iconic roles like Othello, Coriolanus, and Hamlet.  His commitment to those big roles shows his dedication to the themes Shakespeare explores.

14. Fishburne has a Passion for Martial Arts

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Fishburne has a deep passion for martial arts. His martial arts journey began in his youth being inspired by Bruce Lee and his films. As a result of the inspiration, he started training in Hapkido. This laid him foundation for his discipline which later blossomed in his acting career.

His Martial arts can also be seen in films he has acted such as Morpheus’s kung fu mastery in “The Matrix” and gun-fu ballet of the Bowery King in “John Wick” and he commits himself wholeheartedly to those roles.

15. Fishburne is a Mentor to Young Actors

Fishburne is not just a Hollywood icon but also a guide for aspiring actors. The fact that he started acting at a young age, he deeply understands the challenges and joy of navigating the industry. This understanding tells it all. He has a genuine commitment to mentoring young talent, helping them nurture their talent to grow, and illuminating their paths.

He too benefited from mentorship in his early years. Some actors like Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee provided him with a lot of support. This instilled in him a desire to pay it forward by mentoring others.

16. Fishburne has a Strong Presence on the Stage

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Fishburne has a strong presence on the stage which is electrifying as any of his iconic film roles. His stage started early which honed his craft and laid the foundation for his theatrical prowess. Shakespeare’s plays hold a special place in Fishburne’s theatrical journey.

Each performance is a masterclass in dramatic intensity and nuanced exploration of the human condition. He has appeared in numerous stage productions showcasing his talent and captivating audiences with his commanding performances.

17. Fishburne has a Passion for Exploring Complex

Laurence Fishburne has a passion for exploring complex characters. He chose roles that challenge and push the boundaries of his acting abilities. This character shines through in every aspect of his career from his film choices to his Theatrical pursuits.

He tackles big roles like Morpheus in The Matrix, where he plays a messianic figure who is burdened by choice. Another example was in the film What’s Love Got to Do with It where he played the role of Ike a man wrestling with demons while loving fiercely.

18. Fishburne Daughter is an Actress

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Lawrence Fishburne has three kids. One son and two daughters. Langston, Montana Fishburne, and Delilah. Montana Fishburne is also an actress. She has followed in her father’s footsteps and pursued a career in the entertainment industry.

19. Fishburne has Ventured into the World of Animation

Laurence Fishburne has ventured into the world of animation. He has lent his voice in this industry. He his voice and facial capture to the 2003 video game “Enter the Matrix´. He has used his voice to add depth and character to various animated projects.

20. Fishburne has a Deep Understanding and Appreciation for the Craft of Acting

Fishburne’s career goes beyond acting. This is a testament to a profound understanding and appreciation for the craft.  Since he joined the industry at a young age, he has worked on perfecting his craft through years of theater and film experiences.

Fishburne is a truly talented actor who is worth watching because of the movies he has watched. Besides acting he has perfected other skills like directing and also being a producer in some of the films. He is a humanitarian who works hand-in-hand with UNICEF to protect the rights of children. This proves him to be a good person who understands what the world wants and deserves. The movies he has starred in are educative and recommendable to watch.                             

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