Laurence Fishburne Then and Now

Laurence Fishburne Then

Laurence Fishburne was born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, to Hattie Bell (Crawford), a teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer.

After his parents’ divorce, his mother moved the family to Brooklyn, New York, where Fishburne’s acting career began. 

At the young age of 10, he appeared in his first play, “In My Many Names and Days,” at a small theater in Manhattan. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for acting.

Despite starting his career at a young age, Fishburne managed to avoid the pitfalls often associated with child stardom. 

He considered himself a working child actor rather than a child star, emphasizing his professional approach to his craft from the beginning. 

During these formative years, he billed himself as Larry Fishburne and focused on building a solid foundation in acting through hands-on experience rather than formal training. 

This practical approach allowed him to develop his unique style and technique, which would later become hallmarks of his celebrated career.

Fishburne’s early experiences in theater and film set the stage for a distinguished career in the entertainment industry. 

His ability to navigate the industry as a young actor without formal training speaks to his natural talent and dedication. 

This blend of early exposure to acting and a grounded approach helped Fishburne evolve into one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation.

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Laurence Fishburne Acting Career

Laurence Fishburne began his acting career as a child, making his film debut at the age of 14 in “Cornbread, Earl and Me” (1975). 

His determination to succeed in Hollywood was evident early on, as he lied about his age to secure the role of Clean, a gunner on a swift boat in Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic “Apocalypse Now” (1979). 

Filming in the Philippines alongside a veteran cast and crew profoundly impacted Fishburne, solidifying his commitment to a career in acting.

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Initially, Fishburne found himself typecast in roles as hoodlums, but he was open to diverse opportunities, such as playing the lighthearted Cowboy Curtis on the children’s television show “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” 

His early collaborations with notable directors, including Coppola in “Rumble Fish” (1983) and “The Cotton Club” (1984), Steven Spielberg in “The Color Purple” (1985), and Spike Lee in “School Daze” (1988), helped establish his reputation in the industry.

The 1990s marked a significant period in Fishburne’s career, with standout performances in “King of New York” (1990), “Boyz ’n the Hood” (1991), “Deep Cover” (1992), and “Searching for Bobby Fischer” (1993). 

His portrayal of Ike Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. 

Fishburne made history in 1995 by becoming the first African American to play Shakespeare’s Othello in a major film. 

He gained further recognition for his role as Morpheus in “The Matrix” (1999), a film that became a cultural phenomenon and led to two sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” (2003) and “The Matrix Revolutions” (2003).

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Fishburne continued to showcase his versatility in the 2000s with roles in “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006), “Bobby” (2006), and the action thriller “Armored” (2009). 

In 2011, he appeared in the epidemiological thriller “Contagion” as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention executive. 

He also took on the role of Perry White, Clark Kent’s newspaper editor boss, in “Man of Steel” (2013) and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016). 

His other films during this period included the sci-fi romance “Passengers” (2016) and the action thriller “John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017), with a reprise in the 2019 sequel.

In 2017, Fishburne played a Vietnam War veteran in “Last Flag Flying,” and in 2018, he returned to superhero films with “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

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His recent projects include “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” (2019), “The Ice Road” (2021), and “All the Old Knives” (2022), continuing to demonstrate his range as an actor.

Fishburne’s talents extend beyond film to stage and television. He received acclaim for his stage performances, including roles in “Two Trains Running,” “The Lion in Winter” (1999), and August Wilson’s “Fences” (2006). 

His portrayal of Thurgood Marshall in the one-man show “Thurgood” on Broadway (2008) and later on HBO (2011) highlighted his dramatic prowess. 

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Fishburne’s television work includes winning his first Emmy for a guest role on the series “Tribeca” (1993) and producing the Emmy-winning TV movie “Miss Evers’ Boys” (1997).

Laurence Fishburne’s career is marked by a wide array of compelling performances across different mediums, showcasing his exceptional talent and enduring presence in the entertainment industry. 

His ability to navigate complex roles and his commitment to his craft has solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

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Laurence Fishburne Movies

• Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975) 
• Apocalypse Now (1979) 
• Willie & Phil (1980) 
• Death Wish II (1982) 
• Rumble Fish (1983) 
• The Cotton Club (1984) 
• The Color Purple (1985) 
• Quicksilver (1986) 
• Band of the Hand (1986) 
• Gardens of Stone (1987) 
• Cherry 2000 (1987) 
• School Daze (1988) 
• Red Heat (1988) 
• King of New York (1990) 
• Cadence (1990) 
• Class Action (1991)
• Boyz n the Hood (1991) 
• Deep Cover (1992)
• Just Cause (1995) 
• Bad Company (1995)
• Othello (1995) 
• Fled (1996)
• Event Horizon (1997) 
• Hoodlum (1997) 
• The Matrix (1999)
• Osmosis Jones (2001) – Thrax (voice)
• The Matrix Reloaded (2003) 
• The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
• Mystic River (2003) 
• Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) 
• Akeelah and the Bee (2006) 
• Mission: Impossible III (2006)
• Bobby (2006) 
• Five Fingers (2006)
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) – Silver Surfer (voice)
• 21 (2008)
• Armored (2009) 
• Predators (2010)
• Contagion (2011) 
• Man of Steel (2013) 
• The Signal (2014)
• Rudderless (2014)
• The Colony (2013) 
• Standoff (2016) 
• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) 
• Passengers (2016) 
• Last Flag Flying (2017) 
• John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) 
• Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) 
• John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette (2019) 
• Running with the Devil (2019) 
• The Ice Road (2021)
• All the Old Knives (2022) 
• The School for Good and Evil (2022) 
• Slumberland (2022)
• John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
• Megalopolis (2024)
• Slingshot (2024)
• Transformers One (2024)

Laurence Fishburne’s Wife and Children

Laurence Fishburne has two children, Langston and Montana, from his first marriage to actress Hajna O. Moss. 

Fishburne and Moss married in the 1980s, and although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, they shared a mutual commitment to raising their children. 

Langston and Montana have both pursued careers in the entertainment industry, following in their parents’ footsteps.

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Langston is known for his work as an actor and producer, while Montana has gained attention through various media appearances and reality television.

In September 2002, Fishburne married Cuban-American actress Gina Torres. 

The couple met in the late 1990s and quickly formed a strong bond, both personally and professionally. 

Torres, known for her roles in “Firefly,” “Suits,” and “Westworld,” brought her own successful career and unique talents to the marriage. 

Together, Fishburne and Torres became a prominent power couple in Hollywood, often seen supporting each other at various industry events and red carpets.

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Fishburne and Torres welcomed their daughter, Delilah, in 2007, further expanding their blended family. 

The couple’s partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared professional interests, was celebrated by fans and peers alike. 

However, in 2017, Fishburne and Torres announced their separation, citing the challenges of maintaining a marriage amidst demanding careers and personal growth.

Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Fishburne and Torres have continued to co-parent their daughter amicably, emphasizing the importance of family and support. 

Their relationship remains one of mutual admiration and respect, reflecting the dedication both actors have to their craft and their families.

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Fishburne’s experiences with his marriages and children highlight his multifaceted life, balancing the demands of a successful acting career with his responsibilities as a father and partner.

Laurence Fishburne Now

Laurence Fishburne, at 62 years old, stands as a titan in the world of American acting. 

Renowned for his commanding presence and versatile performances, Fishburne has earned accolades across both stage and screen. 

With three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award to his name, he has solidified his status as one of the industry’s most respected and celebrated talents. 

Throughout his illustrious career, Fishburne has portrayed a wide array of characters, often imbuing them with a forceful, militant, and authoritative demeanor that captivates audiences.

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In his recent endeavor, the movie “Slingshot,” released on August 23, 2024, Fishburne once again demonstrates his prowess as an actor, screenwriter, and producer. 

This latest project adds another impressive milestone to his already extensive body of work. 

As an actor, Fishburne’s performances consistently command attention, drawing viewers into the worlds of his characters with depth and conviction. 

His talents extend beyond the screen, as evidenced by his contributions behind the scenes, shaping narratives and bringing stories to life as a screenwriter and producer.

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With a net worth of $30 million, Fishburne’s success is a testament to his dedication and talent. 

His ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry with grace and skill has propelled him to the upper echelons of Hollywood. 

Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, Fishburne remains grounded, dedicated to his craft, and committed to pushing boundaries as an artist.

As Laurence Fishburne continues to captivate audiences with his performances and contribute to the cultural landscape of film and television, his legacy as an icon of American cinema only grows stronger. 

With each new project, he reaffirms his status as a true legend in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

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