Who Is Kenn Whitaker and Is He Forest Whitaker's Brother?

May 2024 · 8 minute read

Kenn Whitaker is Forest Whitaker’s younger brother. Born on the 8th of June, 1963, Kenn, who is currently 60 years old, is a movie and television actor and businessman. While Kenn has appeared in a few film and television projects, his acting career has been relatively low-profile compared to that of his brother, who is an Academy Award-winning actor. Some of Whitaker’s acting credits include the films “Most Wanted” (1997) and “Life” (1999). 

He recorded only a few acting credits during his heydays in the entertainment industry and suddenly left the movie scene. However, his contributions to showbiz made Kenn a known name in the movies, and people have continued to seek information on his whereabouts.

Summary of Kenn Whitaker’s Biography

What is Kenn Whitaker’s Full Name

At birth, Kenn Whitaker was called Kenneth Dwayne Whitaker by his parents, but the American actor chose to be known by the diminutive Kenn.

Born on the 8th of June, 1963, Kenn is currently 60. His birth occurred in Longview, in the United States, which makes him an American citizen. However, the Texan’s physical appearance is a testament to his African-American ethnic background.

Kenn’s older brother conducted an ancestry DNA in the late 2000s, and the result showed that their father, who goes by the name Forest Steven Jr., has his roots in the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, while their mum, Laura Francis Smith, is originally from Akan, Ghana.

Kenn Whitaker’s dad, Forest Steven Jr., was a struggling man who worked hard to put food on the table as an Insurance salesman. His mum, on the other hand, earned a living in the academic sector as a special education teacher. While raising her four children, Laura returned to school to earn two Master’s degrees which helped in her career.

Whitaker started elementary school in his place of birth, Texas, however, his family decided to relocate to Carson, California before his graduation. In CA, he joined Palisades Charter High School; even though he wasn’t excelling in academics, Kenn was very passionate about the performing arts. Thus, when he found his way to the university, he decided to study acting. The actor’s dedication and passion are what gave rise to the success he enjoys today.

Are Forest Whitaker and Kenn Whitaker Brothers?

Yes, Kenn Whitaker and Forest Whitaker have blood ties; they are brothers from the same parents. Born on the 15th of July 1961, Forest is also a Texan native, just like Kenn.

Another thing the Whitaker brothers have in common is that they belong to the same profession, though Forest took entertainment to a greater height. Kenn’s big brother is listed as a renowned American actor, a highly acclaimed movie director, and an excellent producer. During his days at the University, Forrest aspired to become a football player, but an injury that set him to the bench informed his choice to study drama and opera.

Forest’s timely decision to follow the artistic route is the reason we have the iconic Academy-Award-winning performance of the notorious Dictator Idi Amin in the movie, The Last King of Scotland.

The Last King of Scotland may be Forest’s best-known movie, but the legendary actor also recorded stellar appearances in other productions such as Good Morning, Vietnam, Godfather of Harlem, Bird, and more. His movie and series credits came to 136 at the last count. Kenn Whitaker’s big brother eventually moved into movie production and directing, churning out projects like Waiting to Exhale and First Daughter.

A multi-award winner, Forest’s role in The Last King of Scotland earned the movie legend an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Are They Twins?

Kenn Whitaker and Forest Whitaker are not twins, the brothers only share an uncanny resemblance that made many people conclude that they may be twins. People initially believed that they were the same person until fans started twitting with their individual pictures.

I've been confused my whole life.

These are two different people. Both Actors but two different people.

Meet Kenn Whitaker and Forrest Whitaker😣🤔 pic.twitter.com/b7a4RWjoqx

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) October 2, 2018

The brothers cleared the air about the rumors that they were one person when they started making red-carpet appearances together.

Forest Whitaker & Kenn Whitaker aren’t the same person 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨

— VN (@TheRealVaughNay) February 16, 2020

Besides, the records have revealed that Forrest is two years older than Kenn, but this has not stopped many from speculating.

Now….why didn’t I know Forest Whitaker had a bother named Kenn Whitaker that’s been playing in some of these movies I thought he was in? pic.twitter.com/ruDI0Ct3lq

— Petty Rowland (@Thickems_T) April 10, 2022

Kenn Whitaker Two Other Siblings

Apart from Forrest, Kenn Whitaker has two additional siblings. His second brother, Damon Whitaker, was born on the 21st of October 1970, making him seven years younger than Kenn. He was born after the family relocated to CA from Texas.

Just like his older brothers, Damon is also part of the entertainment industry as a writer, actor, producer, and director. His movie credits include First Daughter, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, Haphazard, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Lazarus Papers, and The Champagne Game.

He is associated with Beatscore PRO, where he functions as a partner. The firm specializes in helping clients discover the kind of music that perfectly suits their films. Damon is also part of Bruin Lake Films as an Executive Producer.

Quizzed on why he chose to join the acting world, Kenn Whitaker’s younger brother said he couldn’t help being born into arts. Almost every member of his family has been acting, writing, singing, and painting since childhood, and it is a natural thing for the Whitakers.

The least known among the Whitaker brood is their sister, who goes by Deborah. Apart from her name, nothing else is known about the only girl in the Whitaker brood.

The Whitaker siblings grew up together and shared sweet childhood memories alongside their cousin (name withheld). However, their cousin chose to follow a career path in the military

What Does Kenn Whitaker Do?

Kenn Whitaker is an American movie and TV actor and businessman. In 1997, Kenn made his onscreen debut as Bus Guard 2 on the set of the movie Most Wanted, where he was opportune to share the screen with Voight and Wayans.

The following year, 1998, he debuted on the small screen in a single episode of HBO’s sketch comedy series entitled Tracey Takes On. He joined the episode named Smoking as Second Smoking Man.

Before the year ran out, Whitaker was featured in the movie Bulworth – a political satire black comedy from the stables of director Warren Beatty; he played the role of Henchman #1. Bulworth was quite outstanding, winning three Golden Globe Awards, and also became an Oscar nominee for Best Original Screenplay

1999 was when Kenn Whitaker appeared in Fox network’s Party Of Five, sharing the screen with entertainment greats like Neve Campbell and Scott Wolf. His appearance in the series was captured in the episode, Whatever Works as a Detention Center Guard.

Also in 1999, Kenn joined the Ted Demme-directed comedy-drama film entitled Life. There, he depicted the character of Isaac alongside legends like Murphy, Lawrence, Bookeen Woodbine, and Bernie Mac.

When Gabriel Bologna created the indie thriller movie, The Theory of the Leisure Class in 2001, he featured Kenn in the role of Otis. Whitaker recorded his last onscreen role the same year, breathing life into the character of Ben Forchet in Last Days.

Since 2001, fans have asked a lot of questions about the actor’s whereabouts and the reasons behind his exit from the movie scene. However, Kenn never deemed it necessary to disclose his reasons.

Kenn Whitaker is also Listed as a Businessman

When he was 25, Kenn Whitaker had the good sense to go into business. The American movie and television actor launched his own record label company called Urban Street. However, nothing has been heard about the firm for years, and no one knows whether it is still in business or not.

He is a Soundtrack Specialist

Apart from his expertise in front of the camera, Kenn Whitaker can also hold his own in behind-the-camera roles. While his acting career was still thriving, the American entertainer made commendable contributions to the soundtracks of a few productions, including Strapped. Apart from providing the soundtrack for I Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, Kenn also wrote and performed it.

Is Kenn Whitaker Married?

Kenn Whitaker is one actor that has managed to keep the details of his personal life under lock and key. The actor has never said anything about getting married, but that does not mean he is single. He may have gotten married after leaving the acting scene, and no one heard about it. There is also no record of any children for him.

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