Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker above walking in midtown Manhatten (03.15.10) Forest who has played ruthless Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and Captain Ed Ramey in cliffhanger movie ‘Phone Booth – admits his "secret" is to only select the very best roles offered to him by casting directors.
He said: "In the beginning of my career I was so idealistic. I didn’t care if I got a part. I was just trying to become better. I’d say no to something because it didn’t interest me. "I didn’t want to play a drug dealer for 10 years on a soap opera. At that time, I didn’t care about money. I’d rather starve. That’s my secret. I built a career playing interesting characters because I followed my heart."
The 48-year-old also admits his recent weight loss has been as a result of a healthier living regime. He told Parade: "I’ve just been living life and trying to live it to the fullest. That’s all I’m trying to do — live happy and healthy. I gained a lot of weight to play Idi Amin and afterwards I got a little more serious about diet and exercise. Also, I don’t think being a vegetarian hurts." Photo: Bauer Griffin
