Award-winning actor and activist Forest Whitaker is like a quiet giant on screen. He’s played numerous leading roles in films like The Last King of Scotland, Star Wars, A Rage In Harlem and will be starring in the highly-anticipated movie, Black Panther.
But despite all of his accomplished roles, Whitaker’s favorite role is that of husband to his wife Keisha of 22 years. Twenty-two years is a long time as it is, but when you talk about Hollywood relationships: it’s like a lifetime.
Keisha, who is a model and entrepreneur, met Forest on the set of the movie Blown Away in 1994, where they played each other’s love interest in the film. The pair began dating soon after filming was over and tied the knot two years later in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1996.
“I had seen him in ‘A Rage in Harlem,’ Keisha told Ebony of her husband. “Right away, I thought Forest had a gentle soul and a nice spirit.”
They welcomed their daughter Sonnet in 1996, and True in 1998. Their other two children, Ocean, 23, and Autumn, 21, are from previous relationships.
So what makes a marriage work? “Plenty of respect and plenty of treats!” says Keisha.
In an Interview with She Knows, Keisha went in depth and revealed one of the secrets of their success in her long-lasting marriage, “Anything that I’m doing that Forest’s able to be there and come and support me, he absolutely does. What makes a good partnership or marriage is when you support one another. I certainly love and respect what Forest does. It’s hard. He works really hard to take care of our family. I think it’s important to show my appreciation by being there for him and supporting him. More than that, I get to hang out with my friend. That’s pretty cool and vice versa.”
When asked about the importance of communication in her relationship, she answered in such a truthful way,…
… “You know what, it really is — it’s telling the person when they do something great, (also) being able to have the courage to say, “You know what, I didn’t really like that. That wasn’t cool. Let’s discuss it. What did I do to bring that out in you?” I think communication is absolutely important. There’s no way I could have lasted in 14 years of marriage without communication — also, growing. When you’re in a relationship you need to grow. When you meet someone at a certain age, as you grow you learn different things. It’s whether that person is willing to grow in the same direction as you and grow with you.”
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