The Cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Then and Now

Whitaker went on to become one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, starring in films like The Last King of Scotland—which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor—along with Bird, Platoon, and The Butler. His versatility has made him equally effective in drama, action, and biopics.

In recent years, Whitaker has also appeared in blockbuster franchises, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Marvel’s Black Panther. Fun fact: he’s known for his philanthropic work as much as his acting, founding the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative to support youth worldwide.