ACTOR · BORN 1961
Laurence Fishburne
- Born
- 30 July 1961, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Known for
- The Matrix (1999), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Man of Steel (2013), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
42 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
14 Facts From Laurence Fishburne's Career
- #005
In the early 1980s, Fishburne and New York actor Giancarlo Esposito were roommates during pilot season in Los Angeles. The period was a significant turning point in both actors' careers. The time they spent together strengthened their friendship, and both went on to successful careers.
- #007
Fishburne has appeared in three films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant: Apocalypse Now (1979), Boyz n the Hood (1991) and The Matrix (1999). These films are counted among the important works of American cinema. Fishburne's roles in them have cemented his place in film history.
- #011
Fishburne trained in acting at the Lincoln Square Academy in Manhattan, New York City. This training formed the foundation of his acting career. The Lincoln Square Academy is an institution that gives talented young people professional acting skills. His education there is an important factor behind his success on stage and in front of the camera.
- #013
Fishburne is the first African-American actor to play Perry White, the newspaper editor and employer of Superman's alter ego Clark Kent. The role was a significant turning point in his career and represents a first in film history in terms of diversity. His casting has been seen as a sign that actors of different ethnic backgrounds should be given more opportunities in Hollywood.
- #014
Fishburne met Paul Reubens at the Groundlings Theatre, where he did not train but took part in readings. Reubens cast him as Cowboy Curtis in the children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986). The role was an important step in Fishburne's career and introduced him to a wide audience. The Cowboy Curtis character contributed to the show's popularity.
- #017
Fishburne turned down the role of Ike Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) five times. He changed his mind, however, when he learned that Angela Bassett had won the role of Tina Turner. The decision shows his desire to work with Bassett and the potential he saw in the role. Accepting it became an important turning point in his career and earned him great acclaim.
- #018
When Fishburne met John Singleton, the writer of Boyz n the Hood (1991), Singleton was a production assistant and Fishburne was playing 'Cowboy Curtis' on the popular children's TV show Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986). The meeting laid the groundwork for the two to work together later. The film Singleton wrote became an important production in Fishburne's career.
- #020
Fishburne attended and graduated from the High School of the Performing Arts in New York. The school is a long-established institution that educates talented students in the arts. His education there formed the foundation of his acting career and gave him a solid grounding in the performing arts.
- #027
Laurence Fishburne has appeared in three films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Apocalypse Now (1979), The Color Purple (1985) and Mystic River (2003). These films are counted among the important works of cinema history. Fishburne's roles in these films hold an important place in his acting career and show his ability to take part in distinguished projects.
- #031
Laurence Fishburne was nominated for the 2007 Tony Award (New York City) for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in the stage play 'Thurgood'. The play tells the life story of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black member of the US Supreme Court. Fishburne's role is an important achievement in his theatre career, and he proved his talent on stage as well.
- #032
Laurence Fishburne played the same character (Dr. Raymond Langston) in three different series: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), CSI: Miami (2002) and CSI: NY (2004). This shows that he became identified with the character and secured an important place in the CSI universe. Dr. Langston is a pathologist specializing in forensic medicine, and Fishburne drew attention with his performance.
- #033
Laurence Fishburne was honored with the 1992 Antoniette Perry (Tony) Award for August Wilson's play 'Two Trains Running' on Broadway in New York City. This award is one of the most prestigious achievements of his theatre career. The play tells a story set in 1960s Pittsburgh, and Fishburne's performance received great acclaim.
- #037
Laurence Fishburne was honored with the 1992 Drama-Logue Award for his performance in 'Two Trains Running', presented by Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson in the 25th Anniversary Season at the James A. Doolittle Theatre (University of California) in Los Angeles, California. This award once again proved his success in the theatre field. The play is one of August Wilson's important works, and Fishburne's performance received great appreciation.
- #042
Laurence Fishburne attended the 2006 Dubai International Film Festival in the United Arab Emirates, one of the Middle East's most important film events. His participation reflects his international recognition and influence in the film world. Such events allow actors to build global connections.
Continue through the archive
The Matrixas Morpheus
Boyz n the Hoodas Furious Styles- Transformers Oneas Alpha Trion
- Megalopolis: A Fableas Fundi Romaine
- Searching for Bobby Fischeras Vinnie
- Akeelah and the Beeas Dr. Larabee
- All the Old Knivesas Vick Wallinger
- Rumble Fishas Midget
- Last Flag Flyingas Reverend Richard Mueller
- The Ice Roadas Jim Goldenrod
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
Sources for the entries on this page
- IMDb IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work