Ep 18. Forest Whitaker & Lee Daniels

Forest Whitaker and Lee Daniels are the stars of the Larry King Now season 2 episode 18. The episode features a discussion between the two renowned actors, directors, and producers, who open up about their careers, personal lives, and current projects.

The episode kicks off with Larry King introducing the two guests, who are well-known in the entertainment industry for their collaborations on award-winning projects such as The Butler and Precious. Forest Whitaker, who won an Academy Award for his role in The Last King of Scotland, has had a long and illustrious career, spanning four decades. Lee Daniels, who directed Monster's Ball, is also known for his work on Empire, a hit TV series that premiered in 2015.

The conversation starts with Larry King asking the guests how they first met and began working together. The duo reveals that they had been acquaintances for some time, but it was when Lee Daniels saw Forest Whitaker perform in the Broadway play Hughie that he was struck by the actor's talent. This led to their first collaboration on the set of The Butler, where they immediately formed a strong working relationship.

Whitaker and Daniels then go on to discuss their individual approaches to acting and directing. Whitaker reveals that he enjoys immersing himself in his roles and spending time researching and studying the characters he portrays. Daniels, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of empathy and finding a connection with his actors to elicit powerful performances.

The conversation then shifts to the guests' current projects. Whitaker talks about his role in the upcoming Marvel film Black Panther, where he plays the character Zuri, a wise elder statesman. Daniels discusses his new show, Star, which focuses on the music industry and the struggles of young women trying to make it big in that world.

Throughout the episode, Larry King probes the guests about their personal lives, asking about their families and their upbringing. Whitaker opens up about his own struggles growing up as a shy and introverted child and Daniels shares his experiences growing up in a tough, inner-city environment.

Overall, the Larry King Now season 2 episode 18 featuring Forest Whitaker and Lee Daniels is a candid and insightful conversation between two Hollywood heavyweights. Fans of both actors and directors will appreciate the intimate look into their lives and careers, as well as their thoughts and opinions on the entertainment industry.