Ten fun facts about Laurence Fishburne

1. Early Start in Acting Led to Successful Career

At the tender age of ten, Laurence Fishburne made his debut into the acting world with a starring role in the play “In My Many Names and Days”. Two years later, he made his television debut with a recurring role on the popular American soap “One Life to Live”. This early start in the entertainment industry set the stage for Fishburne's successful career, which has spanned over four decades and included roles in films such as The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood, and Mission: Impossible III.

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2. 13-Year-Old Fishburne in 'Cornbread' Debut

At the tender age of 13, Laurence Fishburne made his big-screen debut in 1975 with the film “Cornbread, Earl and Me”. This was a major milestone in his career, as it marked the beginning of his illustrious acting career. The film, which was released in 1975, was a coming-of-age story about a young African-American boy who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in the inner city. Fishburne's performance in the film was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

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3. Famous for his gap between his teeth

Laurence Fishburne is well-known for his distinctively large gap between his two front teeth. Despite offers to have it filled or fixed, Fishburne has remained adamant in his refusal to alter his appearance, making it a defining feature of his career.

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4. Laurence Fishburne Changes His Name to Laurence

In 1991, Laurence Fishburne made a conscious decision to change his name from Larry to Laurence, believing that the more mature-sounding name would be more appropriate for his professional career. The actor, who is best known for his roles in The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood, and What's Love Got to Do With It, felt that the name Laurence would better reflect his adult identity and give him a more serious image.

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5. Actor and Former Lincoln Square Academy Alumnus

Laurence Fishburne is a renowned actor who received his training and education in acting at the prestigious Lincoln Square Academy in New York. Established in the 1950s, the academy was renowned for its rigorous training program and was attended by many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, the academy closed its doors in the 1980s, but the legacy of the Lincoln Square Academy lives on through the success of its alumni, including Laurence Fishburne.

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6. Laurence Fishburne Wins Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play

In 1992, Laurence Fishburne won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the play “Two Trains Running”. His portrayal of the character of West in the play was so powerful and moving that it earned him the prestigious award, making him the first African-American actor to win the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His win was a major milestone in the history of Broadway, and it was a testament to his immense talent and dedication to his craft.

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7. From Friend of Reubens to "Pee-Wee" Star

In the 1980s, Laurence Fishburne was friends with Paul Reuben, the creator of the popular children's show "Pee-Wee's Playhouse". Reuben cast Fishburne in the show, where he played the character of "Cowboy Curtis". Fishburne's performance was well-received by viewers, and his role as Cowboy Curtis has become one of his most iconic characters.

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8. 14-Year-Old Laurence Fishburne Cast in Iconic 'Apocalypse Now'

At the tender age of 14, Laurence Fishburne was cast in the iconic movie "Apocalypse Now". Despite the long production process, he was only 16 when the film wrapped. This was a remarkable feat for such a young actor, and it was the start of a long and successful career for Fishburne.

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9. Acclaimed Actor

Laurence Fishburne is an acclaimed actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic role of Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy. He has also had a recurring role on the CBS television series “CSI”, playing the character of Dr. Raymond Langston in all three versions of the show. His performance as the brilliant forensic pathologist earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series.

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10. Laurence Fishburne in 'The Color Purple': Fans Remember

Laurence Fishburne made a lasting impression in the critically acclaimed movie “The Color Purple”, produced by Steven Spielberg. His small but powerful role as the character 'The Overseer' was a standout performance that earned him critical acclaim. Fishburne's portrayal of the character was so powerful that it has been remembered by fans of the movie for decades.

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