About Wesley Snipes
Wesley Trent Snipes, born on July 31, 1962, is a prominent American actor, film producer, and martial artist, celebrated for his significant contributions to the film industry. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic role as Blade in the Blade trilogy, which showcases his prowess in action and adventure genres. Snipes established his own production company, Amen-Ra Films, in 1991, along with a subsidiary, Black Dot Media, focusing on developing innovative film and television projects. His passion for martial arts began at the age of twelve, leading him to achieve a distinguished 5th dan black belt in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd dan black belt in Hapkido. He has also trained in Capoeira under Mestre Jelon Vieira and explored various styles of kung fu.
At just 23 years old, Snipes was discovered by an agent during a competition and made his film debut in the 1986 comedy Wildcats, starring Goldie Hawn. Shortly thereafter, he made a memorable appearance on the 1980s hit series Miami Vice as a drug dealer in the episode 'Streetwise.' In 1987, he played the villain in Michael Jackson's music video "Bad," directed by Martin Scorsese, and appeared in the film Streets of Gold. Interestingly, he was also a contender for the role of Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
His captivating performance in "Bad" caught the attention of director Spike Lee, who later cast him in significant roles in films like Mo' Better Blues and Jungle Fever. In addition, Snipes portrayed the formidable drug lord Nino Brown in New Jack City, a part written specifically for him, and starred in the poignant Sugar Hill.
Although he is best known for action-packed films like Passenger 57, Demolition Man (opposite Sylvester Stallone), Money Train, U.S. Marshals, and Rising Sun (with Sean Connery), Snipes has also charmed audiences in comedies such as White Men Can't Jump and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. His performances in dramas like The Waterdance and Disappearing Acts have further showcased his versatility as an actor.
Snipes has been married twice; his first marriage was to April Snipes from 1985 until their divorce in 1990, with whom he shares a son, Jelani Asar Snipes, born in 1988, who made a cameo in Mo' Better Blues. In 2003, he married painter Nakyung 'Nikki' Park, with whom he has four younger children: son Akhenaten Kihwa-T Snipes; daughter Iset Jua-T Snipes (born July 31, 2001); son Alaafia Jehu-T Snipes (born May 26, 2004); and son Alimayu Moa-T Snipes (born March 26, 2007). Snipes often travels to South Korea, which he affectionately regards as his "second home."
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Movie Credits
Wesley Snipes has appeared in 73 movies.
TV Credits
Wesley Snipes has appeared in 16 shows.
