Laurence Fishburne Biography: Laurence John Fishburne III born July 30, 1961 is an American actor known for his powerful portrayals of militant and authoritative characters on both stage and screen. Over his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Laurence Fishburne Biography
Renowned for his powerful portrayals of militant and authoritative characters, Laurence John Fishburne III is celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, having earned numerous awards including several NAACP Image honors. Born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, to Hattie Bell (Crawford), a teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer, Fishburne’s family moved to Brooklyn after his parents divorced.
Laurence Fishburne Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Laurence John Fishburne III
July 30, 1961 Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1972–present |
| Spouses |
Hajna O. Moss (m. 1985, divorced)
Gina Torres
(m. 2002; div. 2018) |
| Children | 3, including Langston Fishburne |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Laurence Fishburne
Laurence John Fishburne III is an American actor. Throughout his career, he has gained recognition for his roles on stage and screen as militant and authoritative characters. His accolades include six Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, in addition to a nomination for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Laurence Fishburne Achievements
Fishburne first gained attention with his role in Apocalypse Now (1979) and further established himself with a supporting role in Boyz n the Hood (1991). He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy (1999–2003) and as the Bowery King in the John Wick film series (2017–present). His performance as Ike Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Laurence Fishburne Personal Life
At just 10 years old, he made his stage debut in the play In My Many Names and Days at a small theater in Manhattan. During this early period, he saw himself more as a working child actor than a child star and was credited as Larry Fishburne. Notably, he never received formal acting training. At age 12, in 1973, Fishburne landed a recurring role on the daytime soap One Life to Live (1968), which he played for three seasons.
Laurence Fishburne Wiki
- Born: 30 July 1961 (age 63 years), Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Spouse: Gina Torres (m. 2002–2018)
- Children: Montana Fishburne, Langston Fishburne, Delilah Fishburne
- Awards: Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series · See more
- Parents: Hattie Bell Fishburne, Laurence John Fishburne, Jr.
Early Life
Laurence Fishburne was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Hattie Bell (née Crawford), a junior high school math and science teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer. After his parents divorced during his childhood, he moved with his mother to Brooklyn, New York, where he was raised. His father visited him about once a month. Fishburne graduated from Lincoln Square Academy in New York, a school that closed in the 1980s.
In his 40s, Fishburne discovered that Laurence John Fishburne, Jr. was not his biological father. In a 2025 episode of Finding Your Roots, he learned that his biological father was William Seigel Bohannan, a U.S. military member stationed at Fort Gordon who met Fishburne’s mother when she volunteered for the USO.
Key Information
- Full Name: Laurence John Fishburne III
- Date of Birth: July 30, 1961
- Place of Birth: Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Children: Langston Fishburne, Montana Fishburne, Delilah Fishburne
- Net Worth: Estimated around $30 million
Career Beginnings and Highlights
Fishburne’s career began early with his film debut in 1975’s Cornbread, Earl and Me. His breakthrough came at age 14 with the role of Tyrone “Mr. Clean” Miller in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (1979), a part for which he had to misstate his age. During the 1980s, he built his resume with roles in The Color Purple (1985) and Spike Lee’s School Daze (1988). His portrayal of Furious Styles in Boyz n the Hood (1991) cemented his reputation as a powerful actor.
Notable Roles and Achievements
In 1992, Fishburne won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Two Trains Running. The next year, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for playing Ike Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993). His portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy (1999–2003) brought him global fame and remains one of his signature roles. He has demonstrated his range with roles such as Perry White in the DC Extended Universe and key television roles like Dr. Raymond Langston on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2008–2011) and Earl “Pops” Johnson on Black-ish (2014–2022).
Current Status and Recent Work
As of early 2025, Laurence Fishburne continues to be a dynamic and influential figure in entertainment. He remains active in both film and television, consistently taking on diverse and challenging roles that showcase his enduring talent and versatility. His ongoing projects keep him relevant in the rapidly changing world of Hollywood.
Personal Life and Relationships
Laurence Fishburne’s personal life has included several significant relationships. He married actress Hajna O. Moss in 1985, and together they had two children: a son, Langston, born in 1987, and a daughter, Montana, born in 1991. The couple divorced in the 1990s. In 2002, Fishburne wed actress Gina Torres, and they had a daughter, Delilah, in 2007. The couple separated in 2017 and finalized their divorce in 2018. Known for keeping his private life discreet, Fishburne prioritizes his family and career.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Early in his career, Fishburne was credited as “Larry Fishburne” before switching to “Laurence” in the early 1990s to signify a new phase.
- At just 14, he was among the youngest actors cast in a major film, Apocalypse Now.
- His portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix became an iconic role frequently parodied and referenced in popular culture.
- Fishburne was the first African American actor to play Shakespeare’s Othello in a major motion picture (1995).
- He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007, underscoring his lasting impact on the industry.
- Despite his fame, Fishburne remains grounded, often highlighting storytelling as more important than celebrity status.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Fishburne has been deeply involve in philanthropy throughout his career. Name a UNICEF ambassador in 1996, he advocates for children’s rights and welfare worldwide. He also supports numerous charities focused on education, healthcare, and improving arts access for disadvantaged communities. His legacy extends beyond his iconic roles; Fishburne has helped diversify Hollywood by breaking barriers and delivering powerful performances, paving the way for future minority actors.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Fishburne continues to engage in meaningful projects across film, television, and theater. He has upcoming roles in high-profile films and is actively producing content that amplifies underrepresented voices. His influence on popular culture remains strong, with characters like Morpheus and Furious Styles becoming cultural icons. In addition to acting, Fishburne’s work as a producer and mentor showcases his dedication to fostering new talent and expanding opportunities within the industry, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Laurence Fishburne Net Worth 2025
Laurence Fishburne has accumulated an estimated net worth of $30 million through a prolific career as an actor, producer, and director. His extensive work in blockbuster films, hit TV series, and theater productions has significantly contributed to his financial success. Fishburne leads a balanced lifestyle, combining his professional commitments with personal pursuits.
FAQs
Who is Laurence Fishburne’s current wife?
Torres and Laurence Fishburne were engage in February 2001, and married on September 22, 2002, at The Cloisters museum in New York City. They have a daughter together. Torres was also the stepmother to Fishburne’s two children from his previous marriage to actress Hajna O.
Are Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne friends?
The Matrix and John Wick star Laurence Fishburne has spoken about his special relationship with Keanu Reeves in a new exclusive interview. “We have a very, very special kind of chemistry … You can’t explain it and you can’t bottle it. We love each other and we respect each other.
Why did Laurence Fishburne and his wife split up?
The black-ish actor filed the paperwork on Thursday in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents obtained by People.
What does Laurence Fishburne’s daughter do for a living?
Laurence Fishburne’s daughter, Montana Fishburne, is known for her career as an adult film actress, where she goes by the name Chippy D. She has also explored other avenues, including a journey to become a certified yoga teacher. Additionally, she has had some legal troubles, including a recent probation sentence for battery on a law enforcement officer.
Why was Laurence Fishburne replaced?
However, due to creative difference, he didn’t get an offer to reprise his role as Morpheus. “I offered my services to the fourth Matrix, and they didn’t respond well to that,” Fishburne said.