(Though it was an acting coup de foudre, the two are not romantically involved. When white actors play gangsters, pimps, wife beaters, lawyers and murderers, he says, "Nobody stops. Parents are Laurence John Fishburne Jr. and Hattie Bell Crawford. why did laurence fishburne change his name - besttkd.com In it he played a father struggling to protect his son from the dangers of South-Central Los Angeles. Home matthew hagee weight loss surgery why did laurence fishburne change his name. "Disney Channel Announces 'Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' Cast", "ID10T with Chris Hardwick: Laurence Fishburne", "Episode 915: Interview with Laurence Fishburne", "LA Daily News Laurence Fishburne and wife Gina Torres are expecting their first child, his publicist says", "abc7.com: Southern California news leader -Laurence Fishburne And Wife Gina Torres Are Expecting Their First Child 1/08/07", "Update: Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres welcome first child; spotted out in Hollywood", "Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres split last year and nobody noticed", "Laurence Fishburne files for divorce from wife Gina Torres", "It's Over! Mr. Fishburne is uneasy about the unofficial position of black movie stars as role models. Publicity Listings . He is known for his distinctive deep voice and various roles in a wide variety of film genres. Fishburne is a graduate of Lincoln Square Academy in New York, which closed in the 1980s. Main Menu They have two children, son Langston (born 1987)[3] and daughter Montana Fishburne (born 1991). The description used by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) of the Matrix's warnings that something is wrong, "like a splinter in your mind," is looked at as a play on gender dysphoria, the . His hovercraft, the Nebuchadnezzar, has far less armament than its sister craft. Laurence Fishburne, call your mother. Directed by Brian Gibson and loosely based on the life of Tina Turner, the . "He knows so clearly what he wants." His first film was "Cornbread, Earl and Me." His hovercraft, the Nebuchadnezzar, has far less armament than its sister craft. [18], In 1990, Fishburne played Jimmy Jump in the controversial King of New York,[19] and in 1991, starred in Boyz n the Hood. [11][13], Fishburne spent much of the 1980s in and out of television and periodically on stage. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. In 2018, Fishburne played Bill Foster in Marvel's Ant-Man and the Wasp, directed by Peyton Reed. Morpheus Quotes About the Matrix "The Matrix is a system, Neo. [21], Fishburne provided the voice of Thrax in Osmosis Jones in 2001. [21][25] Fishburne won an Image Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture" for his performance as West Indian Professor Maurice Phipps in the 1995 American drama ensemble film, Higher Learning. He claimed that following his portrayal of. They were reading from a script called "Dessa Rose," based on the Shirley Ann Williams novel. [24] In 1993, he received his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ike Turner in What's Love Got to Do With It. Wiosna i jesie - 17.00 Laurence Fishburne was only fourteen years old when shooting of Apocalypse Now began in March 1976, as he had lied about his age in order to get cast in his role. marriage counselling orangeville; roche brand guidelines; town of duanesburg tax bills; . "He's been fighting his way up the ranks, and he's reached this stardom with a measure of his worth," says his longtime friend Martin Sheen. "When you encounter Laurence Fishburne," says Jack O'Brien, artistic director of the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, where Mr. Fishburne performed in "Two Trains Running," "you have the feeling that you're dealing with a master chess player. "But for everyone who was there, 'Apocalypse Now' lives as a watershed." Problem was, it was a very specific movie star. [54][55] He also appeared in the series as the Beyonder. After, close to two years, it should surprise no one, many are, at the least, tired of this horrendous pandemic, or even, far - more, fatigued, and sick - and- tired of it, and the impact on our lives! With his Broadway return postponed, one of America's most accomplished actors reflects on his career. He subsequently made his film debut in the ghetto-themed Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975). gailtel tc/tm full form; dyslexia font microsoft word; seafood restaurant port douglas; perbedaan hive dan impala; bras with back support; Problem was, it was a very specific movie star. Laurence Fishburne has filed for divorce from his wife of 15 years. [46] On June 7, 2011, Fishburne announced that he was leaving CSI to return to movies and theatre, opting not to renew his contract and would not appear in Season 12. [35] The same year, he provided the voice of the Silver Surfer in 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. [59], Fishburne met actress Gina Torres and they were engaged in February 2001 and married on September 22, 2002,[60] at The Cloisters museum in New York City. Born in Augusta, Georgia on July 30, 1961, to Hattie Bell (Crawford), a teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer. Laurence Fishburne. Laurence Fishburne Got Real About Why You Won't See Him in The Matrix "[32] In 2006, they appeared onstage in a Pasadena Playhouse production of August Wilson's Fences. Home matthew hagee weight loss surgery why did laurence fishburne change his name. He changed his name from Larry to Laurence in his films (1991). "I always said we had film interruptus until 'The Hood,' " Ms. Bassett remarks. Full Name: Laurence Fishburne: Net Worth: $20 Million: Salary: $20 million: Date Of Birth: July 30, 1961: Place Of Birth: Augusta, Georgia, United States: Height: 6 ft (1.84 m) . Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick and he's joined by a few familiar faces. Forty years ago in 1975, Laurence Fishburne was 12 years old and landing his first leading role in the cult classic, "Cornbread Earl & Me" But it was two years later, that really put Laurence's age to the test. Mr. Singleton's hit "Boyz N the Hood" was Mr. Fishburne's breakthrough. Laurence Fishburne has filed for divorce from his wife of 15 years. In May 2009, Fishburne performed on-stage in the National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall in Washington, D.C.[44], Fishburne starred in Predators in 2010[45] and Contagion in 2011. why did laurence fishburne change his namelifetime guest pass policy But the woman who gave life to the talented actor, who said she emptied her retirement savings account so her only . Morpheus : Go! From left: Sam Rockwell, Darren Criss and Laurence Fishburne in American Buffalo at the Circle in the Square Theater. . Have arrangements been made? He was nominated for the 2007 Tony Award (New York City) for Actor in a Drama for "Thurgood". Mikoaja w Rwnem. First ImpressionsA Question Of Humility. Did Laurence Fishburne And Hugo Weaving's Absence Ruin - TheThings After his father died, his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Breyer's Ice Cream plant. why is deception acceptable in some psychological investigations? I haven't experienced it with anyone else. As of 2018, has appeared in three films nominated for Best Picture Academy Award: He has appeared in three films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: For awhile in New York City, he was a roommate of, For the last six months, people have been coming up to me and saying, "I loved you in. His career has been characterized by critical and popular success in his youth, followed by a period of substance abuse and legal troubles, before a resurgence of commercial success later in his career. why did laurence fishburne change his name. [49] Fishburne also serves as an executive producer for the Freeform sitcom Grown-ish, a spin-off series to Black-ish.[50]. Besides his towering presence and deep silken voice, the 57 year-old, probably still best known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix series, took . He wisely returned for its back-to-back sequels.Into the millennium, Laurence extended his talents by making his screenwriting and directorial debut in Once in the Life (2000), in which he also starred. why did laurence fishburne change his name And he spent the early 80's playing the kinds of characters who are named Voodoo (in "Quicksilver"), Cutter (in "Death Wish II") and Ice (in an Off Broadway revival of "Short Eyes"). [17] Fishburne also starred as "Dap" in Spike Lee's School Daze (1988). Studied acting at the Lincoln Square Academy in Manhattan, New York City. 11.00 The tedious facade of cool has fallen. . Here at the museum, in the sculpture garden, Mr. Fishburne seems pleased at his ability to remain in control, aloof, inscrutable. But Mr. Fishburne is not humble -- and why should he be? There's no reason why I've got to spend the rest of my life being a role model for anybody but me. Mr. Fishburne's character, in league with the child's mother (Joan Allen), teaches the young boy lessons about winning and losing. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, he has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award.. Born in Memphis, Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy, Hettienne Park, Gillian Anderson, Laurence Fishburne Genre: Psycholigical drama. "People often ask me," says Mr. Fishburne, "Do you think you have a responsibility to A, B, C, D? " Says Mr. Fishburne, "I had to learn the hard way that you get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.". why did laurence fishburne change his name - cftreeservice.com The overwhelming nature of the experience -- along with raging adolescent hormones -- sent him into a kind of emotional shutdown, from which he spent years recovering. WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (1993) Today in film history, June 11, 1993, "What's Love Got to Do with It" opened in US theaters. It is the first installment in The Matrix film series, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano.It depicts a dystopian future in which humanity is unknowingly trapped inside a simulated reality, the Matrix, which intelligent machines have The Beast is the male protagonist of Disney's 1991 animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast. Because I am a big Lee Marvin fan." The loss of Entertainment and celebrity news, interviews, photos and videos from TODAY Morpheus is a Zion operative who serves in the city's defense force against attack from the Machines. Participant Pictures announced on Tuesday that Laurence Fishburne and Clifton Collins Jr. will star in the studio's upcoming film "Frank & Louis," which will be co-produced by . Born in Augusta, Georgia on July 30, 1961, to Hattie Bell (Crawford), a teacher, and Laurence John . He is dead-on handsome. Main Menu Tambay Obenson. why did laurence fishburne change his name His brothers are Charlie Murphy & Vernon Lynch Jr. Eddie had aspirations of being in show business since he was a child. Although she did help Angela Bassett with her transformation into Tina Turner. For his portrayal of Ike Turner in What's Love Got to Do With It (1993), Fishburne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. "He definitely could be a director," says Mr. Singleton. The movie changes the protagonist to a black man named Russell Stevens, Laurence Fishburne's character. "There is a mini-trend in the industry to cast across racial lines -- but that is only if an actor is a star and has proven he can sell tickets, and he can reasonably be cast without changing the story. This article is about the Beauty and the Beast character. People saw my face and went 'oooh'. A freedom happens when we work together. Bankhead Atlanta Reddit, He is currently starring in the Broadway revival of David Mamet's play American Buffalo alongside Sam Rockwell and Darren Criss. Says Mr. Roos, "Lately, Larry's done a steady bunch of good work. Their ethos and credo became mine. Having since had a regular role as "Pops" in the comedy Black-ish (2014), he has also been seen on the bigger screen in the Superman movies Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) as Daily Planet chief Perry White; played a hired assassin in the thriller Standoff (2016); portrayed a minister and former Vietnam War vet in Last Flag Flying (2017); and essayed the role of a revengeful prison warden in Imprisoned (2018).Fishburne has two children, Langston and Montana, from his first marriage to actress Hajna O. Moss. "We had about 40 cups of espresso one day in Los Angeles. "I am not in the next 'Matrix' movie, and you'd have to ask Lana Wachowski why, because I don't have an answer for that.". Celebs often wear a lot of makeup for the cameras, which can sometimes exacerbate acne. Now he has gone public with his new girlfriend, Bronwyn Anne Moylan, 44. In 2016, Fishburne reprised his role as White in the sequel Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice[51] and appeared in the science fiction/romance movie Passengers. He later earned a supporting role in Apocalypse Now, in which he played Tyrone Miller, a cocky 17-year-old Gunner's Mate 3rd Class from the Bronx, nicknamed Mr. Clean. This is a speech. He's a beautiful man, a beautiful spirit and a remarkable artist. Laurence Fishburne is an actor with great authority. A prince by birth, he was cursed into becoming a monster by a mysterious Enchantress as punishment for his selfish and cruel manners. Says she hasn't heard from son Laurence in more than a year. Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction is a subgenre of science fiction, science fantasy, dystopia or horror in which the Earth's (or another planet's) civilization is collapsing or has collapsed. +917926609530 how to unlock dragoon ffxiv 2021. eastchester jeep service (He was also given an assurance that the Ike character would be reworked.). [11] He also appeared in the M*A*S*H episode, "The Tooth Shall Set You Free". Michael Andrew Fox OC (born June 9, 1961), known professionally as Michael J. Brewer Megan Stone On Sexism In The Craft Beer Industry And What Needs To Change. Mr. Fishburne is separated from his wife. Laurence Fishburne But it's not that I take myself seriously, I take what I do seriously. Anyone can read what you share. I don't believe in acting teachers for me. John Malkovich was also considered for the role prior to the announcement. bay leaf under pillow Call us for any question +91 6358755085. orland park health and fitness membership cost Request on info@thenutrizion.com. See hot celebrity videos, E! He is portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the first three films, and in the video game The Matrix: Path of Neo, where his original actor was the only one to reprise his character's voice. largest cities in kaliningrad oblast; 2002 toyota sequoia used parts; how to get swedish citizenship by marriage. The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowskis. ", After "Apocalypse Now" he moved to Los Angeles but didn't have the easiest adjustment. The Matrix Resurrections trailer cast Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a new kind of Morpheus, but actor Laurence Fishburne does not appear. No products in the cart. Sean Combs (born Sean John Combs; November 4, 1969), also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy, or Puffy, is an American rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur.Born in New York City, he worked as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding his own record label, Bad Boy Records in 1993. In 2021, the fact that Laurence Fishburne wasn't starring in The Matrix Resurrections was brought up when he was interviewed by Collider. "I don't want audiences to recognize me from one movie to the next." The first trailer for The Matrix 4 gave a closer look at the much-anticipated sequel, with Abdul-Mateen II donning Morpheus' iconic hairless scalp and mirrored shades, supporting theories that he was playing a young version of the . why did laurence fishburne change his name - patork.com why did laurence fishburne change his name - vesinhcleanup.com Did Laurence Fishburne go to Rutgers? why did laurence fishburne change his name. [11] Fishburne featured in Red Heat (1988) beside Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Belushi. Says Mr. Fishburne: "My mouth was hanging open, she was mind-boggling." The 57-year-old Matrix star went through a very private split from his wife Gina Torres last year. [34], He provided the voice of the narrator in the 2007 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, TMNT, which was a commercial success. I came up around people who took acting seriously, who cared about acting, cared about the theater and, in the '70s, made movies that said something that mattered. "With the new decade (1990s) came out-and-out stardom for Laurence. I was in love." The couple divorced in the 1990s. For the Marvel Comics character, see Beast (Marvel). Why Beyhadh 2 Is Banned, He reprised his role as Morpheus in the Matrix sequels The Matrix Reloaded,[29] and The Matrix Revolutions in 2003. where can i buy sophie's kitchen products, how to calculate heart rate from pressure graph, how many words can you make out of vacation, what happened to the space shuttle discovery, how to leave an edpuzzle class as a student, how to straight bar lace shoes with 5 eyelets. [52], In 2017, he appeared in the neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 2 as The Bowery King, in his first collaboration with Keanu Reeves since The Matrix trilogy. Laurence's character in the movie was Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller. Salvaged it. In Spenser: For Hire, he was a guest star for the second-season episode "Personal Demons". His next film, "Searching for Bobby Fischer," opens on Wednesday, with the actor playing a streetwise chess whiz. magic: the gathering schedule. Fishburne then married to Cuban-American actress Gina Torres on September 22, 2002. Shooting In Fort Pierce Last Night, why did laurence fishburne change his name "People saw him playing specific kinds of roles, more of the tough guy, the heavy, maybe the best friend," she says. Personal Quotes (6) For the last six months, people have been coming up to me and saying, "I loved you in Pulp Fiction (1994), Mr. Jackson". The homeless guy, we find out, isn't actually homeless. Ls2 Bluetooth Device Manager, [2] He is known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix series (19992003), Jason "Furious" Styles in the John Singleton drama film Boyz n the Hood (1991), Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller in Francis Ford Coppola's war film Apocalypse Now (1979), and "The Bowery King" in the John Wick film series (2017present). While Reeves' Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity are both back for the thrilling film, Fishburne is notably missing. "Drug dealers, pimps,. Laurence John Fishburne III[1] (born July 30, 1961), usually credited as Larry Fishburne until 1993, is an American actor and producer. Laurence Fishburne. Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, rapper, and producer.He began his career starring as a fictionalized version of himself on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (19901996). "Jodie and I have a running joke," he says, "that I'm actually the black Jodie Foster, and she is the white Larry Fishburne.". I've intentionally tried to do it that way. [64] Fishburne filed for divorce on November 2, 2017,[65] and the divorce was finalized effective May 11, 2018, after Torres and Fishburne reached a final settlement on April 16, 2018. Laurence Fishburne In Boyz n the Hood (1991) Laurence Fishburne is another all-time great Black actor who continues to star in incredible movies and TV shows today. RELATED: We Totally Forgot These Actors Were On The West Wing. Beyond that he doesn't elaborate. The Bowery King, played by Laurence Fishburne, has recovered from his "seven cuts" in John Wick: Chapter 3 and is a key player in helping Wick secure his freedom. Most friends and colleagues see the name shift as a simple nod to adulthood, though Mr. Lee, Mr. Sheen, Mr. Roos and Angela Bassett, his "What's Love Got to Do With It" co-star, still refer to him as Larry. "It was like being at war," he says. Stage. He has admitted smoking a great deal of marijuana there, hanging out with wild men like Frederic Forrest, Dennis Hopper, Emilio Estevez (who was a teen-ager accompanying his father, Martin Sheen) and, like the rest of the cast and crew, going slowly insane. Good Contents Are Everywhere, But Here, We Deliver The Best of The Best.Please Hold on! Montana Fishburne is not new to many people. Before the pandemic, Laurence Fishburne was preparing . Ms. Bassett and Mr. Fishburne both describe their first meeting five years ago in similar terms. It signifies how he isn't merely moving Neo from one location to the next. Fishburne played Perry White in the Zack Snyder-directed Superman reboot Man of Steel (2013). He changed his name from Larry to Laurence in his films in 1991. In the early 1980s, he and fellow New York actor. Per The Week, Laurence Fishburne earned $350,000 per episode while playing Dr. Raymond Langston on "CSI . "Drug dealers, pimps, gangsters, wife beaters, yes," he says, "we have seen black men in these kinds of roles for years. But arguably, Dourdan leaving the show prematurely was one instance that hurt the fans the most. why did laurence fishburne change his name I show up, you don't know what I'm gonna do. By E. Alex Jung. She first came to the limelight after she starred in a sex tape in 2010. Fact 4 His real name is Larry. Sal was eventually played by Danny Aiello and Radio Raheem by Bill Nunn. Critically hailed for his forceful, militant, authoritative figures and one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers, Laurence (John) Fishburne III has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a number of NAACP Image honors.Born in Augusta, Georgia on July 30, 1961, to Hattie Bell (Crawford), a teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer. Per The Week, Laurence Fishburne earned $350,000 per episode while playing Dr. Raymond Langston on "CSI . why did laurence fishburne change his name June 14, 2022 richest child actors 2021 richest child actors 2021 I just felt that Laurence Fishburne would be a perfect . Park Slope is a neighborhood in northwestern Brooklyn, New York City, within the area once known as South Brooklyn.Park Slope is roughly bounded by Prospect Park and Prospect Park West to the east, Fourth Avenue to the west, Flatbush Avenue to the north, and Prospect Expressway to the south. Answer (1 of 6): Why Morpheus actor Laurence Fishburne isn't in The Matrix 4 ? He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Two Trains Running (1992), and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in TriBeCa (1993). Photo: Nigel Parry. According to Deadline, Laurence Fishburne left "CSI" because he was epxected to return to acting in movies full-time again. Has played the same character (Dr. Raymond Langston) on three different series: Has appeared in two movies where he has the line "Welcome to the real world": He was awarded the 1992 Antoniette Perry (Tony) Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for. Fishburne was born in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Hattie Bell (ne Crawford), a junior high school mathematics and science teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne, Jr., a juvenile corrections officer. Has played the same character (Dr. Raymond Langston) on three different series: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), CSI: Miami (2002) and CSI: NY (2004). How To Adjust Coach Slider Bracelet, I don't think I really have a persona per se. "It was abundantly clear to me that my father had earned his name and I hadn't," the actor further explained. [53] Fishburne served as co-creator and executive producer in the Marvel Animation/Disney Television Animation series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. The reality is, I have a responsibility to myself as an artist. Laurence Fishburne's wife of 15 years, Gina Torres, have split, they confirmed on Sept. 20. Isn't that enough? And he developed a bit of an attitude. " There is a wistful grin on his face. That certainly was the case with "What's Love Got to Do With It," which he turned down several times until he was told that Angela Bassett, with whom he had worked in "Boyz N the Hood," would play Tina. We moved him out of the box. 8.00 I've played a lot of bad guys, 'cause that was the only work I could get. Martin Sheen 's gratitude toward Laurence Fishburne knows no bounds. He has also gained a wider audience with the blockbuster films Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). He married to actress Hajna O. Moss in 1985 in New York. magic: the gathering schedule. My vocation is I do what I do. Tina, silent saint. why did laurence fishburne change his name. For several seasons, beginning when he was 9, he played a troubled youth on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live." I love that line in 'Reservoir Dogs,' where Michael Madden says, 'I bet you're a big Lee Marvin fan.' The reason why Laurence Fishburne doesn't return as Morpheus is that his character managed to survive the events of the original trilogy and the climactic battle of Zion, therefore he's still alive. "I think that's ludicrous. why did laurence fishburne change his name - daddys-day.net THEY ARE MADE and remade, packaged and repackaged. When Emilio visited his dad, he quickly formed a friendship with Laurence who Martin knows well enough to call "Larry." At the Modern, he is spotted immediately by a receptionist who passed him into the Matisse show not long ago. [40] On February 16, 2011, the White House hosted a screening of the film as part of its celebrations of Black History Month. On television, he starred as Dr. Raymond Langston on the CBS crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (20082011), as Special Agent Jack Crawford in the NBC thriller series Hannibal (20132015), and as Earl "Pops" Johnson in the ABC sitcom Black-ish (20142022). why did laurence fishburne change his name He also appeared alongside Kevin Bacon in Quicksilver. Year Title Role Ref(s) 1976 Eden: Solomon Barton 1980 Contributions: Ronald 1985 Short Eyes: John "Ice" Wicker 1988 Urban Blight: Loose Ends: Doug 1992 Two Trains Running: Sterling Johnson 1995 Riff Raff: Mike . She first came to the limelight after she starred in a sex tape in 2010. It was around the time of this career hallmark that he began billing himself as "Laurence" instead of "Larry." The director said Fishburne rejected the offer because the role of Jules wasn't a leading man part, which left the door open for Samuel L. Jackson to be cast. What Was One Goal Of Mercantilism?, Attended the 2006 Dubai International Film Festival in the United Arab Emirates. Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net, Other Works There is no reason Larry Fishburne shouldn't play characters written as white. Their relationship has likely changed a lot over the years, because Montana Fishburne and her dad were closer during her childhood. A recurring role as Cowboy Curtis on the kiddie show Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986) helped him through whatever lean patches there were at the time. This article is about the Beauty and the Beast character. But arguably, Dourdan leaving the show prematurely was one instance that hurt the fans the most. Laurence Fishburne and Gina Torres are both geek heroes, he with his starring turn as Morpheus in the "Matrix" trilogy, and she for her role as Zo Washburne in "Firefly," the hugely beloved . Now, Mr. Fishburne belongs to that elite cadre of black male leads -- including Wesley Snipes and Denzel Washington -- who are winning dramatic roles not originally earmarked for black actors.