Variations of a Forest Whitaker eye meme have circulated on the internet and social media platforms for years. Given his impressive acting, directing, and producing skills, many fans still forget that he has an issue altogether. Have you ever wondered what was wrong with Forest Whitaker’s eye? We’ve got the answers.
Forest has ptosis, a genetic disorder characterized by a drooping of the top eyelid. Another name for ptosis is lazy eye. Although Forest Whitaker’s eye ptosis was inherited, some people can get it as a result of trauma, long-term contact lens use, or cataract surgery. The disorder known as blepharoptosis, or ptosis, is a condition where the upper eyelid droops or falls over the eye.
Forest Whitaker has ptosis in his left eye from birth. Some reviewers even pointed out that his ptosis had aided him in his portrayal once he gained widespread recognition as an actor. It may develop later in life or may be present from birth, affecting one or both eyelids. Ptosis could also be brought on by enlargement of the eyelid or issues with the muscles or nerves that open the eyelid.
The muscles that lift the eyelid or its nerve supply, the sympathetic nerves for the superior tarsal muscle, and the oculomotor nerve for the levator palpebrae superioris, can malfunction, resulting in ptosis. While the muscles in the eyelids may start to weaken, it is more frequent in older people and can affect one or both eyes. Additionally, ptosis may be present at birth due to aberrant levator muscle growth during the mother’s pregnancy. There are three primary inherited kinds of congenital ptosis. To lift the lid, the muscles or tendons are shortened, albeit surgery is not usually required.
Does Forest Whitaker have other illnesses?
According to rumors, he reportedly spends about $8,500 a day on healthcare for his medical conditions, including facial nerve paralysis, hearing loss, and chronic fatigue. None of these rumors has been addressed by him or his agency. The actor has only publicly discussed his eye condition.
Forest doesn’t hesitate to discuss his eye when people question him about it. “My eye? It has a genetic component. “I have it now, and my dad had it,” Forest has explained.
How much does Forest Whitaker spend on health?
The award-winning actor is yet to publicly confirm the figures. He reportedly has a soundproof therapy room, a facial nerve stimulator, and a sleep optimization chamber in his home to help his condition. According to claims, he spends over $500,000 annually on physical therapy and nerve treatments.
The Great Debaters (2007), The Butler (2013), Arrival (2016), and Respect (2021) are just a few of the notable films in which he has starred in critically acclaimed roles. Popular films like Panic Room (2002), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), in which he portrayed Saw Gerrera, and Black Panther (2018), in which he played Zuri, also show his range flexibility. Among his many honors are two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Whitaker has used what some perceive as a weakness as a mark of uniqueness, from winning an Oscar to spearheading international peace projects. “Being persistent is really important. If you are willing to do the work, you’ll be rewarded,” he told Forbes in an interview. His remarkable filmography is a lesson in determination, flexibility, and unwavering pursuit of purpose both on and off screen. It is more than simply a list of roles.
Do you think Forest Whitaker’s illness adds to his acting?