Wesley Snipes Bio
Wesley Trent Snipes (born July 31, 1962) is an American actor and martial artist. In a film career spanning more than thirty years, Snipes has appeared in a variety of genres, such as numerous thrillers, dramatic feature films, and comedies, though he is best known for his action films. He was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his work in The Waterdance (1992) and won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance in the film One Night Stand (1997). Films in which he has appeared have grossed over $3.6 billion worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Wesley Snipes was born in Orlando, Florida, the son of Marian (née Long), a teacher’s assistant, and Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. He grew up in the Bronx and attended the High School of Performing Arts of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts but moved back to Florida before he could graduate. After graduating from Jones High School in Orlando, Snipes returned to New York and attended the State University of New York at Purchase, where he received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Snipes also attended Southwestern College in California.
Path to Hollywood
At the age of 23, Snipes was discovered by an agent while performing in a competition. He made his film debut in the 1986 Goldie Hawn vehicle Wildcats. Later that year, he appeared on the TV show Miami Vice as a drug-dealing pimp in the episode “Streetwise.” In 1987, Snipes appeared as Michael Jackson’s nemesis in the Martin Scorsese–directed music video “Bad” and the feature film Streets of Gold. His performance in the music video “Bad” caught the eye of director Spike Lee, leading to a series of successful roles in films such as Major League (1989) and Mo’ Better Blues (1990).
Wesley Snipes Career
Early Career (1984–1990)
Snipes’s early career included notable parts in the comedy film Major League, the drama Mo’ Better Blues, and the crime drama King of New York. He gained prominence by playing a drug lord in the crime drama New Jack City (1991), which was written specifically for him. His role in the film established him as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (1991–2004)
Snipes’s breakthrough came with the film New Jack City, where he portrayed the drug lord Nino Brown. This role earned him critical acclaim and opened doors to more significant projects. He starred in the action film Passenger 57 (1992), which further solidified his status as an action star. In 1998, Snipes achieved his largest commercial success with Blade, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Blade grossed over $150 million worldwide and spawned a franchise, leading to sequels Blade II (2002) and Blade: Trinity (2004).
Notable Works and Milestones
Wesley Snipes is best known for his role in the Blade franchise, which has become iconic in the superhero genre. He won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 54th Venice Film Festival for his performance in One Night Stand (1997). Snipes’s films have grossed over $3.6 billion worldwide, showcasing his impact on the film industry.
Wesley Snipes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Wesley Snipes has received various nominations, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for The Waterdance (1992).
Wesley Snipes Awards Won
Wesley Snipes won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance in One Night Stand (1997).
Wesley Snipes Family
Wesley Snipes has a son, Jelani Asar Snipes, born in 1988. He has been married twice, first to April Snipes and later to painter Nakyung “Nikki” Park Snipes, with whom he has four children.
Personal Life
Wesley Snipes was raised a Christian but converted to Islam in 1978, later leaving the faith in 1988. He began training in martial arts at the age of 12 and holds a 5th degree black belt in Shotokan karate and a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido. Snipes was convicted on misdemeanor charges of willful failure to file federal income tax returns in 2008 and served 28 months in federal prison. He was released in April 2013. In 2024, Snipes is set to reprise his role as Blade in the Marvel Studios film Deadpool & Wolverine, which integrates the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
