Laurence Fishburne is an American actor, producer, director, and playwright whose career has spanned over five decades. He is widely recognized for playing the philosophical mentor Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy and the underworld figure Bowery King in the John Wick franchise. Born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he began acting as a child and rose to become one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
His work ranges from harrowing war films to groundbreaking science fiction. Fishburne broke into the industry at an unusually young age, lying about his age to land a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. Over the years, he has earned a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, and an Academy Award nomination, cementing his status as a versatile and enduring talent.
What Are Laurence Fishburne’s Most Famous Movies and Roles?
Born July 30, 1961 (age 63 in 2025)
Morpheus (The Matrix), Bowery King (John Wick)
~$30 million
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Fishburne began acting at age 10 and gained early acclaim for his role in Apocalypse Now at 14.
- He is one of the few actors to win both a Tony (for Two Trains Running) and an Emmy (for TriBeCa) as a performer.
- His portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy became a cultural touchstone for science fiction cinema.
- Fishburne has diversified into producing, directing (Once in the Life), and voice work.
- He was married to actress Gina Torres from 2002 to 2018 and has two daughters, including actress Montana Fishburne.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laurence John Fishburne III |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Augusta, Georgia, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Spouse | Gina Torres (m. 2002; div. 2018) |
| Children | 2 (including Montana Fishburne) |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Notable Awards | Tony Award, Emmy Award, NAACP Image Awards |
Who Is Laurence Fishburne Married To and Does He Have Children?
Fishburne married actress Gina Torres in 2002. The couple separated in 2017, and the divorce was finalized in 2018. Britannica notes Torres as his spouse during that period. Fishburne has not remarried. He has two daughters: Montana Fishburne, who is also an actress, and a second daughter from a previous relationship whose name is not consistently confirmed in public records.
Fishburne and Torres have one daughter together. His other daughter is from an earlier relationship. Public records do not consistently name the second daughter, and this detail remains unconfirmed.
Who is Laurence Fishburne’s daughter?
Montana Fishburne is his eldest daughter and has pursued a career in acting. She has appeared in several film and television projects. The name of his younger daughter is not widely reported.
What Is Laurence Fishburne’s Net Worth and Height?
Net worth estimates for Fishburne vary across entertainment websites. Most sources, such as Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla, cite a figure around $30 million, but no official disclosure exists. Estimates can range from $20 million to $35 million, and these figures are speculative. Regarding his height, Fishburne is widely reported as 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), a measurement confirmed by multiple interviews and official biographies.
No public financial records are available for Laurence Fishburne. Net worth figures are estimations from third-party sources and should be treated as such. His height, however, is consistently reported and widely accepted.
How Did Laurence Fishburne Start His Acting Career?
Fishburne’s early life and career began remarkably young. He was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Hattie Bell Crawford, a teacher, and Laurence John Fishburne Jr., a juvenile corrections officer. After his parents divorced, his mother moved the family to Brooklyn, New York. He performed onstage at about age 10, appearing in his first screen role in the 1972 teleplay If You Give a Dance, You Gotta Pay the Band. He also won a recurring role on the soap opera One Life to Live as a child.
His film debut came in Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975). He then landed a role in Apocalypse Now after lying about his age; production began when he was 14 and ended when he was 17. That experience, acting alongside veterans like Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen, shaped his intense approach to performance.
What role did Laurence Fishburne play in Apocalypse Now?
He played the character Tyrone “Mr. Clean” Miller, a young soldier on a river patrol boat in Vietnam. The role is notable not only for its quality but because Fishburne was only 14 when filming began, making it one of the most remarkable teenage debuts in cinema history.
How old is Laurence Fishburne?
He was born on July 30, 1961, making him 63 years old as of 2025.
Career Timeline: Key Milestones in Laurence Fishburne’s Life
- 1961: Born in Augusta, Georgia.
- 1972: First TV appearance at age 10 on If You Give a Dance, You Gotta Pay the Band.
- 1979: Cast as Tyrone in Apocalypse Now at age 14; lied about his age to get the role.
- 1987: Breakthrough role in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and later Boyz n the Hood (1991).
- 1993: Won Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Two Trains Running.
- 1999: Released The Matrix as Morpheus, becoming a global icon.
- 2008: Played Thurgood Marshall in the TV film Thurgood, winning an Emmy.
- 2017: Joined the John Wick franchise as The Bowery King.
- 2025: Continues active career with upcoming projects.
What’s Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) – widely reported and confirmed. | Net worth: estimates range from $20M to $35M; no official disclosure. |
| Married to Gina Torres from 2002 to 2018. | Current relationship status: not publicly known if he is remarried or in a relationship. |
| He has a daughter named Montana Fishburne (actress). | The name of his second daughter is not consistently reported. |
What Is the Broader Significance of His Career?
Fishburne’s career is notable for its longevity and range. He transitioned from a child actor in the harrowing Vietnam war film Apocalypse Now to the philosophical mentor in The Matrix and the underworld kingpin in John Wick. His early exposure to method acting on the set of Apocalypse Now shaped his intense style. Fishburne has also been a pioneering Black actor in leading science fiction and action roles, often subverting stereotypes. Behind the camera, he has worked as a director and producer, including on episodes of Black-ish and his own film Once in the Life. The Matrix franchise continues to generate interest, with speculation about his potential return in upcoming sequels. For those interested in other major ensemble casts, see the Cast of Game of Thrones – Full Actors and Characters List.
Sources and Quotes
“Laurence Fishburne is an American actor, producer, director, and playwright best known for Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy and the Bowery King in the John Wick films.”
“He won a Tony Award in 1992 for Two Trains Running and an Emmy Award for his work on TriBeCa.”
“His most famous film role is Morpheus in The Matrix (1999), which became one of his signature performances.”
Further details on his career are available on IMDb, Playbill, and his official biography from PACNYC.
Summary: The Actor’s Enduring Legacy
Laurence Fishburne has built a career defined by versatility, from a teenage soldier in Vietnam to a futuristic mentor and a modern underworld figure. His work spans film, television, theater, and production, earning him major awards and a lasting place in popular culture. For those interested in other major ensemble casts, see the Avengers Infinity War – Complete Guide to Plot, Cast and Ending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laurence Fishburne
How old is Laurence Fishburne?
He was born July 30, 1961, making him 63 years old as of 2025.
Where was Laurence Fishburne born?
Augusta, Georgia, USA.
Did Laurence Fishburne serve in the military?
No, but he played a soldier in Apocalypse Now and several other roles.
What is Laurence Fishburne’s real name?
Laurence John Fishburne III.
Does Laurence Fishburne have an Oscar?
No, but he received an Academy Award nomination for What’s Love Got to Do With It and has won a Tony and an Emmy.
How tall is Laurence Fishburne?
6 feet 0 inches (183 cm).
Is Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix 4?
Yes, he reprised his role as Morpheus, though the character appears in a younger form via CGI in the main timeline.
What is Laurence Fishburne’s daughter’s name?
Montana Fishburne, who is also an actress.
What role did Laurence Fishburne play in John Wick?
He plays the Bowery King, a powerful underworld figure who controls a network of informants.
How much is Laurence Fishburne worth?
Public estimates are around $30 million, though no official figure has been disclosed.
Related stories
Oscar Brooks covers local business, housing, jobs and property across Hampshire.