Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes was born on July 31, 1962, in Orlando, Florida. He is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist. Known for his roles in films such as the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, Wesley Snipes has developed a career in both action and drama films. His early years in Orlando and later in the Bronx shaped his interest in the performing arts.

Wesley Snipes made his film debut in the 1987 comedy film 'Wildcats', opposite Goldie Hawn. This role marked the beginning of his extensive career in Hollywood. Before 'Wildcats', Snipes had worked in theater and television, but this movie was his entry point into feature films, setting the stage for his roles in major blockbusters in the future.

Wesley Snipes played the role of drug lord Nino Brown in the blockbuster film 'New Jack City' released in 1991. His portrayal of the notorious gangster in this film was critically acclaimed and has been regarded as one of his most memorable performances, showcasing his ability to take on complex and intense characters. The film was a financial success and further cemented Wesley Snipes' place in Hollywood.

In 1992, Wesley Snipes starred as John Cutter in the action thriller 'Passenger 57'. His leading role in this film further established him as a major action star, famous for his catchphrase 'Always bet on black' from the movie. 'Passenger 57' was a box office success, with Snipes' performance receiving praise for its intensity and charisma, cementing his status as an action hero.

Wesley Snipes starred as the character Blade in the 1998 film 'Blade', which is based on the Marvel Comics character. The film became a commercial success, grossing over $131 million worldwide. Snipes' portrayal of the vampire hunter was critically acclaimed, and Blade became a cultural icon and pivotal to the revival of comic book-based movies, leading to sequels and expanded storylines.

In June 2004, Wesley Snipes was indicted on charges of tax evasion related to his failure to file federal income tax returns from 1999 through 2004. The charges highlighted his involvement with a tax protester scheme. He faced significant legal battles as a result, including a high-profile court case. This legal issue became one of the most discussed events of his career.

On December 8, 2006, the television series 'Blade', which was inspired by the film series starring Wesley Snipes, was cancelled after just one season. Although Snipes did not star in the series, the TV show carried on the storyline from the movies, but it failed to capture a large audience and did not reach the heights of its cinematic predecessor.

On April 24, 2008, Wesley Snipes was convicted on three misdemeanor counts of failure to file federal income tax returns. This conviction followed his 2004 indictment and subsequent trial that made headlines due to Snipes’ celebrity status and the unusual aspects of the case. He was sentenced to three years in prison, highlighting the consequences of tax evasion.

On December 9, 2010, Wesley Snipes reported to the Federal Correctional Institution, McKean in Pennsylvania to begin serving a three-year sentence for tax evasion. This followed his 2008 conviction. Snipes' incarceration was widely covered by the media, bringing attention to issues of celebrity taxation and the fairness of the judicial system.

Wesley Snipes was released from prison on April 2, 2013, after serving his time for tax evasion. Upon release, he was transferred to home confinement for the remainder of his sentence. Snipes' release marked the end of a tumultuous period in his life, after which he expressed a desire to reboot his acting career and move past his legal troubles.

Wesley Snipes starred in the Netflix limited series 'True Story', which premiered on October 29, 2021. Collaborating with comedian Kevin Hart, Snipes played the role of Carlton, a pivotal character in the drama-thriller. Snipes' performance was praised for its depth and complexity, adding a significant milestone in his comeback to acting after legal issues and time away from the spotlight.