Lee Daniels biography, married, divorce

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<p>Lee Daniels is an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African American</a> film and television director, producer, writer, and entrepreneur. Known for his raw and emotionally resonant storytelling, Daniels has earned critical acclaim for numerous films and television series. His work has garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, including two wins. Among his most notable films are <em>Precious</em>, <em>The Butler</em>, and <em>Monster’s Ball</em>. On television, he achieved significant success with the popular Fox drama series <em>Empire</em> and <em>Star</em>.</p>

<h2>Early Life and Family Background</h2>

<p>Lee Daniels was born on December 24, 1959, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the eldest of five children born to William L. Daniels and Clara Watson Daniels. His father was a police officer who, at one point, served as a bodyguard for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali">Muhammad Ali</a>. While his father could be stern and, according to Daniels, occasionally abusive, he also instilled in his children a love for books and poetry. His mother played a pivotal role in his upbringing and remained a strong influence throughout his life. When Daniels was just 12 years old, his father was killed while trying to stop an armed robbery during his off-duty hours.</p>

<h2>Education and Early Career in Healthcare</h2>

<p>Daniels graduated from Radnor High School in 1978. Though he aspired to attend film school, financial constraints led him to enroll instead at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. He eventually dropped out and relocated to Los Angeles in pursuit of a writing career. With limited opportunities in the entertainment industry at the time, Daniels worked as a receptionist at a nursing agency. Demonstrating entrepreneurial talent early on, he soon founded his own nursing agency, which later became financially successful and valued in the millions.</p>

<h2>Entry into Film Industry</h2>

<p>A pivotal moment in Daniels’ career came when he met a film producer who was one of his agency’s clients. Upon learning of Daniels’ passion for filmmaking, the producer offered to help him enter the industry. Daniels sold his nursing business and took a job as a production assistant. He worked on projects including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)">Prince</a>’s <em>Purple Rain</em> and <em>Under the Cherry Moon</em>, gaining valuable experience in film production.</p>

<p>Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African American</a> actors in Hollywood, Daniels established his own talent management company, Lee Daniels Entertainment. The firm represented major actors such as <a href="/biography/cuba-gooding">Cuba Gooding Jr.</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Freeman">Morgan Freeman</a>, reinforcing Daniels' commitment to enhancing diversity in the entertainment industry.</p>

<h2>Breakthrough with <em>Monster’s Ball</em></h2>

<p>Daniels’ debut as a producer under Lee Daniels Entertainment came with the 2001 film <em>Monster’s Ball</em>, starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halle_Berry">Halle Berry</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Bob_Thornton">Billy Bob Thornton</a>. The film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $45 million on a $4 million budget. It earned two Academy Award nominations, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halle_Berry">Halle Berry</a> won Best Actress, becoming the first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African American</a> woman to receive the honor.</p>

<h2>Continued Success and Directorial Debut</h2>

<p>Following the success of <em>Monster’s Ball</em>, Daniels produced <em>The Woodsman</em> in 2004, a drama starring <a href="/biography/kevin-bacon">Kevin Bacon</a> and <a href="/biography/kyra-sedgwick">Kyra Sedgwick</a>. Although the film was not a major financial hit, it received strong reviews for its performances and subject matter. Daniels made his directorial debut with <em>Shadowboxer</em> in 2006, further showcasing his distinct voice and willingness to tackle complex themes.</p>

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<h2>Critical Acclaim with <em>Precious</em> and <em>The Butler</em></h2>

<p>In 2009, Daniels directed and co-produced <em>Precious</em>, a harrowing drama centered on a teenage girl enduring abuse and poverty in Harlem. The film premiered to widespread acclaim and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique and Best Adapted Screenplay for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_S._Fletcher">Geoffrey Fletcher</a>. <em>Precious</em> became one of the highest-grossing limited-release films in U.S. history.</p>

<p>Daniels followed this success with the 2013 historical drama <em>The Butler</em>, inspired by the life of White House <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Allen">butler</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Allen">Eugene Allen</a>. The film featured a star-studded cast including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Whitaker">Forest Whitaker</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah_Winfrey">Oprah Winfrey</a>, and <a href="/biography/john-cusack">John Cusack</a>. A box office hit, it grossed over $176 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, further solidifying Daniels’ reputation as a filmmaker capable of combining socially charged narratives with commercial appeal.</p>

<h2>Acclaimed Television Endeavors: <em>Empire</em> and <em>Star</em></h2>

<p>In 2015, Daniels created the Fox drama series <em>Empire</em>, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_Howard">Terrence Howard</a> and <a href="/biography/taraji-p-henson">Taraji P. Henson</a>, the show explored the inner workings of a fictional hip-hop music company and the complexities within its founding family. <em>Empire</em> garnered multiple Emmy nominations and maintained strong ratings throughout its run, being renewed for six seasons.</p>

<p>Building on this momentum, Daniels developed another Fox drama, <em>Star</em>, which premiered in December 2016. The series focused on three young women trying to break into the competitive music industry. <em>Star</em> was well-received, leading to renewals through its third season by March 2018.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Advocacy</h2>

<p>Daniels is openly gay and has often spoken about his experiences as a Black gay man in America and in Hollywood. He was previously in a relationship with casting director Billy Hopkins. While the couple later separated, Daniels adopted his niece and nephew, Clara and Liam, and raised them as his own children. In 2016, he participated in a tribute organized by the Human Rights Campaign to honor victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting, further emphasizing his commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.</p>

<h2>References</h2>

<p>Solway, Diane. “Family Values: Lee Daniels.” W Magazine, 16 Dec. 2016, www.wmagazine.com/story/family-issue-lee-daniels.</p>

<p>“Lee Daniels.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 19 Jan. 2018, www.biography.com/people/lee-daniels-516876.</p>

<p>“Lee Daniels.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 May 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Daniels.</p>

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