Early Life

Childhood

Lee Daniels is an African American film and television director, producer, writer, and entrepreneur. His films have been nominated for six academy awards, winning two of them.  His films include several include several critically acclaimed movies such as The Butler, Precious, and Monster’s Ball. His television credits include the hugely successful series’ Empire and Star.

Daniels was born on December 24, 1959 in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of five children born to William and Clara Daniels. His father, William L. Daniels was a police officer who at one point served as a bodyguard for Muhammad Ali.  His mother, Clara Daniels (Watson) was an important figure in his life.  His father could be stern and abusive at times, but had fondness for books and poetry which he instilled into his children. When Daniels was 12, tragedy struck when his father killed while attempting stop an armed robbery while off duty. 

College and Healthcare Career

Daniels graduated from Radnor High School in 1978.  While he dreamed of going to film school, he couldn’t afford the tuition and instead attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. He dropped out before graduating and moved to Los Angeles to attempt a career in writing.  With few options in Los Angeles, he ended up taking a job as a nursing agency receptionist.  Shortly after this, he opened his nursing agency which would grow to be worth millions of dollars.

Career

Beginnings

By chance, one of his clients was a film producer.  When Daniels informed his client of his dreams to work in the film business, the client indicated that he could help him land a job. Daniels jumped at the chance, selling his nursing agency, and becoming a production assistant.  Projects he worked on during this time include, Purple Rain and Under the Cherry Moon.

After becoming bothered by the lack of opportunities for African American actors in Hollywood, Daniels determined to do something about it. He created his own management firm, Lee Daniels Entertainment.  Notable clients include Cuba Gooding Jr. and Morgan Freeman.

Successes and Career

His first production under Lee Daniels Entertainment was 2001’s Monster’s Ball, starring Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton. The film was a major success, bringing in $45 million on a budget of only $4 million. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, with Halle Berry winning for Best Actress.

Following the Success of Monster’s Ball, he would release The Woodsman in 2004. Starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgewick, the drama would not be the financial success of his previous film, but did garner positive reviews. Daniels followed this movie with his directorial debut, Shadowboxer in 2006.