Antwone Fisher

Antwone Quenton Fisher was born in prison to a teenaged mother. He became a ward of the state of Ohio and was placed in foster care immediately. He spent two years in a loving foster home, but when it was apparent that the foster mother had become too attached to Fisher, deeming a reunion with his birth mother too difficult for the child, he was placed in a foster home where he would suffer twelve years of abuse at the hands of the foster family. He survived the cruelties of foster care and the brutalities of homelessness and set on a course of healing after joining the United States Navy where he served his country for eleven years.

Fisher works in Hollywood as a director, screenwriter, author and film producer and is author of The New York Times bestseller Finding Fish a Memoir, the inspiring story of his incredible life's journey. The film, Antwone Fisher, based on Fisher's life and written by Fisher himself reflects on his life as a sailor in the United States Navy and as a child growing up as a ward of the State of Ohio, living in Cleveland. In his collection of poetry, Who Will Cry For The Little Boy?, one of the best selling books of poetry of all time, Fisher reveals the inner truths that took him from a tumultuous childhood to the man he is today.

Fisher’s next book, A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie: And Other Stories a Father Never Taught Me, is a book of stories of his growing from boyhood to manhood and the life lessons he never learned while living with his foster father for over twelve years. A professor teaching at U.C.L.A., Fisher’s current film writing project is Training Day 2.

Among Fisher's many achievements and accolades include the Christopher Award for the film Antwone Fisher, the Humanities Prize, for writing and co-producing Antwone Fisher, an NAACP Image Award, and a Screenwriter of the year Award 2002 from the National Association of Theater Owners. He is also the recipient of The National Angel in Adoption Award for 2002. In 2003, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Cleveland State University was conferred upon him in recognition of his professional achievements as an author, producer, poet and screenwriter, his loyalty to his community, his personal triumphs and his indomitable spirit.

Describing the everyday misery of his life with astounding eloquence and grace, Fisher’s speeches offer a window into his very soul, it’s depths of pain and fear, and it’s strength and resolve. His story is truly inspirational.