Bird

film by Eastwood [1988]

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July 17, 2026

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The film Bird (1988) is a biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood that chronicles the life of legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. Parker, nicknamed "Bird," is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians and a principal figure in the development of bebop. The film, starring Forest Whitaker as Parker, explores his innovative musical genius, his struggles with addiction, and the turbulent events of his life, culminating in his untimely death at age 34.12

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Clint Eastwood
First directorial efforts
…Eastwood also directed the well-regarded Bird (1988), a film biography of saxophonist Charlie Parker (Forest Whitaker), and produced the documentary Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988). Off-screen, Eastwood made national headlines in 1986 when he was elected mayor of Carmel, California; he served for two years.
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…Eastwood also directed the well-regarded Bird (1988), a film biography of saxophonist Charlie Parker (Forest Whitaker), and produced the documentary Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser (1988). Off-screen, Eastwood made national headlines in 1986 when he was elected mayor of Carmel, California; he served for two years.
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Forest Whitaker
…Parker in Clint Eastwood’s biopic Bird. His other notable roles included the captured British soldier who persuades his Irish Republican Army captor to look after his enigmatic girlfriend Dil in The Crying Game (1992), a gay fashion designer in Robert Altman’s Prêt-à-Porter (Ready to Wear; 1994), the best friend of…
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…Parker in Clint Eastwood’s biopic Bird. His other notable roles included the captured British soldier who persuades his Irish Republican Army captor to look after his enigmatic girlfriend Dil in The Crying Game (1992), a gay fashion designer in Robert Altman’s Prêt-à-Porter (Ready to Wear; 1994), the best friend of…
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