Forest Whitaker says he was inspired by Eugene Allen and wanted to honour his family when making Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
Whitaker takes on the role of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who served eight presidents in his years of service.
The film is loosely based on the story of Allen - who retired in 1986 after thirty-four years of working in The White House.
Speaking to Le Point. fr the actor said: "I didn't meet him, I did talk to his family, his son, people who worked with him.
"I did study photos of him, his recordings and stuff, but ultimately I was inspired by him so I had the freedom to create a character that represented this man and that represented many men and women who would be in this particular position, I tried to do that while still honouring his family."
The Butler marks the first time that Whitaker has teamed up with Daniels as he returns to the director’s chair for the first time since The Paperboy.
A fantastic ensemble cast has been assembled, as Oprah Winfrey, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, James Marsden and Terrence Howard are just some of the names on board.
"This is an amazing story about a butler who served eight presidents in the white house.
"You get to see the movement of the country and the times through his eyes, the love of his family, his wife and son, which is a very special unique opportunity.
"Lee Daniels is a really talented filmmaker so you put those two things together. The opportunity to work with Oprah Winfrey, because we had wanted to work together before, it's evident that I would be happy to join this project."
The Butler is being tipped as a possible Oscar contender when the awards season gets under way.
The Butler is released 15th November.
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