Spike Lee

Guide Note:

Spike Lee is an acclaimed and controversial director, producer, writer, and actor known for such socially and politically charged films as Malcolm X, 4 Little Girls and Bamboozled.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: March 20, 1957
2. Birthplace: Atlanta, GA
3. Production Company: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
4. Full Name: Shelton Jackson Lee
5. Oscar Nominations: 2
6. Emmy Nominations: 1
7. Golden Globe Nominations: 2
8. Teaches at New York University
9. Alma-mater: Morehouse College
10. Dated model Veronica Webb
11. Favorite movie: The Deer Hunter
12. Played Mars Blackmon in Nike commercials with Michael Jordan

Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Spike Lee attended Moorehouse University as an undergraduate to study film. He later got his Master's at New York University, and finished his thesis film, Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads. He started out directing commercials, getting hired by Nike to feature ads with Michael Jordan. Later becoming a politically aware filmmaker, Lee directed controversial movies about race and ethnic identity. He received major critical acclaim for his 1989 film, Do the Right Thing. He later went on to direct such films as: Malcolm X, Jesus Children of America and Lovers & Haters.