Antwone Fisher is an American screenwriter, poet, lecturer, best-selling author, and children's rights advocate.
Antwone is the writer, co-producer and subject of the Fox Searchlight Pictures classic feature film, ANTWONE FISHER. His autobiographical book Finding Fish: A memoir is a New York Times & National Bestseller.
Born in an Ohio prison to a teenage mother, Antwone became a ward of the state and was placed in foster care. He lived two years in a caring foster home but was removed and suffered twelve years of abuse at the hands of his new foster family. Unable to land another home for him, at age 14, he was relocated to a penal institution for teenaged boys in western Pennsylvania where he remained until he graduated high school at 17. Emancipated from foster care, he found himself in the world alone and homeless, living on the streets of Cleveland, Ohio.
Antwone set on a path of healing when he entered the United States Navy, where he served his country for eleven years; nine years at sea, two ashore, four deployments and one forward deployment duty, stationed aboard the USS St. Louis LKA 116. Antwone was awarded or earned the following ribbons and medals while serving on active duty: Navy E Ribbon, Two (2) Navy Good Conduct medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon having three Stars. Antwone received a secret security clearance while assigned duty at NAVCAMS EASTPAC Wahiawa, Hawaii. A U.S. Navy veteran, Antwone Fisher was appointed to the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy, on October 5, 2009.
After his honorable discharge from the u.s. military at the rank of E-5 (SH2), Antwone became a Federal Correctional Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and after three years of service, he took a job with Sony Pictures Studios and worked as a Sony Security Officer for eight months before he began writing the screenplay for his own story.
Antwone has worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter for more than thirty years with an impressive sixteen film writing projects, script doctoring or script consultant assignments with the major studios. Among those film projects are, Rush Hour, ATL and the classic feature film, ANTWONE FISHER, directed by and starring Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington.
Antwone garnered numerous nominations and awards for his screenplay, ANTWONE FISHER, including, NOMINATION Writers Guild of America West (Screen) Best Original Screenplay, 'Antwone Fisher.' WINNER Humanitas Prize, 'Antwone Fisher.' WINNER AFI Movie of the year, 'Antwone Fisher.' WINNER ShoWest Screenwriter of the year, National Association of Theater Owners, 'Antwone Fisher.' WINNER Christoper Award, 'Antwone Fisher.' WINNER NAACP Award, Outstanding Motion picture Award, 'Antwone Fisher.' The film, ANTWONE FISHER, is part of the national film registry at the U.S. Library of Congress.
In 2005 Antwone was listed among Fade In Magazine’s “100 People in Hollywood you need to know.” On April 23, 2013. Antwone testified before the Senate Finance Committee. The hearing titled: The Antwone Fisher Story as a Case Study for Child Welfare. Antwone’s first book, Finding Fish: a memoir, chronicles his inspiring story became a New York Times and National Bestseller. Antwone has taught in the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television as well as UCLA Extension Writers Program. On May 10, 2003 Antwone Fisher L.H.D. received an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters from Cleveland State University.
His collection of poetry, Who Will Cry for the Little Boy? A national bestseller creatively reveals the road from his tumultuous childhood to the man he is today. His poem Who Will Cry for the Little Boy is featured in Nikki Giovanni's book, "Hip Hop Speaks to Children," Antwone's third book, A Boy Should Know how to tie a tie, won the award for best Literary Work- Instructional from the 2011 NAACP awards.
Antwone made his film directing debut with the award-winning short film, "My Summer Friend." He produced wrote and directed the 2013 documentary, This Life of Mine, The Leon T. Garr Story. Antwone continues as a prolific writer with his stage project, ANTWONE FISHER: A PLAY; Antwone and 20th Century Fox are in partnership with this play. Antwone's present screenwriting project is with Columbia Pictures.
"Antwone Fisher" is a compelling and emotional film, based on a true story. Denzel Washington not only acted in the movie but also made his directorial debut with it. The film follows the journey of Antwone Fisher, a young man who struggles with his past and finds healing through therapy and self-discovery. Denzel's direction and the performances in this film are heartfelt and moving, making "Antwone Fisher" a truly touching cinematic experience.
Antwone’s story of resilience and determination emphasizes the critical role of adequate mental health care support in addressing past and ongoing trauma.
The array of topics covered includes foster care challenges, aging out, teenage homelessness, mental health awareness, activism, authors, colleges & universities, diversity and inclusion, screenwriting, motivational & inspirational content, overcoming adversity & personal growth, the arts, and fundraising.
Antwone Fisher's work as a screenwriter is widely regarded as impressive. His ability to translate human experiences into compelling and heartfelt screenplays showcases his storytelling skills and emotional depth. Antwone Fisher is considered a talented A-List screenwriter for his remarkable work in the film business.
Antwone is a member of the Writers Guild of America West.
He was absolutely amazing! He could not have been nicer and he absolutely had the crowd mesmerized. Not one person left the event early and you could hear a pin drop. He is authentic, genuine and so engaging.
A Speaker Inspires at Best Foot Forward - The Boca Raton Tribune
By Marci Shatzman
Antwone Fisher Shared His Struggles From Childhood To Manhood At Family Compass’ North Star Luncheon
"You think you become an adult and you get past a lot of things and you join the Navy and see the world and you get out and you become a Hollywood writer and your name’s in the paper and everybody knows you, but you’re still that kid you always were. Some of those issues still linger. They don’t ever go away..."
"Finding Fish reads like a great work of fiction, moving me alternately to tears and laughter, sorrow and joy, and making me forget at times that the story is astonishingly true" - Denzel Washington
"Antwone Fisher has never hesitated to share the valuable lessons he's learned in life, and his latest book presents a collection of great advice from which all young men can benefit. In A Boy Should Know How To Tie a Tie, Fisher examines self worth and identity, and explores what it means to live as a man of grace and purpose. He illustrates that, while self image and personality are created on the inside, the way he presents himself on the outside reflected a man's character. This is an important bit of truth, and I urge young men everywhere to read Fisher's compelling guide to manhood." - President Bill Clinton
A friend asked me, " Antwone, why did you write this book for boys when you have girls?" I replied, "I wrote the book for boys because I have girls!" Also there are boys who, like me when I was growing up, need the information in this book to help them on their way to success.
Publishers Weekly
This stunning autobiography rises above the pack of success fables from survivors of America's inner cities.... If a major feature of survival memoirs is their ability to impress readers with the subject's long, steady climb to redemption and excellence, then this engrossing book is a classic. Paperback. eBook, Audiobook on Audible. Also available on AmazonBooks.
Filled with inspiring stories, wisdom, and practical know-how, A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie.
With additional information about healthy eating, making smart financial decisions, and finding role models, Antwone Fisher offers a book filled with accessible life lessons. eBook. Also, hard cover available is on AmazonBooks.
A plaintive, haunting tribute to a childhood lost to abuse and neglect, to "Azure Indigo," the uplifting and touching poem about his daughters. Many readers will find their own feelings and experiences reflected in this lyrical and passionate collection. A limited quantity available in the Emporium. Also, new and used available on AmazonBooks.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Lost and all alone.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Abandoned without his own.
Who will cry for the little boy?
He cried himself to sleep.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who never had for keeps.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who walked the burning sand.
Who will cry for the little boy?
The boy inside the man.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who knew well hurt and pain.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who died and died again.
Who will cry for the little boy?
A good boy he tried to be.
Who will cry for the little boy?
Who cries inside of me.
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Antwone Fisher
© Antwone Fisher 2022
"Finding Fish reads like a great work of fiction, moving me alternately to tears and laughter, sorrow and joy, and making me forget at times that the story is astonishingly true" - Denzel Washington
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