Winston Duke’s story is not a mere Hollywood origin tale. It is one of migration, discovery, and deep loyalty to the places that shaped him, from the Caribbean to upstate New York to the global stage.
Born on November 15, 1986 in Argyle, Tobago, Winston Duke was raised by his mother, Cora Pantin. Her roles as a Tobagonian government worker and restaurateur instilled strong family and community values.
When he was nine years old, Duke’s life shifted dramatically. His family emigrated to NY, settling in Brooklyn so Duke’s older sister Cindy could attend medical school. The adjustment was not easy. Navigating life in a new country, Duke found comfort in small but powerful things: comic books, public libraries, and comic book stores. These spaces provided an anchor in unfamiliar surroundings, allowing his imagination to flourish and giving him a sense of belonging when everything else was new…