Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is an American actor and filmmaker. He is particularly skilled at conveying intense emotions like anger, grief, and despair, and he can also convey vulnerability and tenderness in his performances. Washington is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his time, and he has received critical acclaim for his performances in a wide range of roles over the course of his career. He is 6 Feet 1/4 inches tall.
Denzel Washington Biography
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Denzel Washington was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He was the middle child of three children born to a Pentecostal minister and his wife.
Growing up, Washington was involved in sports and played basketball for his high school team. However, he also had a passion for acting and began studying drama at Fordham University in New York City.
After graduating from Fordham, Washington moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in acting. He worked odd jobs to support himself while he auditioned for roles and eventually landed a spot in the American Conservatory Theater.
Washington continued to hone his craft in theater, eventually moving to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway. He landed several roles and earned critical acclaim for his performances, which eventually led to his first film roles in the early 1980s.
Denzel Washington Career
Denzel Washington’s career journey began in theater, where he honed his craft and earned critical acclaim for his performances on Broadway. He then transitioned to film, where he quickly established himself as a leading man with a commanding presence and a powerful range of emotions.
Washington’s breakthrough role came in the 1989 film “Glory,” in which he played a Union soldier during the Civil War. His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and he went on to win the award for Best Supporting Actor the following year for his role in “Training Day.”
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Washington became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with a string of box office hits and acclaimed performances. He earned additional Academy Award nominations for his performances in films such as “Malcolm X,” “The Hurricane,” and “Flight.”
In addition to his work in film, Washington has also had a successful career in television, both as an actor and a producer. He executive produced the hit series “The Book of Eli” and has also appeared in shows such as “St. Elsewhere” and “The Equalizer.”
Washington published a book called “A Hand to Guide Me” in 2006, which is a collection of inspirational stories from famous individuals about the mentors who helped guide them in their lives.
Throughout his career, Washington has become known for his intense and nuanced performances, as well as his commitment to giving back to the community. He is involved in a number of charitable organizations and has been recognized for his philanthropic work, including his support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Denzel Washington Movies
Washington has featured in numerous movies
Glory (1989), Malcolm X (1992), Philadelphia (1993), The Pelican Brief (1993), Crimson Tide (1995), The Hurricane (1999), Remember the Titans (2000), Training Day (2001), Man on Fire (2004), Inside Man (2006), American Gangster (2007), The Book of Eli (2010), Flight (2012), 2 Guns (2013), The Equalizer (2014), Fences (2016), Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), The Equalizer 2 (2018), The Little Things (2021), The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Denzel Washington Awards
He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Some of his most notable awards and honors are listed below:
Academy Awards:
Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989)
Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001)
Golden Globe Awards:
Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989)
Best Actor in a Drama for “The Hurricane” (1999)
Best Actor in a Drama for “Training Day” (2001)
Screen Actors Guild Awards:
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for “The Hurricane” (1999)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for “Training Day” (2001)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for “American Gangster” (2007)
Tony Awards:
Best Actor in a Play for “Fences” (2010)
Other notable honors:
Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards (2016)
AFI Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute (2019)
Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama (2016)
Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2000)
Denzel Washington Wife and Son
Denzel Washington has been married to Pauletta Pearson since 1983. The couple first met on the set of the television film “Wilma” in 1977, and they began dating shortly thereafter. They got married on June 25, 1983, and have been together ever since. They have four children together, two sons named John David and Malcolm, and two daughters named Olivia and Katia.
Washington is also involved in several business ventures. He is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he has also invested in a tech startup called HBCUvc, which provides venture capital opportunities for students and alumni of Historically Black.
Washington has been involved in several charitable causes throughout his career. He and his wife Pauletta are active supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and they have donated millions of dollars to the organization over the years. Washington has also donated to several other causes, including Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the Fisher House Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
Denzel Washington Net Worth
Denzel Washington’s estimated net worth is approximately $250 million USD.