Who is Denzel Washington? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.

Age: 69 Years, 69 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Pauletta Pearson Washington (m. 1983)

father: Reverend Denzel Hayes Washington Sr.

mother: Lennis, Lennis Lowe

children: John David Washington, Katia Washington, Malcolm Washington, Olivia Washington

Born Country: United States

Actors Directors

Height: 6'1" (185 cm), 6'1" Males

Personality: ISTJ

Notable Alumni: American Conservatory Theater

City: Mount Vernon, New York

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: Fordham University, American Conservatory Theater

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1

What are some of Denzel Washington's most iconic movie roles?

Some of Denzel Washington's most iconic movie roles include Malcolm X in "Malcolm X" (1992), Detective Alonzo Harris in "Training Day" (2001), and Coach Herman Boone in "Remember the Titans" (2000).
2

Has Denzel Washington ever won an Oscar for Best Actor?

Yes, Denzel Washington has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor. He won for his roles in "Glory" (1989) and "Training Day" (2001).
3

What is Denzel Washington's approach to acting?

Denzel Washington is known for his intense dedication to his craft. He often immerses himself in his characters, researching their backgrounds and motivations to deliver authentic performances.
4

How has Denzel Washington contributed to the film industry beyond acting?

Denzel Washington has also ventured into directing and producing films. He has received critical acclaim for his directorial work on movies like "Antwone Fisher" (2002) and "The Great Debaters" (2007).
5

What are some of the charitable causes that Denzel Washington supports?

Denzel Washington is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and the arts. He has supported organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing for military families.

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Fordham University

Childhood & Early Life

Denzel Washington was born to Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., a Pentecostal minister and Lennis, a beautician. He has two siblings.

He attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School till 1968. His parents divorced when he was 14 and he began to get involved in street violence. In order to instill some discipline in him, his mother sent him to Oakland Military Academy.

He went to Fordham University upon graduating from high school and earned a B.A. in Drama and Journalism in 1977. He realized his love for acting after working as a creative arts director at a summer camp.

He attended American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco, for one year before returning to New York.

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Career

After appearing in some television commercials and programs, he made his feature film debut in 1981 with the comedy film ‘Carbon Copy’. It was followed by a 1982 television movie, ‘License to Kill’.

Over the decade he appeared in many films like ‘A Soldier’s Story’ (1984), ‘Power’ (1986), and ‘The Mighty Quinn’ (1989).

His first big success came in 1989 with the release of the drama war film ’Glory’ in which he played Private Silas Trip. He won many awards for this role.

He played the title role in ‘Malcolm X’ (1992), a biographical motion picture directed by Spike Lee. He received an Academy award nomination for his portrayal of the Muslim African-American human rights activist.

The decade of 1990 was a very productive period for the talented actor. He played the lawyer Joe Miller in the 1993 drama film ‘Philadelphia’ which was one of the first Hollywood movies to deal with issues like homosexuality, AIDS, and homophobia.

In 1995, he starred as Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter in ‘Crimson Tide’. The movie was set in post-Soviet Russia during a period of political turmoil. It received positive reviews from critics.

His most successful movie of 1990s was ‘The Hurricane’ (1999) in which he played Rubin Carter, a boxer arrested for triple homicide. Denzel’s performance was highly appreciated and he won many awards.

One of his most memorable performances was as Detective Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime drama, ‘Training Day’. He played an antagonist in this movie—a role that earned him critical appreciation and numerous awards.

His other memorable movies of the 2000s include: ‘Antwone Fisher’ (2002), ‘Inside Man’ (2006), and ‘The Great Debaters’ (2007).

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One of his most recent films, ‘Flight’ (2012), revolves around the story of a complicated character, William Whitaker, who is an airline pilot struggling with alcoholism. Denzel was nominated for an Academy award for this role.

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Major Works

‘Glory’ (1989) was a drama war film that won him his first Academy Award. He played the role of Private Silas Trip which was widely appreciated by the critics.

He played the antagonist in the critically acclaimed film, ‘Training day’ (2001). The story dealt with narcotic drug detectives, and Washington received accolades for portraying a role that was very different from his usual roles.

Awards & Achievements

He received the Academy Award for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Private Silas Trip in the war film ‘Glory’ in 1989.

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2001 for his role of Detective Alonzo Harris in the crime drama, ‘Training day’.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married Pauletta Pearson in 1983. They have four children. There were reports of the couple splitting up a few years ago due to Denzel’s cheating with other women. However, the couple remains married to this day.

Facts About Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is known for his love of chess and is an avid player, often participating in charity chess tournaments.

Denzel is a talented singer and has even showcased his vocal abilities in a few of his films, including "The Preacher's Wife."

In addition to his successful acting career, Denzel is also a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting organizations that help underprivileged youth.

Denzel is known for his sense of humor and is often seen cracking jokes on and off set, bringing laughter to those around him.

2002	Best Actor in a Leading Role	Training Day (2001)
1990	Best Actor in a Supporting Role	Glory (1989)

2000	Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama	The Hurricane (1999)
1990	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture	Glory (1989)

2002	Best Villain	Training Day (2001)
1993	Best Male Performance	Malcolm X (1992)

Denzel Washington Biography

You wanted to know

What are some of Denzel Washington's most iconic movie roles?

Has Denzel Washington ever won an Oscar for Best Actor?

What is Denzel Washington's approach to acting?

How has Denzel Washington contributed to the film industry beyond acting?

What are some of the charitable causes that Denzel Washington supports?