Denzel Washington

biography of a great American actor

About Denzel Washington

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr., aka Denzel Washington, is best known as a critically acclaimed actor that has won numerous awards including 3 Golden Globes, 2 Academy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild award, a Tony Award, and the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. His movie roles span across several decades with his first appearance coming in the made-for-TV movie “Wilma” in 1977. In 2020 the New York Times referred to Denzel as the “Greatest Actor of the 21st Century (so far)”.

Denzel isn’t just an acclaimed actor, director, and producer; he’s also an incredibly giving person. In 2019 Chadwick Boseman credited Denzel for the movie “Blank Panther” existing while giving a speech at the legendary actor’s lifetime achievement awards ceremony. After Chadwick’s unfortunate passing it was widely revealed that a donation by Denzel helped pay for Boseman’s acting tuition at the British American Drama Academy, a move that helped the actor continue to pursue his career. In 2021 Denzel was named the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army due to his work with the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit which helps military families with housing while they receive long-term medical treatment.

At one point in his life Denzel considered becoming a preacher like his father, instead he says he sort of “backed into” acting when someone at his college recommended he give it a try, and he fell in love with it. We are all grateful to that college acquaintance that encouraged Denzel to try his hand at acting.

Birthday: December 28th, 1954
Hometown: Mount Vernon, NY
Wife: Pauletta Washington
Occupation(s): Actor, Director, Producer
High School: Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, NY & Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL
College Alma Mater: Fordham University in The Bronx New York City, NY
Post-Graduate / Acting School: American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, CA