Denzel Washington
add a quote
edit
[on the whipping scene in "Glory"] - I remember walking around before that scene, just praying and calling on the spirits of all the slaves, because I didn't know how to play it. I was like, 'Okay, fellas, just tell me what to do.' And I went out there with an arrogance. I spit on the ground. I had this attitude and this strength -- it all came out of this meditation. It wasn't calculated. It was organic. That whip actually hurt, but I was like, 'Don't let him win.'
Short facts
Birthdate :December 28, 1954
Location :Mount Vernon , New York
Country :United States
Sign : Capricorn
Eyes color :
Hair color :
Etnhnicity:
Job :actors
Denzel Washington contributors (1)
Denzel Washington fans (1)
add timeline
Denzel Washington Timeline
1977
Met his wife Pauletta Washington in 1977 when both had small roles in the TV-movie Wilma (TV) (she was billed as Pauletta Pearson), the story of runner Wilma Rudolph. They wed five years later.1977
Met his wife Pauletta Washington in 1977 when both had small roles in the TV-movie Wilma (1977) (TV) (she was billed as Pauletta Pearson), the story of runner Wilma Rudolph. They wed five years later.1981
Though his first theatrical film was a comedy (Carbon Copy ), he has only done three more since. Has mentioned that he's always wanted to do a great one.1981
Though his first theatrical film was a comedy (Carbon Copy (1981)), he has only done three more since. Has mentioned that he's always wanted to do a great one.1984
Children: John David Washington (b. July 28, 1984), Katia (b. 1987), and twins Malcolm and Olivia Washington (b. 1991).1984
Was considered for the part of Det. Ricardo Tubbs on "Miami Vice" .1984
Has 4 children, John David Washington (born July 28, 1984), Katia Washington (born November 27, 1987), and twins Malcolm Washington and Olivia Washington (born April 10, 1991), with Pauletta Washington.1984
Was considered for the part of Det. Ricardo Tubbs on "Miami Vice" (1984).1987
Claims his personal favorite performances are his works in Cry Freedom , Glory , Malcolm X , and Training Day .1987
Claims his personal favorite performances are his works in Cry Freedom (1987), Glory (1989), Malcolm X (1992), and Training Day (2001).1988
Was awarded the title of "Police Chief for a Day" when he was a member of The Boys and Girls Club of America as a child. The photo was shown during his latest appearance on "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" (1988).1989
Has two films on the American Film Institute's 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time. They are: Glory at #31 and Philadelphia at #20.1989
Was awarded the title of "Police Chief for a Day" when he was a member of The Boys and Girls Club of America as a child. The photo was shown during his latest appearance on "Live with Regis" .1989
Has two films on the American Film Institute's 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time. They are: Glory (1989) at #31 and Philadelphia (1993) at #20.1990
Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world 1990
Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world [1990]1992
His performance as Malcolm X in Malcolm X is ranked #17 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time .1992
In the early 1980s, years before he portrayed Malcolm X in the Spike Lee film Malcolm X , Washington portrayed Malcolm in the off-Broadway production of "When the Chickens Came Home to Roost", at the Henry Street Theatre in NYC.1992
His performance as Malcolm X in Malcolm X (1992) is ranked #17 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).1992
In the early 1980s, years before he portrayed Malcolm X in the Spike Lee film Malcolm X (1992), Washington portrayed Malcolm in the off-Broadway production of "When the Chickens Came Home to Roost", at the Henry Street Theatre in NYC.1993
Tom Hanks said working with Washington on Philadelphia was like "going to film school". Hanks said he learned more about acting by watching Denzel than from anyone else.1993
Tom Hanks said working with Washington on Philadelphia (1993) was like "going to film school". Hanks said he learned more about acting by watching Denzel than from anyone else.1993
To prepare for his attorney role in Philadelphia (1993), he met with two lawyers who were about to become celebrities in their own right: Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. and Carl Douglas.1993
He spent months on the beat with Washington Post reporters to prepare for The Pelican Brief (1993).1995
Turned down the role of Detective David Mills in Se7en .1995
The offer he regrets turning down the most is Brad Pitt's role in Se7en .1995
Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#77). 1995
According to a 1995 Premiere magazine article, Denzel confronted director Quentin Tarantino when he visted the set of Crimson Tide . Quentin had done an uncredited rewrite of the script. Denzel lambasted Tarantino about his use of racial slurs in his films. Tarantino got embarrassed and wanted to move the conversation to a more private area. Denzel said, "No, if were going to discuss it, let's discuss it now." Denzel later said he still felt that Quentin was "a fine artist".1995
Turned down Se7en . He opted to do another detective thriller that year, Devil in a Blue Dress .1995
Turned down Se7en (1995). He opted to do another detective thriller that year, Devil in a Blue Dress (1995).1995
Turned down the role of Detective David Mills in Se7en (1995).1995
The offer he regrets turning down the most is Brad Pitt's role in Se7en (1995).1995
According to a 1995 Premiere magazine article, Denzel confronted director Quentin Tarantino when he visited the set of Crimson Tide (1995). Quentin had done an uncredited rewrite of the script. Denzel lambasted Tarantino about his use of racial slurs in his films. Tarantino got embarrassed and wanted to move the conversation to a more private area. Denzel said, "No, if we're going to discuss it, let's discuss it now." Denzel later said he still felt that Quentin was "a fine artist".1995
Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#77). [1995]1996
Has played two soldiers who have suffered traumatic, life-changing experiences while fighting in the 1991 Persian Gulf War: Lt. Col. Nathaniel Serling in Courage Under Fire and Maj. Ben Marco in The Manchurian Candidate .1996
1996 Harvard Foundation Award1996
Chosen as People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 1996
Chosen as People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive [1996]1996
For Courage Under Fire (1996), he trained at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin in California, where he qualified on the M1A1 tank and the 120mm gun, participated in battle games and listened to audiotapes of tank battles in Desert Storm.1996
Has played two soldiers who have suffered traumatic, life-changing experiences while fighting in the 1991 Persian Gulf War: Lt. Col. Nathaniel Serling in Courage Under Fire (1996) and Maj. Ben Marco in The Manchurian Candidate (2004).1997
Turned down the role of Cinque in Amistad .1997
At one point, was to star as Dr. Alex Cross in Kiss the Girls , had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.1997
Turned down the role of Cinque in Amistad (1997).1997
At one point, was to star as Dr. Alex Cross in Kiss the Girls (1997), had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.1998
Was the original choice to play the title character in Blade .1998
Was the original choice to play the title character in Blade (1998).1999
To prepare for his role as boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter in The Hurricane , Washington worked out for a year with L.A. boxing trainer Terry Claybon.1999
To prepare for his role as boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter in The Hurricane (1999), Washington worked out for a year with L.A. boxing trainer Terry Claybon.2001
Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001."2001
Only the second black actor (after Sidney Poitier) to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (for Training Day ). Poitier received the honorary Academy Award that same year.2001
Only the second black actor (after Sidney Poitier) to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (for Training Day (2001)). Poitier received the honorary Academy Award that same year.2001
Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001."2002
When Washington won the Best Actor Oscar for Training Day , Halle Berry won the Best Actress Oscar for Monster's Ball , and Sidney Poitier won the Honorary award , 2002 marked the first time in Academy Awards history that 3 African-Americans so dominated the Oscar ceremonies. 2002
He is a big fan of the TV show "Monk" . He requested Ted Levine to play a part in American Gangster because he was a fan of the series. He also worked with Tony Shalhoub in The Siege .2002
Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002.2002
When Washington won the Best Actor Oscar for Training Day (2001), Halle Berry won the Best Actress Oscar for Monster's Ball (2001), and Sidney Poitier won the Honorary award (2001), 2002 marked the first time in Academy Awards history that 3 African-Americans so dominated the Oscar ceremonies. [2002]2002
He is a big fan of the TV show "Monk" (2002). He requested Ted Levine to play a part in American Gangster (2007) because he was a fan of the series. He also worked with Tony Shalhoub in The Siege (1998).2003
Ranked #28 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #40 in 2002.2003
Ranked #28 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #40 in 2002.2004
Has worked with both Fanning sisters. He worked with Dakota Fanning in Man on Fire ; he worked with (although did not have any scenes with) Elle Fanning in Deja Vu .2004
Has worked with both Fanning sisters. He worked with Dakota Fanning in Man on Fire (2004); he worked with (although did not have any scenes with) Elle Fanning in Deja Vu (2006).2004
Has starred in three remakes - The Manchurian Candidate (2004), The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009), and Man on Fire (2004).2005
Premiere Magazine ranked him as #39 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature .2005
Because of his pay-or-play deal on the doomed 2005 "American Gangster" project (which was to be directed by Antoine Fuqua), he was paid $20 million even though the film did not move ahead.2005
Premiere Magazine ranked him as #39 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).2005
Because of his pay-or-play deal on the doomed 2005 "American Gangster" project (which was to be directed by Antoine Fuqua), he was paid $20 million even though the film did not move ahead.2006
Voted as America's Favorite Movie Star in the 2006 and 2007 Harris Polls.2006
In 2006, he donated $1 million to Save Africa's Children.2006
As of 2006, he is the most Oscar-winning (two) and most nominated (five) black actor/actress in Academy history.2006
Son John David Washington recently signed as a running back with the St. Louis Rams (May 2006).2006
Was in consideration for the part of Curtis Taylor Jr in Dreamgirls . However Jamie Foxx was cast instead.2006
Voted as America's Favorite Movie Star in the 2006 and 2007 Harris Polls.2006
In 2006, he donated $1 million to Save Africa's Children.2006
Has worked twice with Chiwetel Ejiofor. In Inside Man (2006), they played police detectives; in American Gangster (2007), they played criminals.2007
He was presented with the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia on May 20, 2007.2007
December 2007 - According to Forbes, for each dollar he got paid, his movies averaged $10 of gross income.2007
Has worked with both Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. Ridley directed him in American Gangster . He has worked with Ridley's brother, Tony, on four films, which are: Crimson Tide , Man on Fire , Deja Vu , and The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 . He will work with Tony for the fifth time in the upcoming Unstoppable .2007
Has worked with both Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. Ridley directed him in American Gangster (2007). He has worked with Ridley's brother, Tony, on five films, which are: Crimson Tide (1995), Man on Fire (2004), Deja Vu (2006), The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) and Unstoppable (2010).2007
Turned down the role that went to George Clooney in Michael Clayton (2007).2007
Among his favorite black actors are - Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor - who happen to be British, and both of whom co-starred with Washington in American Gangster (2007).2008
Attended the star-studded opening of Dubai's lavish Atlantis Palms resort. Guests were welcomed in style with a display of one million fireworks, said to be visible from space. 2008
Attended the star-studded opening of Dubai's lavish Atlantis Palms resort. Guests were welcomed in style with a display of one million fireworks, said to be visible from space. [November 11, 2008]2009
As of 2009, Washington and sound engineers Willie D. Burton and 'Russell Williams II' are the only African-Americans to win two Oscars.2009
As of 2009, Washington and sound engineers Willie D. Burton and Russell Williams II are the only African-Americans to win two Oscars.2010
Performed all of his own stunts for the hand to hand fight sequences in the post-apocalyptic action film The Book of Eli .2010
Performed all of his own stunts for the hand to hand fight sequences in the post-apocalyptic action film The Book of Eli (2010).
