About:
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. (born December 28, 1954) is an acclaimed American actor, producer, and director. Celebrated for his versatile performances over four decades, he was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times in 2020. Washington’s accolades include two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the AFI Life Achievement Award, along with two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
After training at the American Conservatory Theater, Washington began his career in theatre, gaining early prominence in the NBC medical drama “St. Elsewhere” (1982–1988) and the film “A Soldier’s Story” (1984). He won his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Glory” (1989) and his second for Best Actor in “Training Day” (2001). His notable films include “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Philadelphia” (1993), “Remember the Titans” (2000), “Man on Fire” (2004), and “American Gangster” (2007). He also directed and starred in “Antwone Fisher” (2002), “The Great Debaters” (2007), and “Fences” (2016), which won him a Tony Award.
Washington made his Broadway debut in “Checkmates” (1988) and later won a Tony Award for Best Actor for the revival of “Fences” in 2010. He has since starred in Broadway revivals of “A Raisin in the Sun” (2014) and “The Iceman Cometh” (2018).
Early Life and Education
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. His mother, Lennis, owned a beauty parlor, and his father, Denzel Sr., was a Pentecostal minister and city employee. Washington attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School until his parents divorced when he was 14. He then attended Oakland Military Academy and Mainland High School. Initially interested in Texas Tech University, he eventually earned a BA in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University in 1977, where he also played collegiate basketball. After a brief period of uncertainty, he discovered his passion for acting at a YMCA summer camp.
Career Highlights
1976–1989: Early Roles
Washington’s early career included summer stock theater in Maryland and his screen debut in the TV film “Wilma” (1977). He gained recognition for his role in “St. Elsewhere” and received an Academy Award nomination for “Cry Freedom” (1987). He won his first Oscar for “Glory” (1989).
1990–1999: Rising Stardom
In the 1990s, Washington starred in “Malcolm X” (1992), earning critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. His other notable films from this period include “Philadelphia” (1993), “The Pelican Brief” (1993), “Crimson Tide” (1995), “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996), and “The Hurricane” (1999).
2000–2009: Established Actor
Washington continued to build his legacy with roles in “Remember the Titans” (2000) and “Training Day” (2001), winning his second Oscar. He directed “Antwone Fisher” (2002) and starred in “Man on Fire” (2004), “Inside Man” (2006), and “American Gangster” (2007).
2010–2019: Theatre Return and Action Roles
Washington won a Tony Award for “Fences” (2010) and starred in “Flight” (2012), earning another Oscar nomination. He led “The Equalizer” trilogy (2014–2023) and directed “Fences” (2016), garnering more critical acclaim.
2020–Present: Recent Work
Washington produced “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020) and starred in “The Little Things” (2021) and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021), earning another Oscar nomination. He directed “A Journal for Jordan” (2021) and is set to appear in “Gladiator II” (2024) and a Broadway revival of “Othello” in 2025.
Denzel Washington remains a pivotal figure in the entertainment industry, known for his powerful performances and impactful contributions to film and theatre.