Denzel Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denzel Washington
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Washington at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
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| Born |
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
December 28, 1954 Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
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| Education | Fordham University (BA) American Conservatory Theater |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1975–present |
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Works
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Full list |
| Spouse(s) |
Pauletta Pearson
(m. 1983) |
| Children | John David, Katia, Malcolm and Olivia |
| Awards | Full list |
| Honors | Full list |
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. (born December 28, 1954) is a famous American actor, producer, and director. He is well-known for his powerful performances in movies and plays. Many people consider him one of the greatest actors of our time. In 2020, The New York Times even called him the greatest actor of the 21st century.
Denzel Washington has won many important awards for his acting. These include the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016, the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019, and the Honorary Palme d'Or in 2025. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, which is a very high honor in the United States. His movies have earned over $4.9 billion around the world.
He started his acting journey in theater before becoming famous on TV in the show St. Elsewhere. He won Academy Awards for his roles in Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001). He has also starred in many popular films like Remember the Titans (2000), Man on Fire (2004), and The Equalizer series (2014–2023). Besides acting, Denzel Washington has also directed several films, including Fences (2016).
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Early Life and Education
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on December 28, 1954. His mother, Lennis "Lynne" Lowe, owned a beauty salon. His father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., was a minister and also worked for the New York City Water Department.
Denzel went to Pennington-Grimes Elementary School. When he was 14, his mother sent him to Oakland Military Academy, a private school. He later said this decision changed his life for the better. After Oakland, he attended Mainland High School in Florida.
He first thought about going to Texas Tech University because he liked their sports teams. However, he ended up earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University in 1977. During a break from college, a colleague suggested he try acting after seeing him in a talent show. This inspired him to focus on acting when he returned to Fordham. He then studied at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before starting his professional acting career in New York.
Career Highlights
Denzel Washington began his acting career in the mid-1970s. His first screen role was in the 1977 TV movie Wilma. He gained wider recognition starring as Dr. Phillip Chandler in the TV drama St. Elsewhere from 1982 to 1988. He also appeared in films like A Soldier's Story (1984).
In 1987, he played Stephen Biko, a South African activist, in Cry Freedom, earning his first Oscar nomination. In 1989, he won his first Academy Award for his role as a brave soldier in the Civil War film Glory.
Becoming a Hollywood Star
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The 1990s were a big decade for Denzel Washington. He starred in Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues (1990). In 1992, he played the important role of Malcolm X in the movie Malcolm X. Critics highly praised his performance, and he received another Oscar nomination.
He continued to star in successful films like The Pelican Brief (1993) with Julia Roberts and Philadelphia (1993) with Tom Hanks. In Philadelphia, he played a lawyer defending a man with AIDS. He also appeared in Crimson Tide (1995) and Courage Under Fire (1996). In 1999, he starred as boxer Rubin Carter in The Hurricane, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award.
Action Roles and Directing
In 2001, Denzel Washington won his second Academy Award, this time for Best Actor, for his role as a police officer in Training Day. This was a challenging role that showed his wide acting range.
He also starred in popular thrillers like Man on Fire (2004) and Inside Man (2006). In 2002, he made his directing debut with Antwone Fisher, a drama where he also acted. He later directed The Great Debaters (2007) and Fences (2016).
Return to Theater and The Equalizer
Denzel Washington has always loved the stage. In 2010, he returned to Broadway in the play Fences and won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He also starred in action films like The Book of Eli (2010) and Unstoppable (2010).
In 2012, he received another Oscar nomination for his role as a pilot in Flight. He then starred in Safe House (2012) and 2 Guns (2013). From 2014 to 2023, he starred in The Equalizer film series, playing a former special agent who helps people in need.
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In 2016, he starred in The Magnificent Seven, his first Western film. That same year, he directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Fences, earning him more Oscar nominations for acting and Best Picture. He also starred in the legal drama Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), which earned him his ninth Oscar nomination. In 2018, he returned to Broadway in The Iceman Cometh.
Recent Work
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In 2020, Denzel Washington produced the Netflix film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. In 2021, he starred in The Little Things and played the main character in The Tragedy of Macbeth, receiving high praise and another Oscar nomination. He also directed A Journal for Jordan (2021).
In 2024, he appeared in the epic historical drama Gladiator II, a sequel to the popular movie Gladiator. His performance was highly praised. He also produced The Piano Lesson, a film directed by his son, Malcolm Washington, and starring his other son, John David Washington. In 2025, he returned to Broadway in the play Othello. He also reunited with director Spike Lee for the film Highest 2 Lowest and announced he would be in Black Panther 3.
Personal Life
Family Life
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On June 25, 1983, Denzel Washington married Pauletta Pearson. They met while working on his first TV film, Wilma. They have four children: John David, who is also an actor and former football player; Katia, who graduated from Yale University; and twins Olivia and Malcolm. Malcolm is a film studies graduate and directed The Piano Lesson, which Denzel produced and John David starred in. In 1995, Denzel and Pauletta renewed their wedding vows in South Africa.
Beliefs and Service
Denzel Washington is a Christian and a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. He has even considered becoming a preacher. He believes in using his talent for good and reads the Bible daily. He has donated to his church and other causes.
Since 1993, Washington has been the national spokesman for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization that helps young people. He has also served on their board since 1995. In 2006, he helped create a book called "A Hand to Guide Me" which shares stories from leaders about how mentors helped them when they were young.
He has also supported military families through the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free homes for families while their loved ones receive medical care. In 2021, the United States Army honored him as the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army for his dedication to soldiers. He has also received honorary degrees from several universities, including his alma mater, Fordham University.
Awards and Recognition
Denzel Washington has received many awards throughout his career. These include two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received special honors like the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award. In 2025, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He has also won many NAACP Image Awards for his outstanding performances.
Here are some of his Academy Award nominations and wins:
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Best Supporting Actor | Cry Freedom | Nominated | |
| 1989 | Glory | Won | ||
| 1992 | Best Actor | Malcolm X | Nominated | |
| 1999 | The Hurricane | Nominated | ||
| 2001 | Training Day | Won | ||
| 2012 | Flight | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Fences | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Roman J. Israel, Esq. | Nominated | ||
| 2021 | The Tragedy of Macbeth | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Denzel Washington para niños
