🧒 Early Life & Education
Full Name: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
Born: December 28, 1954, Mount Vernon, New York
Education: Fordham University, BA in Drama and Journalism (1977)
After his parents’ divorce, he attended military school and later found his passion for acting at Fordham University after a transformative theater experience.
🎭 Early Career (1975–1989)
- Film debut: Carbon Copy (1981)
- Breakthrough role: Dr. Chandler in St. Elsewhere (1982–88)
- First Oscar win: Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989)
🌟 Rise to Stardom & Major Roles
- Malcolm X (1992), The Hurricane (1999), Training Day (2001) — Best Actor Oscar
- Acclaimed roles in: Remember the Titans, Man on Fire, Flight, Inside Man
- Renowned for portraying complex, powerful characters across drama and action genres
🎬 Director & Producer
- Directed: Antwone Fisher (2002), The Great Debaters (2007), Fences (film & stage)
- Latest: A Journal for Jordan (2021)
🏆 Awards & Honors
- Academy Awards: 2 wins, 10 nominations
- Golden Globes: 3 wins + Cecil B. DeMille Award (2016)
- Tony Award: Best Actor in a Play for Fences (2010)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (2019), Honorary Palme d’Or (2025), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025)
👪 Personal Life
- Married Pauletta Pearson (1983–present); 4 children: John David, Katia, Malcolm, Olivia
- John David Washington: NFL player turned actor (e.g., Tenet)
- Other children work as producers, actors, and directors
- Quit alcohol around age 60; deeply spiritual, licensed minister
🌍 Philanthropy & Impact
Longtime supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, HBCUs, church foundations, and veterans. Has donated millions and served on charity boards for decades.
✨ Legacy
Named “greatest actor of the 21st century” by The New York Times in 2020, Denzel Washington continues to influence generations of performers. Revered for his integrity, discipline, and mastery of his craft, he stands as a cultural icon beyond film.
Sources: Wikipedia, Britannica, The Grio, The Guardian
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