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Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington45 posts

Denzel Washington is an American actor, film producer, and director, noted for his roles in Malcolm X, The Hurricane, and Training Day. He was born in 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York, and later attended Fordham University. His role as Dr. Phillip Chandler on NBC’s hospital drama St. Elsewhere is known as his breakout in Hollywood. He is the recipient of two Academy awards for his roles in Glory and Training Day.

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18 Nov, 1992

Malcolm X

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Washington plays the title character in the biographical drama Malcolm X. This film tells the story of one of the most influential and controversial African American leaders of the century – his early life as an unknown gangster, becoming a member of the Nation of Islam, being a human rights activist, and getting assassinated. He co-stars with Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, and Spike Lee.

For young people, I would like them to see that one doesn’t have to be a slave to one’s environment. That one can pull oneself out.

Malcolm X (1992) Official Trailer - Denzel Washington Movie HD

28 Jul, 1984

John Washington born

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Washington and wife Pearson welcome their first child, John David Washington, into the world.

I remember my eldest boy saying ‘Dad, I always thought you were so strict – now I appreciate it.’

1977

Graduates from Fordham University

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The actor graduates from Fordham University with a B.A. in Drama and Journalism. He originally takes up biology, but after dropping out for a semester to work at a YMCA camp as creative arts director, he comes back with a new focus. On his time at Fordham:

Being in this part of town at that time, on this stage, I can’t tell you how much it did for me…I was right here at Lincoln Center, right in the middle of things.

1969

Sent to boarding school

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Toward the end of his parents’ divorce, he is sent away to Oakland Military Academy in New York. His mother is now a single parent. The actor will not speak to his father again until his 20s.

My mother could see what was coming. She scraped together enough money to put me into private school and in summer she’d send me to camp.

28 Dec, 1954

Denzel Washington born in Mount Vernon

Birth0 Comments

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is born in Mount Vernon, New York. His father, Denzel Washington, Sr. is a Pentecostal minister and his mother Lennis, is a beautician. A middle child, he has an older sister named Lorice and a younger brother named David. At the age of 14, his parents’ divorce. Washington starts hanging out on the streets and getting into fights.

I started heading toward the streets, getting into all sorts of trouble. My three closest friends ended up in penitentiaries.