Denzel Washington’s career is a tapestry of remarkable achievements across theater, film, and television. He started with theater and made waves in St. Elsewhere, showcasing his talent. His range as an actor really shone through with roles in films like A Soldier’s Story, Glory, Training Day (earning him Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor), and several other Oscar-nominated performances.

His filmography includes a diverse array of impactful roles, from the powerful portrayal of Malcolm X to his roles in Remember the Titans, Man on Fire, and American Gangster. His directorial ventures, including Antwone Fisher and Fences, further solidified his prowess beyond acting.

Returning to Broadway brought more accolades, with his Tony-winning performance in August Wilson’s Fences, a play he later adapted into an award-winning film. His contributions to theater extend beyond his acting, showcasing his talents as a director and producer as well.

Washington’s impact and versatility in both stage and screen have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and being hailed as the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times. He continues to captivate audiences with his commanding performances and multifaceted contributions to the world of entertainment.

Early life and education

Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on December 28, 1954. His mother, Lennis “Lynne,” owned a beauty parlor and hailed from Georgia.  While his father, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., was a Virginia native and a Pentecostal minister who worked for the New York City Water Department.

Growing up, Washington attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School until 1968. Following his parents’ divorce when he was 14.  He was sent to Oakland Military Academy and a pivotal change that redirected his life away from potential troubles. Reflecting on this, he acknowledged the significant impact it had on his future, steering him away from a potentially troubled path.

He later studied at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and initially desired to attend Texas Tech University due to his connection with the Red Raiders from his youth. However, he ultimately earned his BA in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University in 1977. While at Fordham, he played basketball and found his way to acting after a colleague suggested he explore the craft during a talent show at a summer camp.

Reinvigorated by this newfound interest, Washington pursued acting seriously. He enrolled at the Lincoln Center campus of Fordham to study acting, landing significant roles in productions like Eugene O’Neill’s “The Emperor Jones” and Shakespeare’s “Othello.” He then further honed his craft at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before launching his professional acting career in New York.

Career

1976–1989: Early roles and rise to prominence

In 1976, Washington performed in St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s summer stock theater in “Wings of the Morning,” depicting an African-American character inspired by Mathias de Sousa, an early colonial figure.

After graduating from Fordham, his screen debut occurred in the 1977 TV film “Wilma.” Hollywood beckoned with the 1981 film “Carbon Copy.” His role in the Off-Broadway production “A Soldier’s Play” earned a 1982 Distinguished Ensemble Performance Obie Award.

A turning point came with NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” (1982–1988), solidifying his place as one of the few consistent African-American actors in the series. Film roles in “A Soldier’s Story” (1984), “Hard Lessons” (1986), and “Power” (1986) followed. His depiction of South African activist Stephen Biko in “Cry Freedom” garnered an Oscar nomination in 1987.

By 1989, Washington clinched an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Glory.” Concurrently, he starred in “The Mighty Quinn” and “For Queen and Country,” showcasing diverse character portrayals.

1990–1999: Hollywood stardom

In the summer of 1990, Denzel Washington showcased his versatility in Shakespeare’s “Richard III” at the Public Theater and portrayed Bleek Gilliam in Spike Lee’s “Mo’ Better Blues,” earning accolades for his compelling performances.

The subsequent years saw Washington in various notable roles. In Mira Nair’s “Mississippi Masala,” his chemistry with Sarita Choudhury earned critical praise. His portrayal of Malcolm X in the film of the same name (1992) garnered widespread acclaim, securing him an Oscar nomination and marking the inception of his production company.

Washington’s involvement in “Philadelphia” (1993) expanded the film’s reach, bridging diverse audiences over its portrayal of AIDS. He continued to diversify his roles in films like “Courage Under Fire” (1996) and Kenneth Branagh’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Throughout the late ’90s, Washington engaged audiences with diverse performances, collaborating with Spike Lee in “He Got Game” (1998) and starring in impactful films like “Fallen,” “The Bone Collector,” and “The Hurricane” (1999), the latter earning him a prestigious award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Critics lauded his performance in “The Hurricane” as one of his career-defining roles.

2000–2009: Established actor and acclaim

In 2000, Denzel Washington made Golden Globe history by winning Best Actor for “The Hurricane,” the first black actor to do so since Sidney Poitier in 1963. Critics hailed his portrayal for capturing confinement and emotional turmoil.

Simultaneously, he starred in “Remember the Titans,” showcasing his versatility as Coach Herman Boone. Transitioning to the intense crime thriller “Training Day” (2001), his role as corrupt Detective Alonzo Harris earned him an Academy Award, the second African-American to win Best Actor.

In 2002, Washington delivered a powerful performance in “John Q.,” despite mixed reviews.

He also directed and starred in “Antwone Fisher,” earning acclaim for his directorial skills.

Throughout the mid-2000s, he appeared in successful thrillers like “Out of Time” (2003), “Man on Fire” (2004) and “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004). Collaborations with Spike Lee in “Inside Man” (2006) and the time travel film “Déjà Vu” highlighted his versatility.

Returning to the stage in 2005 as Brutus in “Julius Caesar,” his performance drew mixed reviews but sold consistently.

His film roles in “American Gangster” (2007), “The Great Debaters,” and “The Taking of Pelham 123” (2009) showcased his range as an actor and director, earning critical acclaim and accolades.

2010–2019: Return to theatre

In 2010, Denzel Washington triumphantly returned to Broadway in “Fences,” winning a Tony Award for his natural portrayal of Troy Maxson. Simultaneously, he starred in “The Book of Eli” and “Unstoppable.”

In 2012, Washington’s powerful performance in “Flight” earned an Academy Award nomination. His role in “Safe House” showcased his dedication, undergoing intense preparation for authenticity.

Continuing his prolific career, he starred in “2 Guns” in 2013 and earned acclaim for his Broadway role in “A Raisin in the Sun,” winning a Tony Award for Best Revival.

“The Equalizer” (2014) marked his entry into a successful franchise, followed by sequels. Venturing into the Western genre, he led the remake of “The Magnificent Seven” in 2016.

Washington directed and starred in the poignant drama “Fences” in 2016, earning acclaim and award nominations, including an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

In 2017, he headlined the legal drama “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” receiving critical praise despite mixed reviews.

Returning to Broadway in 2018 for “The Iceman Cometh,” Washington’s portrayal showcased his charm and complexity, earning positive reviews for his dynamic performance.

2020–Present

In 2020, Denzel Washington produced Netflix’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” featuring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, directed by George C. Wolfe, and praised by critics.

The following year, Washington starred as Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon in “The Little Things,” released during the pandemic both in theaters and on HBO Max, alongside Rami Malek and Jared Leto.

In 2021, Washington’s standout portrayal in the film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” garnered universal acclaim, earning him nominations for top awards like the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award.

Simultaneously, as a director, Washington helmed “A Journal for Jordan,” based on Dana Canedy’s memoir, receiving a mixed response upon its wide release on December 25, 2021.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Denzel Washington and Pauletta Pearson married on June 25, 1983, after meeting on the set of “Wilma,” his first screen project. They share four children: John David (born July 28, 1984). Known for his acting career and former football endeavors.

Katia (born November 27, 1986), a Yale University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and twins Olivia and Malcolm (born April 10, 1991). Malcolm pursued film studies at the University of Pennsylvania, while Olivia appeared in Lee Daniels’s film “The Butler.” In 1995, the couple renewed their vows in South Africa, officiated by Desmond Tutu.

Awards and Honors

Washington’s distinguished career has been punctuated by several notable Academy Award recognitions:

• 60th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in “Cry Freedom” (1987)
• 62nd Academy Awards: Won Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989)
• 65th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “Malcolm X” (1992)
• 72nd Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “The Hurricane” (1999)
• 74th Academy Awards: Won Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001)
• 85th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “Flight” (2012)
• 89th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “Fences” (2016)
• 90th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2017)
• 94th Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in “The Tragedy of Macbeth” (2021)