Denzel Washington - Charismatic Actor

                              Big words are insufficient to describe this great actor's look and feel. Born 57 years ago in a middle-class New York family, the two-time Oscar-winning actor has convincingly proved that Hollywood is not just a money workshop, but also offers well profound characters with fascinating plots. Such are the roles that Denzel chooses to play, putting in his unique sense of character interpretation. 

• After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled for a career in journalism. However, he turned to acting  while appearing in student drama productions and, upon graduation, he moved to San Francisco and enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater.

• Denzel's overwhelming presence in front of the camera captivated lots of producers and he found a  good place in TV (St. Elsewhere-1982) and movie (Carbon Copy-1981) projects that pave the way to his trademark movie performances. 

• Denzel's Trademark: Often portrays real people: Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in The Hurricane (1999), Malcolm X in Malcolm X (1992), Herman Boone in Remember the Titans (2000), Frank Lucas in American Gangster (2007), Steve Biko in Cry Freedom (1987) and Melvin Tolson in The Great Debaters (2007). Frequently plays military men and law enforcement officers. Fiery anger driven speeches.

• In a Newsweek cover story about the biological basis of the perception of beauty, he was used as a key example in a scientific explanation why he is considered an extremely handsome man.

• Tom Hanks said working with Washington on Philadelphia (1993) was like "going to film school". Hanks said he learned more about acting by watching Denzel than from anyone else.

• First African-American actor to receive two Academy Awards. Only the second African-American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. 

• His performance as Malcolm X in Malcolm X (1992) is ranked #17 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers.

• Claims his personal favorite performances are his works in Cry Freedom (1987), Glory (1989), Malcolm X (1992), and Training Day (2001).

• The offer he regrets turning down the most is Brad Pitt's role in Se7en (1995).

• To prepare for his role as boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter in The Hurricane (1999), Washington worked out for a year with L.A. boxing trainer Terry Claybon. For Courage Under Fire (1996), he trained at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin in California, where he qualified on the M1A1 tank and the 120mm gun, participated in battle games and listened to audiotapes of tank battles in Desert Storm.

Denzel Washington's Charity Work:

• Denzel has spent time visiting wounded soldiers at Fisher Houses, hospitals which provide housing for injured soldiers’ families at little or no cost, and made a large donation to the Fisher House Foundation. 
• Spokesperson for the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America.
• Honorary Chairperson for Save Africa's Children. 
  • Lifetime Founder Member of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

  • Washington donated $1 million to Wiley College to re-establish its debate team.

      
  Denzel Washington's Quotes:
  "I'm very proud to be black, but black is not all I am. That's my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but it's not all of who I am nor is it the basis from which I answer every question."
  
  
  (on having to do publicity) "I'm an actor, so that's the bottom line. I'm not a marketing whatever. My strength does not lie in marketing a product called 'Denzel.' That's not what I do. My strength lies in playing a part and hopefully entertaining and affecting people on some level."
  "I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it."
  "I've worked in a factory. I was a garbage man. I worked in a post office. It's not that long ago. I like to think that I'm just a regular guy."
  
  

   "You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That's a part of it."

  
  

                                                  Inevitably one of Hollywood's A list actors, Denzel Washington could have easily enjoyed the privilege. However, like many actors who had got so attached to their work, Washington was also addicted to the challenge of making movies rather than making profit and recognition out of them. More importantly, Washington's efforts, have done much to dramatically expand the range of dramatic roles given to African-American actors and actresses.  

  
  

  Denzel Washington - Wikipedia