Denzel Hayes Washington Junior was born December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. He is an American actor, screenwriter, director and film producer. He was the middle child of the 3 children of a Pentecostal minister father and a beautician mother. When he was 14, his parents’ marriage fell apart and his mother sent him to a private preparatory school, Oakland Military Academy, in New Windsor, New York State.

After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at Fordham University intent on a career in journalism. However, he caught the acting bug while appearing in student drama productions and, upon graduation, he moved to San Francisco and enrolled at the American Conservatory Theatre.

He first rose to prominence when he joined the cast of the medical drama St. Elsewhere, playing Dr. Philip Chandler for six years. He has received much critical acclaim for his work in film since the 1990s, including for his portrayals of real-life figures, such as Steve Biko and Malcolm X.Washington has received two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award.

Washington is a devout Christian, and has considered becoming a preacher. In 1995 he donated 2.5 million dollars to help build the new West Angeles Church of God in Christ facility in Los Angeles.

Other than being one of the best actors on the face of the earth, Denzel has stayed remarkably humble. He also isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty by accepting smaller roles that help him hone his skills.

On June 25, 1983, Washington married Pauletta Pearson, whom he met on the set of his first screen work, the television film Wilma. The couple has four children.

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