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Early Life and Education
Born in Mount Vernon, New York, on Dec. 28, 1954, Denzel Washington, Jr., was born to very humble backgrounds. His father Denzel Hayes Washington, Sr., in addition to being a pentecostal preacher, also worked in the New York City Water Department, and a local S. Klein department store. His mother Lennis Washignton owned a beauty parlor for black women.
Washington had his tertiary education at Fordham University, where he played collegiate basketball while earning a BA in drama and journalism. After graduating in 1977, he won a fully funded scholarship to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. The theater was the crucible where the actor honed his craft before making his cinema debut in the moderately successful 1977 film, “Wilma.”
An Actor for the ages
Despite being a class act, Washington didn’t alway have a flourishing career. Beginning in theater, acting in performances off-Broadway. He began to come into the limelight through his work on the medical drama series St. Elsewhere which premiered between 1982 to 1988 on the NBC network, and his part in the war film A Soldier’s Story in 1984.
However, it was his acting in Virtuosity in 1995 that launched to the upper levels of Hollywood royalty paywise. The movie earned him a total of $7.5 million. His earnings only grew with subsequent films like “Courage Under Fire,” “The Hurricane,” “Training Day,” and others. Of note is his role in “American Gangster” that fetched him a whopping $40 million. In total, he grossed a total $143.5 million from his roles over a very fruitful career.
Like many actors before him, Washington became a movie director. The move made a significant contribution to his already sizable fortune. For example, the Book of Eli made $157 million worldwide with just a budget of $80 million.
According to The List, Washington is a fan and critic favorite. Often identified as one of the last old-school stage trained actors, he is famed for having a blazing presence in his movies. His movie persona is loved by many for his ability to channel sensitive, and intricate human emotions.
Washington is one of the first African American actors to draw mainstream white audiences contrary to popular misconception. His continuous and consistent success at the global box office attest to this fact. Movie Web, reports that his films are massively successful and that they alone have raked in over $4 billion worldwide. With such undisputed successes, Washington’s movies are interesting features in industry-wide events.
In addition to His financial success, Washignton has received several accolades for his work. These include a Tony Award for the 2010 revival of Fences, a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Furthermore, the New York Times called him the greatest actor of the 21st century in 2020.
Washington’s influence is transgenerational, Several notable actors like Michael B. Jordan and Chadwick Bosen reported to have been inspired by the actor. Jordan mentioned that Washington’s commitment in Glory inspired his interpretation of Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Having been an actor and a director, Washington ventured further in the entertainment business by founding Mundy Lane Entertainment in 1995. The company over the years has produced several successful projects. Washington’s visionary direction has undoubtedly been pivotal to the company’s success.
As of 2017, Forbes reported Washington’s earnings from his movies to be about $290 million, and he his currently estimated to be worth around that range. This figure is partially based on his estimated annual salary of $60 to $80 million per year, given his film compensation and how frequently he acts.
Outside entertainment, Washington diversified into real estate investment. He began his real estate portfolio by purchasing former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s Beverly Hills mansion in 1992 for $2.675 million. The 30,000 square-feet mansion features 8 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. The property is rumored to be currently worth $16 million.
Washington’s Big Heart
While most of Washington’s philanthropic endeavors are private, the few public ones show his benevolence to various causes and organizations. Washington is a passionate patron of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. He has donated and raised funds for the organization consistently over the years. Washington also donated over $2 million to Wiley College to re-establish its debate team; his movie, the great debaters, had centered on the story of the pioneering debate team at the school. Washington is also on the Advisory Board of The Brain Trust of Cedars-Sinai. The group raises awareness and funds for brain research and care. Furthermore he funds the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Gifted Scholars Program in Neurosciences, as well as donating to the Fisher House Foundation — an hospital which provides housing for injured soldiers’ families at little or no cost.
Washington’s journey from a child in Mount Vernon to one of the most respected actors in Hollywood is a testament to his talent, hard work, and business acumen. His impressive career, philanthropy, and business ventures have not only contributed to his substantial net worth but also made a significant impact on the entertainment industry and society at large. His story continues to inspire many aspiring actors and entrepreneurs around the world.
