• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Lifestyle / Celebrity Health / Denzel Washington: The One Decision That Changed His Life Forever

Denzel Washington: The One Decision That Changed His Life Forever

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)

If you were to ask a random person what their favorite Denzel Washington film was, many will be quick to spew out a list of Hollywood’s biggest films. Anything from Glory, to Mo’ Better Blues or even Training Day, Equalizer, and Fences, it’s always a list of some of the best films. Whatever the choice is, it’s easy to see that Denzel has made it to Hollywood’s elite. But how he made it there is a series of calculated moves and decisions that helped shape his life.

Washington was born in Mount Vernon, New York. His father, Denzel Hayes Washington, Sr., was an ordained Pentecostal minister, and also worked for the Water Department and at a local department store. His mother, Lennis “Lynne” (née Lowe), was a beauty parlor owner and operator born in Georgia and partly raised in Harlem.

Washington attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School in Mount Vernon until 1968. When he was 14, his parents broke up, and his mother sent him to a private preparatory school, Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York. It was that change in his surroundings that opened up his eyes and mind that there could be more for his life.

He could have rebelled and tried to go back to his original surroundings, but instead, Washington decided to give it a try and embrace where he was. That time was a life-changing turning point for the actor.

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

“That decision changed my life,” Washington later said, “because I wouldn’t have survived in the direction I was going. The guys I was hanging out with at the time, my running buddies, have now done maybe 40 years combined in the penitentiary. They were nice guys, but the streets got them.”

Washington is a devout Christian and has considered becoming a preacher. He stated in 1999, “A part of me still says, ‘Maybe, Denzel, you’re supposed to preach. Maybe you’re still compromising.’ I’ve had an opportunity to play great men and, through their words, to preach. I take what talent I’ve been given seriously, and I want to use it for good.”

In an interview with Bishop T.D. Jakes on his daytime talk show, Washington explained why, at this point in his career, he’s focusing on serving others.

You May Also Like
How One Woman Eliminated 50 Fibroids without Surgery!

“I’m in the service business now, I’m fine. I’ve done well,” Washington said on the “TD Jakes Show.” “I don’t need any watches and all of that. So I’m here to serve God, here to serve my family.”

Although he doesn’t read much, he studies the Bible daily and says he goes over Psalm 56: “Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; the fighting daily oppresseth me.”

Back in 2012, rumors surfaced alleging that Oscar winner Denzel Washington underwent 2 weeks of detox after a month of excessive alcohol consumption while aboard a yacht with his wife.

TMZ first mentioned the story saying, “Washington recently left an Orange County residence where he was staying for more than 2 weeks to detox after a wild, alcohol-fueled, gluttonous month-long vacation.”

WRONG. Dead wrong.

(Photo credit: Facebook.com)

Those who know Washington know that he had long given up binge drinking and partying. In a statement that dates back to the late 80s, Denzel said, “I made a commitment to completely cut out drinking and anything that might hamper me from getting my mind and body together,” he said at the time. “And the floodgates of goodness have opened upon me — spiritually and financially.”

Washington’s publicist spoke out to Entertainment Tonight disputing the recent reports.

“He does this health cleanse every time he’s about to go back to work and start his conditioning and

Continue Reading

The Latest In Celebrity Health

Shemar Moore Expecting First Child at 52!

Hollywood heartthrob and S.W.A.T. actor Shemar Moore is expecting his very first baby at age 52. The handsome leading man has been known to date many different high-profile actresses and models, but hasn't had any children up to this point. read more about Shemar Moore Expecting First Child at 52!

Al B. Sure First Interview Since Near Death Experience & Two-Month Long Coma

R&B Legend and syndicated radio Host Al B. Sure! is opening up about his recent health scare. The 54-year-old (whose real name is Albert Joseph Brown III) gave his first interview this week, speaking to FOX New York after waking read more about Al B. Sure First Interview Since Near Death Experience & Two-Month Long Coma

Michelle Obama Shines Her Light on Fashion on ‘The Light We Carry’ Tour

Our former First Lady Michelle Obama is in the middle of her sold out book tour to promote her latest novel, The Light We Carry. Yet, as always, its not just her words that are making headlines, it's her fashion read more about Michelle Obama Shines Her Light on Fashion on ‘The Light We Carry’ Tour

Keke Palmer Announces Pregnancy of First Child: “It’s The Biggest Blessing!”

The long-running show, Saturday Night Live, has been the birthplace of many comedians as well as celebrity news, exclusive, never-before-seen images, and funny reveals on live television. This past weekend was no different. Actress and comedian Keke Palmer hosted Saturday read more about Keke Palmer Announces Pregnancy of First Child: “It’s The Biggest Blessing!”

Keisha Knight-Pulliam Expecting 1st Baby with Husband Brad James

Congratulations are in order once again for the former child actress turned media mogul and entrepreneur Keisha Knight-Pulliam. The Cosby Show star and recently married Pulliam is expecting her second child, her first with husband Brad James. She shared the read more about Keisha Knight-Pulliam Expecting 1st Baby with Husband Brad James

Jaleel White: Fatherhood, 46 & Why He Believes ‘Family Over Everything’

Most of us remember the lovable nerd character, Steve Urkel, on the long-running hit show, Family Matters. Actor Jaleel White, who brought that character to life is now all grown up, a father to a beautiful girl, is now 46 read more about Jaleel White: Fatherhood, 46 & Why He Believes ‘Family Over Everything’

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!Chef Babette Davis: Making 70+ Look Simply Delicious!
  • Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!
  • Monica Calhoun at 51: “Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside”Monica Calhoun at 51: "Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside"
  • John David Washington: “They Tried To Use My Name Against Me”John David Washington: "They Tried To Use My Name Against Me"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.