UNSCRIPTED: “Denzel Washington” Turns 70 Years Old is His Career Coming to a Close?
Unscripted By Keith Edmonds
FWIS Contributing Writer
Say it aint so! Is it really possible that someone that is ARGUABLY the greatest actor of our lifetime (at least mine) may be turning the corner on his career? After sharing in a recent interview (GQ Magazine) that he doesn’t enjoy seeing at least himself in movies anymore, and after having a career that started in 1981 with his very first movie Carbon Copy, highly acclaimed actor Denzel Washington shook the film world by seeming to hint that he may be leaning towards retirement. Say it aint so! I would think that after starring in 50 films, winning numerous awards including: 2 Oscars, 3 Grammy’s, and 1 Tony he would be entitled to relax and smell his flowers for a bit, wouldn’t you agree? I would also think that if you’ve had a decorated career like he’s had, that the grind of facing your next role would start to make you a little weary wouldn’t it? What I found to be interesting is that Washington stated that he’s never accepted a role thinking that he would win awards or fame. “When it's all said and done, Oscars and fame aren’t going to do me a bit of good. Man gives AWARDS, God gives REWARDS.” That’s powerful!
So, what prompted this response towards possible retirement for Denzel? In another interview (Revolt) shared that he’s looking towards the future and that may not include acting. When asked the question: “What does your purpose look like right now?” Washington thought for a moment and responded: It looks like the face of God. “It looks like the fifth chapter this morning from the book of Revelations, (referring to the Bible). Just growing—in faith, in strength, and understanding, simplicity. Cutting the fat, getting rid of stuff—a lot of stuff.” This response was not too surprising. If you were not aware Washington received his ministerial licensing and was baptized last December 2024. He’s been incredibly open to sharing his faith and moving forward towards a life totally dedicated to Christ in some form or fashion in ministering.
How can any of us question his commitment towards anything of substance when he’s given us so much joy as an actor and spokesman for our people? “I’m just taking the gift that has been given to me and finding God in it,” was another tidbit he shared during the interview. I applaud him for his commitment to his craft and for his honesty moving forward. When he shared, “I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make.” probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done. I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70. After that I’m playing Hannibal and after that I’ve been talking with Steve McQueen about a film, and after that Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next ‘Black Panther.” That just may be it for me!” I took him at his word! I respect what he’s given to us with his class, talents and persona and will never underestimate the greatness that we’ve seen from him. He’s allowed me personally to watch and be amazed by all of the characters that he’s played in the various movies that he’s been in! It’s always tough to see LEGENDARY talents leave our vantage point as we want to hold onto them forever and while we still have Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Laurence Fishburne and Eddie Murphy to continue to support, the question that we have to ask ourselves is, will there ever be another Denzel Washington that will captivate us time and time again? SAY IT AIN’T SO!!
Denzel Washington Quotes:
1) “Never confuse MOVEMENT with progress because you can run in place and not get anywhere.”
2) “Some people will NEVER like you because your spirit irritates their demons.”
3) “Do what you HAVE to do to do what you WANT to do.”
4) “Don’t aspire to make a LIVING, aspire to make a DIFFERENCE.”
5) “In order to change your LIFE, you must change your THOUGHTS.”
6) “Why do we CLOSE our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, or dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not SEEN but they’re FELT by your heart.”