LOS ANGELES, USA – In a candid first-person essay published in Esquire on Tuesday, November 22, 2024, acclaimed actor Denzel Washington opened up about his deep faith and the pivotal spiritual experience that transformed his life.
The 69-year-old actor, known for his powerful performances and a career spanning decades, recounted his first visit to the Pentecostal West Angeles Church in Los Angeles during the 1980s—a visit that profoundly shaped his personal and spiritual journey.
“The biggest moment of my life was when I was filled with the Holy Spirit,” Washington wrote, crediting actor and director Robert Townsend for suggesting the visit.
Since then, Washington’s faith has only grown stronger, evolving from childhood recitations in church to a steadfast belief in God’s love and guidance.
“God is real. God is love. God is the only way. God is the true way. God blesses. It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise,” Washington wrote, expressing his unwavering commitment to sharing his faith.
“When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my lord and saviour. I’m unafraid. I don’t care what anyone thinks.”
Faith in Hollywood
Washington, who is currently promoting his upcoming film Gladiator II, also addressed the challenges of openly discussing faith in the entertainment industry.
He observed that such conversations are often unwelcome in Hollywood.
“Talking about the fear part of it — you can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party. You can’t say that in this town,” he remarked.
While Washington acknowledged the unspoken nature of faith in Hollywood, he suggested it doesn’t mean belief is absent among industry professionals.
“I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe,” he added.
Personal Reflections
Washington, who described his relationships within the industry as limited, noted that Hollywood is not a cohesive institution as some might imagine.
“There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he wrote.
Dispelling the idea of a unified Hollywood culture, Washington added, “It’s not like we all meet somewhere and discuss what we believe. So I don’t know how many other actors have faith. I didn’t do no poll. How would I find that out? I mean, there’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
Washington has long been open about his faith, but this essay delves deeper into how his spirituality shapes his identity and career.
Despite his monumental success, including multiple Academy Awards, Washington emphasised that his achievements are rooted in a higher power.
Gladiator II Premiere
The actor recently attended the premiere of Gladiator II in London, where he walked the red carpet and reflected on his extensive career.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 blockbuster releases in theatres on Nov. 22.
Washington’s essay offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual foundation that has guided his life and career, reaffirming his dedication to sharing his beliefs despite the perceived cultural barriers within the entertainment world.
