From Mischievous Teen to Hollywood Icon: Denzel Washington's Journey
Let me tell you something real quick. Denzel Washington has a way of making everything sound so simple, yet profound. When reflecting on his teenage years, he described them as "mischievous." Now, here's the kicker—he admitted to throwing rocks at the penitentiary but never hitting it. "I was throwing rocks at the penitentiary, but I never hit it," he chuckled. While some of his peers ended up behind bars, Denzel had a guardian angel watching over him—his mom, Lennis. She was the rock that kept him grounded and steered him away from trouble.
Looking back, Denzel acknowledges the pivotal role his mother played in shaping who he is today. "She taught us right from wrong," he reminisces. If he could go back and give his 15-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be this: "Listen to your mother!" That wisdom wasn't just for his younger years; it stayed with him throughout his life. At the age of 59, his mother offered some words that resonated deeply: "Denzel, you do a lot of good. You have to do good the right way." This inspired him to deepen his faith and make significant changes in his life, like giving up alcohol. Today, Denzel says proudly, "I don’t drink anymore, I don’t do any of those things."
Denzel Washington with his wife and mother.
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The Backbone Behind the Star: Lennis Washington
Now, let's talk about Lennis, Denzel's mom. She wasn't just a beautician; she was a powerhouse. When Denzel was just 14, she divorced his father, a pastor, and took on the responsibility of raising her children. Her determination to give Denzel a better life was unwavering. She worked tirelessly, saving every penny she could to send him to private school and keep him out of trouble. "My mother never gave up on me," Denzel says with heartfelt gratitude. "I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back!" That kind of resilience and love is what shaped Denzel into the man he is today.
