Published by VAMPIRELA

Possibly the biggest black Hollywood actor of his generation, Denzel Washington turned to directing after a long film career. Originally from New York, he studied biology to become a doctor, before turning to the theatre. His television career started in 1977 with parts in several sitcoms, before he got his first film role in 'Carbon Copy' in 1981. He followed this up with 'A Soldier’s Story' a few years later, but is probably best known for playing Steve Biko in 'Cry Freedom'. 'Glory' followed, and Washington met Spike Lee in 1990 who offered him the lead in 'Mo’ Better Blues'. He is also well-known for his success in 'Malcolm X' and 'Philadelphia'. More recently, he has acted in 'The Pelican Brief' in 1993 and starred opposite Gene Hackman in 'USS Alabama'. In 1998, he joined Angelina Jolie in 'the Bone Collector' before winning the title of Actor of the Year in 2002, for his film 'Training Day'. He made his directorial debut in 2003, with 'Antwone Fisher'.