We’ve been pronouncing Denzel Washington’s name wrong for 40 years

Denzel Washington is perhaps one of the most famous and popular actors in Hollywood. He has been starring on the big screen for 40 years, and has been nominated no less than 10 times for an Academy Award, winning twice.

But during an interview on The Graham Norton Show, the actor revealed that everyone has been pronouncing his name wrong for 40 years. He reveals that the pronunciation of his first name is actually “Den-zil” and not “Den-zel”.

confusion
“My father was Denzil and I am Denzil Jr.”“, says the actor on the talk show. “My mother started calling me Denzel to avoid confusion.”

Washington was born Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. His father was a priest, Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. The actor’s mother changed the pronunciation of his name from Denzil to Denzel to avoid confusion.

Oscars
Washington has been acting for more than 40 years. He began his career on stage and in 1982 starred in the television series Saint elsewhere. His big break came with his role in the movie Glory, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2001, the actor won his second Academy Award for his leading role in Training Day. Washington is now one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. This year he scored another big hit with Equator 3.