Renowned actor Denzel Washington has opened up about the challenges of being openly religious in the entertainment industry. In a candid essay for Esquire magazine, Washington reflected on his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of faith in his life despite its perceived unpopularity in Hollywood.
‘God Is the True Way’- Denzel Washington
Washington, 69, shared a transformative moment from the 1980s when he first attended the Pentecostal West Angeles Church in Los Angeles, encouraged by actor-director Robert Townsend. “The biggest moment of my life was when I was filled with the Holy Spirit,” Washington wrote.
He noted that his faith has deepened over time, far surpassing the understanding he had as a child. “Things I said about God when I was a little boy, just reciting them in church along with everybody else, I know now. God is real. God is love. God is the only way,” he expressed.
Despite his devotion, Washington acknowledged that speaking about religion openly is often discouraged in Hollywood. “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t say that in this town,” he explained.
The two-time Academy Award winner described his experience in Hollywood as isolating when it comes to spiritual conversations. “I’m free now. It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy,” Washington said. He was quick to clarify, however, that faith does exist among his peers, even if it’s rarely discussed openly. “That doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe,” he added.
Washington also challenged the notion of Hollywood as a monolithic institution. “There’s no such thing called Hollywood anyway. What does that even mean? That to me means a street called Hollywood Boulevard,” he remarked. He highlighted the lack of communal faith gatherings among actors, saying, “There’s no Church Actor Meetings I’ve been to.”
Currently promoting his latest film, Gladiator II, Washington remains unwavering in his mission to share his faith. “It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise,” he declared. “When you see me, you see the best I could do with what I’ve been given by my Lord and Savior.”
Gladiator II hits theaters today, November 22.