"Denzel Washington" I'm A Work In Progress !!

Denzel Washington learns meaning of life (and his name).

Even dressed down in black sweats, a windbreaker and a New York Yankees cap, it's hard to hide when you are Denzel Washington. As he struts into a swanky Beverly Hills hotel bar, the star is instantly recognizable to everyone there. Indeed he's a guy who was known by his first name before being known by your first name was cool.
Amazing ; it was only a few months ago that Denzel learned what that famous appellation means. Playing armchair detective, the two time Oscar winner ran his ID through an etymology search engine.Because he shares his father's name, he already knew the schmaltzy family story about how his dad was named after the physician who delivered him, Dr. Denzel. But no one ever explained the the odd word itself. When the website returned an answer ; the actor was taken aback. It turns out to be a British word that means "fort," his incredibly expressive eyes beaming with genuine astonishment, he said," I never knew that."

Known to pals simply as "D", Washington is defined widely in yet another way: America's favorite actor; an accolade he has won three years running in a national "Harris" poll.
Next Friday(Jan.15) he hits the big screen in "The Book of Eli," a post-apocalyptic tale in which he portrays a noble, butt kicking nomad who roams the scorched Earth carrying a long-forgotten religious text. A bit of a downer, no? Washington said when he signed up for the film, the world wasn't quite headed in the direction it is now, still, I thought it was a fascinating story and dug the guy's spiritual journey, not to mention the the money I will be paid.
More than ever, though, Washington says he feels a sense of obligation , of purpose,even doing what he does best; offering a sense of dignity and hope, even if it's in a doomed sci-fi world.

"Having recently been in states with high unemployment, I feel more than ever before, I need to entertain folks because it's rough out there. They have a greater need to escape and fantasize."

Clearly the actor is moved. "Folks are struggling all over the place. People are out of work. These giant factories are closed. In one location we needed 50 extras and 2,000 men showed up."
Indeed, Washington, 55, has spent his career on the road. He credits his wife of 26 years, Paulette, with giving their four children stability at home while he flew to five different places at the same time. He says Paulette provided the "consistency" of parenting and a normal life....The Washingtons are newly minted empty nesters: Twins Malcolm and Olivia just started college;daughter Kati is finishing up at Yale and son John David, a running back with the United Football League, is starting out in the film business, a co-producer on The Book of Eli. John David proudly explains how he steered his old man toward playing the gritty role in "Training Day" that landed his dad the Oscar for best actor in 2002.

The odds had been stacked against this kid from a broken home in a tough neighborhood in Mount Veron, N.Y.. Thanks to his mother's close supervision and his early involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He remains committed to the charity as its spokeman and major donor.

He graduated from Fordham University, with a degree in journalism. Washington went on to play many of history's most compelling African Americans.

The details on Denzel: (Childhood job) Swept hair at a local barbershop.(Married twice)He and wife Paulette Pearson renewed thier vows in 1995, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu officiating.

(Box-office booty) Denzel's movies have grossed $1,66 billion total.

(Hits) American Gangster was his biggest, earning $130 million.

(Misses) He turned down the role played by Brad Pitt in the 1995 hit thriller "SEVEN".

(Kudos) He was nominated for five Oscars and has won two; for Traing Day(2001) and Glory (1989). Broadway-bound, He'll star this spring in the August Wilson play "Fences."

Asked, what lies ahead? Denzel replied," I'm a work in progress, I'm just an ordinary guy with a great job, and like any human being , I'm constantly trying to improve."

Speaking as a loyal fan, You're still gorgeous and sexy too Denzel. Keep making them Honey and I'll keep watching them.