Key Takeaways:
– Acclaimed actor Denzel Washington started his career in theater and rose to fame with the medical drama, St. Elsewhere.
– Washington received an Oscar nomination for his role in the 1999 movie “The Hurricane”, where he played professional boxer, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.
– The actor nearly gave up boxing after he started getting headaches during his training for the role.
– Though he had considered turning his back on the sport, Washington continued boxing training for several years later and used his skills notably in the movie, “The Book of Eli”.
– David Fincher initially considered Washington for a lead role in the thriller “Seven”, but the actor turned it down due to its intense nature.
Denzel Washington's Rise to Stardom
Regarded as one of the finest actors of his time, Denzel Washington has an illustrious career on both stage and screen that spans several decades. Starting his journey in the world of theater, he quickly transitioned into television with the medical drama series, St. Elsewhere, which put him on the map of rising Hollywood stars.
A Role That Touched Lives
In 1999, Washington bagged a role that brought major themes to light. The actor starred in a biographical movie dubbed “The Hurricane” about professional boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. His masterful portrayal of a man wrongfully convicted of a triple homicide in the 1960s, striving to prove his innocence, landed him an Oscar nomination.
The Role That Nearly Had Him Quit Boxing
To fully embody his character, Washington dove into intense training and even polished his boxing skills. His dedication for authenticity would soon have unintended consequences. The actor began experiencing headaches and expressed his concerns to a boxing instructor. In an interview, he recalled, “I started getting a little slower and headaches and I told him, ‘I'm starting to get headaches,' and he said, ‘Oh you'll get used to that.' That comment made me rethink my boxing future.”
Life After “The Hurricane”
Despite the worry triggered by his real-life injuries, Washington continued his boxing training for years after “The Hurricane”. It was a discipline that kept him physically fit and came to his aid when he starred in “The Book of Eli”, where his character was proficient in martial arts.
A Missed Opportunity and Possible Regret
In the 1990s, Washington was a sought-after actor, being considered for several high-profile roles. One such role was in David Fincher's crime thriller “Seven”. Though ultimately played by Brad Pitt, the actor initially considered for the role was Washington. In an interview, he confessed, “I was like, man, it's just too much”, referring to why he turned down the role. Even though he had feelings of regret, he felt nobody else could have lived the character better than Pitt.
In Closing
Washington's journey in Hollywood has been filled with milestones and lessons, shaping him into the actor he is today. Whether perfectioning boxing skills for “The Hurricane” or turning down the chance to star in “Seven”, his journey is a testament to how versatile and incredibly committed he is. Fans and budding actors alike can learn a lot from the highs and lows of his illustrious career. To get a glimpse into his boxing journey, “The Hurricane” is available to watch on Apple TV.
