26 Quotes & Sayings By Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington, the son of a Baptist minister, was born in Philadelphia in 1954. He attended high school at the prestigious Roxborough High School in Philadelphia before going on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Drama. Washington made his film debut in 1981 with the romantic comedy "The Woman pre-dicted" Read more

He went on to receive critical praise for his portrayal of Detective John Hobbes in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" (1989) and his comic turn as the title character in Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" (1992). Washington is perhaps best known for his role as the noble and principled CIA agent John McClellan in the film adaptation of Tom Clancy's "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His most acclaimed performance to date is that of corrupt cop Alonzo Harris in Spike Lee's biopic "Inside Man" (2006).

1
At the end of the day, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about what you've done with those accomplishments. Its about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It about what you've given back" (23). Denzel Washington
So you never know who you touch. You never know...
2
So you never know who you touch. You never know how or when you'll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else" (20). Denzel Washington
3
We've all received our share of good fortune, so that's my definition of much. A single blessing is all the bounty in the world, and if you've been blessed at all you're meant to pass some of that on. You're meant to set a positive example. That's our responsibility" (20) - Denzel Washington, "So that We Might Follow Denzel Washington
4
What it taught me was forgiveness. It taught me that when people present themselves in a certain way, there's probably some back story or issue or reason for the way that they are. It's not you. It's them. And a lot of times, its about something that's completely out of their control Denzel Washington
5
The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They're not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion - to care about people and about your children" (217) - John Singleton "Oh Man, I've Become My Father Denzel Washington
6
When you don't understand something, you label it and condemn it" (94) - Danny Glover, "The Fundamental Things Denzel Washington
There is nothing good or bad, except by comparison
7
There is nothing good or bad, except by comparison" (209) - "Effort is Everything" by Bud Selig Denzel Washington
8
Every day, sincerely and without phoniness, Lou demonstrated by his actions how very vital it is - more than anything else - to understand and appreciate the people who work with you... Do your job well, but always remember that the people you work with are your most valuable asset. Embrace them. Honor them. Respect them" (206) - "Prescriptions for Success" by John Schuerholz Denzel Washington
What are you doing extra? That's what counts. That's when...
9
What are you doing extra? That's what counts. That's when you're working hard - when you're going above and over what's expected of you" (102). - Tony Gonzalez, "The Giant Within Denzel Washington
There's nothing good or bad, except by comparison
10
There's nothing good or bad, except by comparison" (210) - Bud Selig "Effort is Everything Denzel Washington
11
Every day, sincerely and without phoniness, Lou demonstrated by his actions how very vital it is - more than anything else - to understand and appreciate the people who work with you.... Do your job well, learn your job well, but always remember that the people you work with are your most valuable asset. Embrace them. Honor them. Respect them" (206) "Prescriptions for Success" by John Schuerholz Denzel Washington
12
He taught us that everyone has a good story and the more of others you understand, the better your grasp of human nature, a gift given great weight in my family" (73). - Bill Clinton, "Paying Attention Denzel Washington
13
I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it. Denzel Washington
14
My faith helps me understand that circumstances don't dictate my happiness, my inner peace. Denzel Washington
15
My ultimate life dream project is my kids. My family. Denzel Washington
16
If I am a cup maker, I'm interested in making the best cup I possibly can. My effort goes into that cup, not what people think about it. Denzel Washington
17
Man gives you the award but God gives you the reward. Denzel Washington
18
I made a commitment to completely cut out drinking and anything that might hamper me from getting my mind and body together. And the floodgates of goodness have opened upon me - spiritually and financially. Denzel Washington
19
I'm not a film buff. I don't watch a lot of movies. Denzel Washington
20
It's simple: You get a part. You play a part. You play it well. You do your work and you go home. And what is wonderful about movies is that once they're done, they belong to the people. Once you make it, it's what they see. That's where my head is at. Denzel Washington
21
Growing up I didn't watch movies. Denzel Washington
22
I never really had the classic struggle. I had faith. Denzel Washington
23
If you don't trust the pilot, don't go. Denzel Washington
24
My mother used to tell me man gives the award, God gives the reward. I don't need another plaque. Denzel Washington
25
My mother never gave up one me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back. Denzel Washington