Denzel Washington Quotes

19 Sourced Quotes

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
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

Denzel Washington
It's just acting. All you're doing is showing off. It's not brain surgery.

Denzel Washington
When I was in college first starting out as an actor, they asked each one of us what we wanted to do. I said, "I want to be the best actor in the world." All the students in the classroom looked at me like I was a nut.

Denzel Washington
I've got my own things that I will and won't do, but it's not because I "carry the weight of the African-American something" or whatever. I can't. I'm an actor. First of all, I don't take myself that seriously. I take what I do seriously, and I try to do a good job.

Denzel Washington
Of fake news:
We live in a society now where it's just first. Who cares? Get it out there. We don't care who it hurts, we don't care who we destroy, we don't care if it's true. Just say it, sell it.

Denzel Washington
Titles have nothing to do with me. That's not who I am. It's like the term "movie star": What does that mean? It's just a label they give you until they replace it with another one: "has-been." I don't claim either.

Denzel Washington
Of the Oscars being unfair:
I've lived it. I've been the guy at the Oscars without my name being called... when my name is called... when everybody thought they was going to call my name and they didn't.

Denzel Washington
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
One of the effects [of fake news] is the need to be first, not even to be true anymore. So what a responsibility you all have; to tell the truth, not to just be first, but to tell the truth.

Denzel Washington
First, I'm a human being. I love my work, but acting is what I do; it's not my identity. I love the way Julia Roberts put it: "I'm just an ordinary person who has an extraordinary job."

Denzel Washington
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
When you don't understand something, you label it and condemn it" (94) - Danny Glover, "The Fundamental Things

Denzel Washington
I don't want to be in bed with anybody who's stronger than me or that has more hair on their chest than I do. Now you can call me old-fashioned, you can call me conservative... just call me a man.

Denzel Washington
When you're an actor, you come out of your trailer, do your thing, and then go back in. Directing is about collaboration—the production, the costuming, the script, the actors.

Denzel Washington
I read from the Bible every day, and I read my Daily Word. I read something great yesterday. It said, "Don't aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference."

Denzel Washington
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
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
When asked if ageism is affecting him in the movie industry:
I think as long as you're making the studios money, they don't care if you're in a wheelchair with two canes and no feet [Laughter]. I think that's the bottom line. I don't think it has anything to do with age. I think it has to do with making money.

Denzel Washington