Denzel Washington Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Denzel Washington - Essay Example hington is an inspiring figure to me as an African-American fan of his movies, because he shows just how much anybody can achieve if they work hard and are passionate about their work. One of the most inspiring things about Denzel Washingtons career is the story of his early childhood. When he was only 14, his parents got a divorce and he and his sister had to be sent to a boarding school for the rest of their education. Obviously, this must have had a big effect on the young mans life, but he did not let it bother him and he then went on to Fordham University, where he studied Journalism for a while (â€Å"Denzel Washington,† 2012). Beyond his parents problems, Denzel Washington also had some of his own, although they were not major. Basically, he could not decide what he wanted to do, and even dropped out of school for a semester because of being on academic probation (Washington, 2006, p16). However, after he worked as a camp counsellor over the summer at a YMCA camp and from a friends comment there â€Å"became as passionate about drama and acting as [he] had ever been† about anything else (Washingon, 2006, p18). Many people might have been satisfied with completing a bachelors degree in drama, but Denzel Washington did not stop there. Instead, he went to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, even winning a scholarship which allowed him to continue his studies further (â€Å"Denzel Washington,† 2012). No doubt this extra education played a big part in his later success, but it also shows that he was already accepted as a skilled actor, or he would not have gotten a scholarship for such an important school. Because of his ability to â€Å"disappear into a role and mesmerize audiences† (â€Å"Denzel Washington,† 2012 ) which probably comes from this time and education, he has been able to win several Oscars and Golden Globes, and also play in theatrical parts of all sorts. One of the most important things to take away from this story of Denzel