Denzel Washington is one of the most revered actors of modern film, his name is synonymous with a plethora of captivating performances. Washington plays complicated roles like Troy Maxson in “Fences,” Robert McCall in the “Equalizer” trilogy and most recently Macrinus in “Gladiator II.” Washington is not just an impeccable actor but a cultural icon donning many accolades. He recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, for his lifetime achievement in the arts and was ordained as a minister.

As one of the most influential Black actors of the past half-century, Denzel Washington’s authenticity on and off the screen has earned admiration and respect across generations. To understand his rise to stardom and his cultural significance, you have to go back to his early upbringing in Harlem.

Washington was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on Dec. 28, 1954.  His father, Denzel Washington Sr., was a Pentecostal minister and his mother, Lennis Washington, the owner and operator of a beauty parlor in Harlem. Washington grew up in Harlem until he was sent to a boarding school around the age of 15, which he attributes to his success

“That decision changed my life, because I wouldn’t have survived in the direction I was going. The guys I was hanging out with at the time, my running buddies, have now done maybe 40 years combined in the penitentiary. They were nice guys, but the streets got them,” said Washington. When speaking about his upbringing in an interview with Stephen Colbert, Washington also shared how his love and admiration for his mother influenced the man he is today.” A mother is a son’s first true love. A son, especially their first son, is a mother’s last true love,” he said.

Into adulthood, Washington interestingly did not immediately pursue acting. He first pursued pre-med to be a doctor and later considered becoming a lawyer. Washington eventually got his Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University. From this point, Washington took a year off from school to explore different career options before he finally tried acting for the first time.

He initially started with theater before eventually moving to television and later, film. Washington made a name for himself throughout the film industry and skyrocketed to fame with his captivating portrayals of real-life figures, like the famous Malcolm X and Coach Herman Boone in “Remember the Titans.”

The 1992 movie “Malcolm X” helped launch Washington’s career into stardom. The Spike Lee-directed film required him to nail the influential Civil Rights figure’s mannerisms and speech patterns to develop an intimate understanding of Malcolm X as a person.

The film vividly portrayed and commented on the perception and history of the Civil Rights Movement at the time. For this role Washington could not simply play Malcolm X, he had to become Malcolm X in the eyes of the audience. Washington brought humor, charisma and humanity to  the civil rights figure, while portraying the complexities of Malcom X.

This role solidified Washington as a serious actor who could do justice to a culturally significant icon. For this performance he not only earned the admiration of a generation but also an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

While Washington proved that he could be successful in historic performances, he did not limit himself to only one type of role. Throughout his years of acting, he has shown incredible range.

A great example of this versatility is his role as Coach Herman Boone in the film “Remember the Titans.” In this film, he played a heartwarming transformational coach who reached his players through tough love. This film showed a completely different side to Washington highlighting his adaptability as a performer.

Of all Washington’s roles, he is most popular for his powerful portrayal of antagonists in film such as “Training Day.” As Alonzo Harris, a corrupt cop, Washington shows a darker grittier side as he blurs the line between charismatic cop and psychopathic gangster. The film earned him his first Academy Award.

Though Washington was cast as a villain in the role, he added an air of cunning, dignity and depth. He played the role differently from classic two dimensional villains, representing the anti-hero archetype that would emerge in 21st century filmmaking. He added nuance and an air of humanity to the character. These types of portrayals, especially when it comes to Black characters, are often rare to see even today, which is one of the reasons the role is regarded so highly.

While Washington has earned the respect of many through his acting work, he has earned just as much respect outside of film.

Washington is part of the advisory board of the Brain Trust of Cedars-Sinai, which focuses on raising funds for brain care and research. He is also a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Washington largely stays true to his values throughout his career, another reason why he is widely respected. He deliberately chooses roles that portray Black characters with dignity and respect and will often refuse roles that go against his values.

Moreover, Washington has often used his success as a platform to give back to his community, advocating for education and mentorship. He often encourages young people to strive for excellence.

Washington’s legacy extends beyond just his remarkable performances on the screen. Throughout his 50-year-long career, he has earned the respect and admiration of millions for his authenticity and dedication to telling Black stories. While Washington is loved for his on-screen performances, he is significant because of all that he represents. His position as a symbol of Black excellence in Hollywood, a place where it is not often shown, ensures that Washington will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.